................... Fever, Chapter 1 by Annie Setting: This story takes place a month or so after 'The Road Home' ................... ............ DISCLAIMER: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only. Any additions in story line and characters were invented by the writer. Fever Chaper1 Christy was ashamed of herself. She hated to tip-toe around the mission like a thief, but every conversation with David lately had ended in disaster. It was easier to avoid him. Most mornings she was able to escape to the school house alone -- but not today. "Christy, wait!" She took a deep breath, and turned with a smile she hoped looked cheerful. David jumped down from the mission house porch and in a few strides was beside her on the track to the school house. "What a beautiful day," he said. "By this time in Boston, the trees are already bare. Why are you out so early?" He stood too close to her. As she tried to inch away he followed, until she felt a tree at her back. "I need to get the stove warmed up," Christy said. "I took care of that before breakfast." "Oh. Thank you." She hesitated for a moment. "I also wanted to read the magazine story from Mrs. Browning. Mr. Pentland brought it yesterday. You know, the article about adult schools." David suddenly seemed very interested in buttoning his coat. Every time she had mentioned her ideas about classes for the adults of Cutter Gap, he'd offered only skepticism or even ridicule. Christy adjusted the strap of her heavy book satchel on her shoulder and continued toward the school. He stayed at her side. "What are you doing today?" she asked. "I'm going to Dan Scott's place to work on his cabin. I'll probably be there until supper." "Bring Dan back with you," she said. "How's the work coming along?" "Not bad, considering it's just the two of us. You know, Christy, aside from Jeb Spencer, not one of the mountain men has done a thing to help Dan since the fire. The best I can say for them is that they accept his presence at church services now." Christy knew that the mountain folks' tightly closed community had been a frustration for David many times in the past. As hard as he tried, David was still considered an outsider, and now he was frustrated again in trying to help Dan Scott, a black man, to be accepted. "David," she said, "you've set a good example by your own hard work. They see that. You know how slowly things change around here." "When is all this patience going to bear fruit?" Christy frowned at his sarcastic tone. "Some things are changing for the better," she said. "Doctor MacNeill has done so much for Dan, training him and preparing him for medical school. Dan's getting to know the families through his visits with Neil." "That may be true, but they only tolerate him because he's with MacNeill. No one would let him into their home alone." They had reached the school house. Christy swung her satchel onto the steps. "Poor Dan. Sometimes I think he must be so lonely here without Cecile or his family." "I think it would be good for the couple to come together," David said. "It's hard for me to wait, Christy, with you close by -- think how hard it must be for Dan, with Cecile so far away!" "David, we are not engaged like Dan and Cecile!" Christy was annoyed to feel herself blushing. "I've told you before that I'm not ready for marriage." "I'm sorry, Christy." David moved closer, putting his hands on her arms. "You know I haven't stopped needing you or loving you, and I can't stop hoping that you'll be mine someday." He leaned down to kiss her, but Christy held him away. "The children might be watching!" The anger in David's eyes at her rebuke unsettled Christy more than his advances. That anger had been lurking there since the day she refused his marriage proposal at the school yard, over a month ago. He stalked off toward the barn, and Christy retreated into the school. At her desk she opened the new article from Mrs. Browning, but she wasn't able to concentrate at all. Instead, she worried about David. He used to be sweet and considerate, but now all their conversations led to another proposal of marriage, and another argument. The anger she saw today wasn't new. What had happened to their friendship? She was relieved by the arrival of Rob Allen and his younger brothers. Rob quietly took his seat at the back of the class and opened his latest Dickens novel, 'Nicholas Nickelby'. Creed and Little Burl ran to the shelf where the flag was stored, and raced outside to the flagpole. Christy peeked out the doorway and caught a glimpse through the trees of David, leading the mule up the hill. As more children arrived and the classroom filled, she prayed that the rest of the day would be peaceful. The small, tight knot in her stomach seemed to promise the opposite. * * * The children were gone for the day, and Christy stayed on at her desk in the quiet room. She reached for the folk school article from Mrs. Browning, but soon her mind returned to her conversation that morning with David. When she realized that she had been staring at the page for several minutes without seeing a single word, Christy gathered her things and closed the school room. She had just reached the mission house porch when she heard hoofbeats approaching, and recognized Neil MacNeill on horseback. ................... Fever, Chapter 2 by Annie ................... "Doctor MacNeill!" Christy had seen very little of Neil over the past month. In fact, she was sure he'd been avoiding her. She wondered if he would stay and talk, or only deliver supplies for their medicine cabinet and then leave. Since Margaret's appearance at the tea house in El Pano, and her very brief stay in Cutter Gap, Neil had closed himself off from Christy and everyone else. Christy longed to tell him she was still his friend, but he carefully avoided all personal conversations. It was like a high wall, and she hadn't been able to get over it or around it. As Neil rode into the mission yard, she saw him nervously scan the house and grounds. She guessed he didn't want to be alone with her. It hurt, but at least he didn't turn and ride away. "Good afternoon, Miss Huddleston." "Hello. We haven't seen much of you lately." "I've just come from the Spencers'," he said as he swung down from the saddle. "Lulu's cold is much better, though she'll be out of school for one more day. Fairlight asked me to tell you she'll have to miss your reading lesson today." "Of course, I understand. I'm glad to hear Lulu's doing better." Christy moved forward to catch the horse's bridle and stroke its nose. "I know Fairlight's been reading with her while she's out of school." "Yes." Neil pulled his leather gloves off, and immediately put them on again. He turned to adjust the straps on the saddle, and removed his gloves once more. "The place seems quiet today." "I guess it is. Miss Alice left for the mission at Big Lick Spring yesterday. She'll be gone for a few weeks. David's working with Daniel Scott on the cabin." "Ah, yes -- I came past them on my way here." Their conversation was stilted and wooden. Christy felt as though she was talking to a stranger. Neil glanced around, and Christy saw that he was preparing to leave. She tried to think of something to say to keep him a little longer, and her mind lit on the folk school. "I had another letter from Mrs. Browning yesterday." Christy forced a cheerful tone into her voice. "She sent me an article with more suggestions for adult schools. I've been working on some plans for ours. It looks like we may be able to get classes started before Christmas." "Yes, well, that's fine," he said. Several months ago, Neil had volunteered to teach a class for men. He didn't look very enthusiastic now, and Christy's temper flared. "Don't feel obliged in any way, Doctor. If you're too busy to take part, or if you've changed your mind, I understand completely." Christy heard the sharpness of her words, but couldn't contain her disappointment. "No, that's not it," he said, finally looking her in the eye. "I told you I wanted to do this, and I still do." "Please don't worry about it. I know that many things have happened, and you need to change your priorities. It's fine -- really!" She focused on the horse's bridle, fidgeting with the straps and reins. Neil fell silent, twisting his gloves in his hands. Christy was doubly discouraged: first at seeing Neil's reluctance to teach in the adult school, and second at his distant manner. She couldn't resist trying once more to break through to him, so she abruptly changed the subject, hoping to spark some interest. "I haven't been to see Dan's cabin for a while," she said, "but David says they'll be finished before long." He seemed relieved at the change in topic. "David has been a great help to Dan," Christy continued. "And I know how much Dan appreciates your commitment as well, Doctor." Neil nodded silently, and she rambled on. "It's been a long time since he came to us from Kentucky. The people in his settlement there welcomed me and Miss Alice warmly, and I'm sorry that Dan hasn't gotten the same reception here. He has a fiancee there, you know -- her name is Cecile. She teaches at the settlement school." Christy saw that Neil was only listening politely. "It would be wonderful if Cecile could be here with Dan," she continued. "I think I may try to bring her to Cutter Gap as a surprise." Now the doctor's head quickly turned and his eyes snapped onto her face. "A surprise? Do you mean a surprise for Dan?" "Well, yes. Now that the cabin's nearly done--" "Christy, don't you think that Dan should decide when it's time to call for her?" "Of course he'll want her to be with him," she said. "They've been engaged for quite some time." "You've got to let people decide how to run their lives by themselves. Have you considered that they may have a plan of their own?" "But Cecile will be a big help to Dan. He's been alone for so long. He needs her here with him." She let go of the bridle and stepped closer to Neil, looking up at him with a challenge. "The man barely has a cabin standing. How can he support a wife?" "The mission will help them out, and Cecile is a school teacher. We've needed another teacher for a long time." "Oh, of course! And have you thought what Doctor Ferrand and Alice Henderson will have to say when they learn you hired another school teacher?" Christy hadn't considered any of it until this moment, but Neil's sarcasm stung her into an angry defense. "Well, of course, it's their decision. But there's no reason why Cecile couldn't come anyway." "No reason? I haven't heard one reason why she should come. A man needs a lot more than four walls and a roof to be ready for a wife." Neil crossed his arms on his chest. "People in the Cove haven't accepted Dan yet, and it won't be any easier for her. Have you thought about that?" They were both nearly shouting now. "You're so quick to criticize," she said, "but maybe Dan will be happy to see the woman he loves!" "Fine, see what happens. But I warn you: don't do anything without Dan's knowledge. You're liable to cause more problems than you'll ever solve." Christy spun angrily and climbed the stairs of the porch. As she reached the door, regret overshadowed anger, and she turned back toward Neil. He'd already mounted his horse, and he turned and swiftly rode off without another word. Christy numbly watched until he was out of sight. Why did she fight with him? And why did she let her temper fly out of control? Fever, Chapter 3 by Annie ................... "Come on, Fairlight, we won't have another day as nice as this until spring," Christy said. "Weather's likely to turn bad quick when it's so warm." "It's Indian Summer, and we have to make the most of it. You and I haven't had a walk for the longest time. Look at the trees -- they're beautiful." "Look at them big clouds," Fairlight said. "We'll be wet to the skin." Christy closed her Bible, where they had been reading from the Gospel of John. "Fairlight Spencer, are you afraid of a little water?" She knew Fairlight wouldn't resist the friendly challenge. "Well, all right then. Let me just tell Zady we're goin'." * * * As they were climbing uphill through a thick carpet of leaves, Fairlight turned to Christy. "How are things between the Preacher and you? He seems kinda moody these days." "Oh, Fairlight, I feel so bad about David." "What happened?" "It's always the same," Christy said. "I try to avoid being alone with him, because he keeps proposing, and I keep putting him off. Sometimes he frightens me with his anger and jealousy." "Who's he jealous of?" "I don't know." Christy felt a blush rising on her cheeks, and turned to hide it. "I wish we could be comfortable like we used to be." Fairlight sat down on a fallen log, and motioned for Christy to join her. "Christy, you know people change, and friendships have to change, too. The Preacher, now, he's lookin' for that change to be marriage. It's no secret." "But I can't make that commitment now -- not to David, not to anyone." Fairlight asked softly, "Maybe never to him?" Christy met Fairlight's eye briefly, then looked away. She hadn't thought that far ahead, and didn't want to. "I don't know," she said. They sat in silence for a minute, and then Fairlight asked, "Have you seen Neil lately?" Christy picked up a twig from the ground and sighed. "Hardly at all, and when I do see him, we either argue or act as if we're total strangers. Just yesterday we had a big fight." "About what?" "Nothing, really." Christy snapped pieces off the twig and tossed them away. "I know he's hurt over Margaret's disappearance, but it's impossible to have any kind of conversation with that man. I don't feel like he's my friend any more. What can I do?" Fairlight put an arm around Christy's shoulder. "You got to do what you know's right. Don't give up hopin'. It looks bad to us, Christy, but not to God. That piece of Scripture we just read -- didn't some of Jesus' own disciples quit on Him? But He didn't quit on them. He kept on goin'." Christy didn't feel like going on at the moment, but she smiled gratefully at Fairlight. The sound of strong wind in the tree tops made them both look up. "Storm's a-comin'," Fairlight said. "You were right." "After this hot day, it'll be a fierce'un. We best get ourselves home in a hurry." The tops of the trees were being whipped wildly, and it felt much cooler than even a few minutes ago. Christy was surprised the weather could change so quickly. Clouds were moving at great speed across the sky, becoming darker and thicker each minute. They held their skirts and picked their way downhill as quickly as possible. Fairlight got several yards ahead as leaves swirled and little twigs rained down around them. Soon the wind was blasting in great gusts. As they ran, Christy heard a deep, loud crack above her. Fairlight spun and cried out, "Behind ya!" Christy wasn't sure what happened next, but she suddenly found herself face down on the ground, surrounded by tree branches and leaves. She couldn't move, and she felt a hot streak of pain across the back of her left shoulder and arm. "Christy! Christy!" Fairlight's voice was frantic. Christy let her eyes close as pain radiated to her whole body. She could hear branches being snapped, and finally Fairlight was touching her. Christy moaned. "Can you move? Wait, let me help you." Christy struggled to sit up among the clutter of branches. He head was spinning and her shoulder and arm were burning. The wind blew her loosened hair into her eyes. "What happened?" "A great big branch tore off and hit you," Fairlight said. She was doing something to Christy's petticoat. There was a tearing sound. "My arm..." "You're bleedin' bad. Let me just get this around the cut." Christy vaguely understood that Fairlight was wrapping something around her arm to stop the flow of blood, but she cried out and tried to pull away at the painful pressure. "Sorry, it's done now," Fairlight said. "If I come around this side, can you stand?" Christy felt herself being raised. Fairlight's arm around her waist pulled her forward, and her feet obediently followed. "I have to get home," Christy said. "That's where we're goin', honey, that's where we're goin'. We'll just stop at my cabin and send one of the young'uns for the doctor. Jeb ain't home now." Christy felt cold rain on her face, but it didn't cool the searing pain in her shoulder. Fairlight's voice continued, but Christy couldn't concentrate on the words. She had to put all her energy into moving her feet forward. ................... Fever, Chapter 4 by Annie ................... Neil's jaw was so tense that his teeth were grinding as he rushed up the stairs and into Christy's room. His eyes were immediately drawn to her bloody sleeve. She was sitting in a straight backed chair near her desk, holding her injured left arm against her body. Christy opened her eyes as Neil entered, and he saw that she was in tremendous pain. Fairlight came in right behind him with a pot of steaming water and a handful of clean cloths. He squatted beside Christy, but couldn't get a clear look at her injuries. "Christy, I need to turn you so you can rest your arm on the desk. Fairlight, will you clear those things off." He pointed to the desktop. "No, Christy,don't try to move. Let me turn the chair for you." As Fairlight removed the desk blotter, papers, pens and books, Neil peeled off his wet coat, and then faced Christy. "Ready? Here we go." His arms went out on both sides of her as he gripped the chair's back. Watching her face lest he cause further pain, he slowly rotated the chair until Christy's left elbow was next to the desktop. She drew in a sharp breath, but still didn't speak as she raised her arm slightly to rest it there. Neil moved the oil lamp to shed light on her arm, and pulled up a three-legged stool beside Christy. He spread out a clean cloth, opened his bag, and began to place instruments and bottles on the desk. Without looking up he asked, "Is there more hot water, Fairlight? I'll need more than this." "I'll get it," she replied. Neil gingerly snipped away the cloth strip bound around Christy's arm, and took his first look at the wound. It was a nasty cut which started on the top of her left shoulder and sliced down the back of her arm toward her elbow. He picked at the sodden cloth of her sleeve. Neil came around to face her. He knelt down as he said, "Christy, I don't think I need to tell you, this is a bad cut. The branch tore across your shoulder and arm." He kept his eyes on hers, reading her suffering. "It may have cut deep into the muscle. The bleeding is bad, but I don't think it touched the main artery. I'll have to clean it out thoroughly before I can tell the extent of the damage." Christy nodded, and continued to meet his gaze. He went on, "I'm going to give you an injection for the pain. We'll have to get your blouse off for me to be able to treat you." Her eyes opened wide, and in spite of the obvious pain, she drew in her injured arm. A deep blush spread across her face. "Neil, do you have to -- I mean, couldn't you just ... umm, maybe cut open the sleeve, or..." Neil wanted to shout at her. Didn't she know how badly she'd been hurt? She was being ridiculously prudish, but he bit back the harsh words, recognizing his own fear as well as hers. He forced his voice to be calm. "No, Christy, with all the blood, I can't tell if there are other wounds. There's too much dirt in there -- I can't take the chance of infection. If Alice were here, she'd--" An idea suddenly occurred to him, and he rose and strode to the open door. "Fairlight? Will you come up here, please?" He waited at the doorway until she arrived, bearing a pot of hot water, which he took from her. Neil saw that Christy was somewhat relieved. "Fairlight," said Neil, "I'm going to need help to get Christy's wounds cleaned and treated. Can you stay here with us?" With a sideways glance and a slight lift of his eyebrows, he indicated that his request was for Christy's benefit. To his relief, Fairlight understood immediately. "Course I can! You just tell me what to do, and I'll do my best." She crouched in front of Christy's chair. "Christy, honey, don't you worry none. I'll stay right here for as long as you need me." The two of them carefully slid the damp, torn, blood-soaked blouse off of her. In her chemise, with her arms, shoulders and neck exposed, Christy began to shiver. It was warm enough in the room, but Neil understood she was embarrassed, so he grabbed the blanket from the bed and draped it over her right shoulder. The wound was cruelly deep and jagged. As he cleaned away the blood, Neil discovered a cut on the back of Christy's head as well. Christy was quiet as he worked. She leaned her forehead on Fairlight's shoulder and held her hand. * * * David arrived home expecting dinner, and found Ruby Mae weeping and frantically tending pots of water, with Zady Spencer and her younger siblings sitting around the table, tearing an old sheet into strips. "What's going on here, Ruby Mae? Zady, why are you children here without your parents?" Ruby Mae flew at him. "Oh Lordy, Preacher, I ain't never been so glad to see you in my whole life!" She wiped at her tears with the back of her hand. "What happened?" "Mrs. Spencer's here -- she's upstairs with Doc MacNeill, and she told me to keep fillin' more pots with water and boilin' 'em. Zady and them has to tear up this old bed sheet into bandages, but we don't know if they made enough, or if they should keep on tearin'." "Slow down," David said. "Has someone been hurt? Where's Miss Christy?" He took Ruby Mae by the arms and shook her a little. "Lordy, don't you know?" Ruby Mae broke away from him, and began checking the pots on the stove again. "Miss Christy's been hurt real bad!" "What!" David felt his heart in his throat. "A tree fell on her, and Mrs. Spencer and Zady carried her here, and John Spencer ran to the doctor's, but he didn't get back here yet -- John, I mean. Doc MacNeill got here real fast." Ruby Mae crossed to the table, picked up a strip of cloth, and began to roll it. "Mr. Spencer, he weren't home, so he don't know what happened, nor where his family's got to, I'm sure. And they couldn't find Mr. Scott, neither." David didn't wait to hear more of her rambling explanation, but rushed toward the stairs, calling out Christy's name. * * * Neil had just finished stitching the wound when he heard Grantland's voice. He flashed an annoyed look at Fairlight over Christy's head. Christy clutched at Fairlight's arm. "Oh please, don't let him in here! Please, Neil." Neil quietly moved to the door, closing it behind him as he met Grantland in the hall. "What's happened to Christy?" Grantland asked loudly. "Let me in there." Neil put his hand up to stop him. "No, Fairlight and I are tending to her," he said in a low voice. "But how is she?" "She's had a bad cut from a falling tree branch. You'll have to wait until we're done. Go back downstairs and take care of those children." Neil kept himself positioned between Grantland and the door. "You've got to let me see her." The preacher tried to push past, but Neil moved more quickly. As Grantland lunged, Neil strong-armed him back from the door, down the hallway, and against the wall. "Let me go! I'm going in there! Christy!" David yelled as he struggled to free himself. With his finger in David's face, Neil shouted, "Look! Christy's badly hurt, she doesn't want you in the room, and you're preventing me from treating her! Would you like to have that on your conscience?" "You can't keep me out. This is the woman I love!" Neil looked at David with disgust. "Fine. Why don't you go write her some poetry, while I do something Christy really needs. Now stay out!" With one more threatening look, Neil spun on his heel, entered Christy's room, and shut the door. Fever, Chapter 5 by Annie ................... Christy tried to be brave, but she couldn't stop trembling. The injection Dr. MacNeill had given her eased the pain somewhat, and she knew he was working as gently as possible, but it took all her concentration to stay still. Her body was weary from sitting in the straight backed chair. There was a throbbing ache in her head, and she desired nothing more than to lie down. The strange feeling of the needle going through her skin made Christy want to jerk away from Neil's touch. Fairlight was wonderful. "You're doin' great," she said. "The Doc's nearly done now, and it looks a sight better than when we first brought you in here." She had held Christy's hand, stroked her hair, and spoken calm and cheerful words during the long operation. Finally Neil sat back with a loud sigh. "I'm done, Christy. I don't generally cover stitches, but I'd rather keep you from moving about too much. This is a long cut, and they might be pulled out. I'll give you a sling for your arm." "Neil," Fairlight said. She beckoned to him, and they leaned their heads together and whispered for a minute. Christy watched, but was too drained to feel curious. Fairlight nodded adamantly, and pushed the doctor out into the hallway. She then went over to Christy's dresser and rummaged through the drawers. She drew out some underclothes. "Let's get you out of them dirty, wet things," she said. "Don't you worry -- I sent Neil out. You and me can manage just fine, can't we?" Fairlight worked as she spoke, carefully replacing Christy's blood-stained chemise with a clean one. She slipped off the wet skirt, covering Christy's petticoat with the blanket. She finally knelt to take off Christy's shoes and stockings. "Thank you, Fairlight," Christy whispered. She would have been helpless to do any of this for herself. Fairlight smiled and touched Christy's cheek, then let Neil back into the room. He returned to his place beside Christy, while Fairlight turned down the covers of the bed. Soon Christy's shoulder was wrapped and bound in a sling It felt bulky, as though her arm had swollen. "Christy, you did very well," Neil said. "I'm proud of you." Even in her exhausted state, the compassion in his voice and eyes reached her heart and gave her strength. "We'll need to keep the wounds clean to avoid infection, but there was no damage that won't heal in time." "Thank you." Christy couldn't manage many words, but she reached out her uninjured hand to rest on his arm. He looked tired, too. "The cut on your head isn't much more than a scratch," Neil said, "but you've got a large bump where the branch hit you. I'm concerned you may have a concussion." Christy instinctively reached up to feel it, and winced at even the light touch. He said, "I'll take you over to your bed now, all right?" He reached his arms around her and gently lifted her off the chair. Christy let her head fall against his neck as she finally began to relax. The clean sheets and pillow had never looked so inviting as they did now. Fairlight pulled the covers up, and within a minute Christy dropped off to sleep. Neil checked his watch -- he was surprised at the late hour. He helped Fairlight to gather the stained rags and clothes, as well as the pots of bloodied water, and then they trudged downstairs. In the kitchen they found Grantland, Dan Scott, and Ruby Mae. Fairlight immediately asked, "Where's my young'uns?" "Jeb came an hour ago," Grantland said. "He took the children home." Dan rose from the table and pulled out a chair for Fairlight. "He stopped by my place on his way here, looking for you all. I was visiting with Miss Hattie when the storm blew through, and I'd just come home myself." He turned to look at Neil and asked, "How's Miss Christy?" Neil was about to respond when Ruby Mae burst out, "Is she gonna make it, Doc MacNeill? Is she real bad off? I can't stand not knowin'!" Fresh tears followed the salty tracks already on her cheeks. "Don't fret, Ruby Mae," Neil said. "She's resting now, and I think she'll be all right." He filled a basin of warm water from the stove, and began washing his hands. As he scrubbed he said, "The injury was a long, uneven cut, starting at the trapezius, angling through part of the deltoideus and the triceps brachii." He saw blank looks on all faces except Dan's. "It's a ragged, deep cut from the top of her shoulder nearly to her elbow. It'll have to be watched carefully for infection." He reached for a towel and dried each finger vigorously. "There's also a large bump on the back of her head, in the occipital region." He looked over at Dan for the last part of the sentence. "I can't tell how bad it is." "Concussion?" said Dan. "I'm afraid so," Neil answered. "She's asleep right now from exhaustion, but I know the pain will wake her as soon as the morphine wears off." He turned his hands over to inspect them. "What can we do for her now?" asked Dan. "Is there anything I can do?" "Not just now. I'll watch tonight, but she's going to need a lot of care. She can't have visitors at all for the present," Neil said as he looked directly at Grantland, who glared right back, but said nothing. Neil stretched. "Fairlight, you were a great help. It's time for you to get home now." "I can stay right here," Fairlight said. "Christy might need me." "Thank you, but no -- you're needed at home. Reverend, will you and Dan see that Mrs. Spencer gets home safely? The rain's stopped, hasn't it?" Neil peeked out the window. "I'll come around to see you tomorrow, Dan." As they all began to leave, Neil asked Ruby Mae to heat up the soup on the stove and to make him some coffee. He then went back to Christy's room to watch and wait. ................... Fever, Chapter 6 by Annie ................... In the morning, Christy's whole body felt stiff and sore. It wasn't really a surprise, since she'd hardly slept at all. A number of bruises had now appeared, and her head ached. She knew Dr. MacNeill had gotten less sleep than she, if that was possible. He'd stayed with her through the night, fed her soup, and helped her to turn or sit up to ease the throbbing in her shoulder. He'd given her another injection to quiet the pain, but she'd still been uncomfortable most of the night. "Fairlight's already here," Neil told Christy after he made a brief visit to the kitchen. "She'll be up shortly with your breakfast." Christy could see the clouds glowing pink and gold with the rising sun. During the night, Christy had concentrated on enduring the discomfort and occasional sharp pain. But now in the light of the new day, Christy once again felt distressed about her exposed arms and shoulders. Wearing only a chemise and her petticoat, she was eager to dress herself, though she didn't have strength to rise from the bed. Neil must have noticed her troubled look and quickly moved to sit beside her. "What's wrong? Are you in pain?" With Neil so close, studying her with concern, she felt the color rising in her face. "Neil, I need to... dress myself," she said. "I can't stay like this." "Oh... yes." Neil had been holding her hand in both of his. He released it and leaned back in the chair, looking as uncomfortable now as Christy. She reached for the blanket to pull it a little higher. "I know I can't possibly fit into any of my blouses, but..." With the bulky sling and bandages, she probably couldn't even get into her nightgown. What was she to do? Suddenly Neil's face lit up. "Wait a minute." He seemed to debate within himself, and finally grabbed his saddle bags from beneath the desk. He held up a rumpled light blue shirt, one Christy had seen him wear many times. He probably carried it with him as a spare. It was obvious she could slip into it without pain. "Will this do?" At that moment the door opened and Fairlight entered with breakfast on a tray. "Are you hopin' to get that washed and ironed, Neil?" she asked with a sly grin. Not waiting for an answer, she set the tray down on the chair and put her hand on Christy's forehead. "You feelin' any better this mornin'?" Christy knew her cheeks were red. "Uh, yes. I was -- umm..." She bit her lower lip and looked at Neil. Neil was still holding the shirt in front of his chest. "It's for... Christy needs, ah..." Swallowing hard, he said, "She needs something large enough to fit around the sling, you see." He shook the shirt slightly. "Well now, it might just do." Fairlight took the light blue shirt from him. "It's your color, Christy." She lifted her chin and added, "But we won't need your help, Doctor. Make yourself scarce for a while." She shooed him toward the doorway. "Go eat some breakfast, and I'll let you know when it's safe to come back." When he was gone, Fairlight lifted her eyebrows at Christy and giggled. * * * Neil descended to the dining room, where Grantland was already eating. "Reverend," Neil greeted him as he took a seat. He filled a plate with eggs, ham and biscuits, then poured a cup of coffee. "How's Christy?" Grantland looked as though he'd had very little sleep. "She's in some pain," Neil said, "but that's to be expected. She must stay in bed for now. Barring complications, in time she should recover completely." "Thank God!" Grantland crumbled a biscuit between his fingers and then pushed the crumbs around the plate for a while before speaking again. "I shouldn't have lost my temper last night, Doctor MacNeill." Neil knew it was hard for him to apologize, so he met him halfway. "Well, you were concerned for Christy. We all were." He calmly turned back to his breakfast. They were spared from any further sentiment by the arrival of Ruby Mae with a bucket of water. "Oh, Doc MacNeill! Can I please see Miss Christy now? I been worryin' and frettin' over her, and I won't feel easy till I see her." She dropped into the chair next to Neil and clasped her hands together. "Please? I swear I won't do nothin' to bother her. Please?" Neil took a sip of coffee before answering her. He noticed that Grantland was paying close attention as well. "Mrs. Spencer is with her now, Ruby Mae. You'll have to wait until she tells us Miss Huddleston is ready for visitors." Ruby Mae smiled and jumped up, but Neil called her back. "Hold on! I'll warn you now -- Miss Christy's been hurt badly." He looked at the girl, but he meant it for the preacher, too. "She's going to need a lot of rest, which means that you cannot be running in and out, disturbing her." "Oh no, sir! I'll be real quiet-like, and never give her no trouble! But how we gonna have school today? She can't teach, that's mortally certain!" "Don't worry, Ruby Mae," Grantland said, "I'll be handling all the classes until Miss Christy is recovered." He put a slight emphasis on the word 'all', but Neil ignored the veiled challenge, and turned back to his breakfast. If Christy asked, he'd gladly teach the children, but he didn't care to play word games with the preacher. Now they heard Fairlight's voice, and Ruby Mae bolted for the stairway. Grantland showed a little more self-control, but he wasn't far behind her. Neil trusted Fairlight to protect Christy from their eagerness, so he took a few minutes to finish eating in peace before he followed them to Christy's room. When Neil entered the room, Grantland was sitting close to the bed, with Ruby Mae hovering around, trying to get between him and Christy. They were both talking to Christy at once. Neil leaned against the door frame just behind Fairlight, who stood with her arms crossed. Christy, neatly tucked into bed and propped up with pillows, seemed amused, so Neil allowed the confusing conversation to flow on interrupted. Neil noticed that Fairlight had pulled the left sleeve of the shirt inside out, leaving Christy's injured arm inside, with no sleeve showing at all. Her hair was brushed, and she looked much better, although the dark circles under her eyes revealed her deep tiredness. "Don't worry, Christy," Grantland said, "I've got it all under control." Neil was annoyed that he boldly stroked her hand. The man was too possessive. "I'm sure the children will be very cooperative once they learn what's happened. Won't they, Ruby Mae?" The girl was now kneeling between him and the bed. "Yes, Preacher, we'll be good as gold. Miss Christy, I was so worried over you." Ruby Mae's hand crept across the cover, forcing Grantland to drop Christy's hand and lean back. Neil heard a chuckle from Fairlight. Ruby Mae continued, "When you and Mrs. Spencer and Zady and the little Spencers all come in from the rain last night, you looked so bad off. I was real scared, Miss Christy." "I know, Ruby Mae," Christy said, "but you were very brave. Thank you for managing the kitchen while Mrs. Spencer and the doctor were here with me." Christy smiled. "I'm feeling a little tired now, and I think it's time for you and Mr. Grantland to go to school, before all the children get there." At that cue, Fairlight moved in. "Come on now, Ruby Mae, you got some chores to finish before school." She took Ruby Mae by the hand, and then looked at Grantland. "Preacher, you'd best come, too." Grantland slowly stood to go, glancing back at Neil before he went out. Neil called out as they reached the hallway. "Fairlight, will you stay a minute, please?" Neil invited Fairlight to sit down, and then he began to explain his plans to care for Christy. "You know the cut was deep. We must avoid infection, so I want to keep the dressing clean." He stood with his hands clasped, looking back and forth between the two women. "I have some calls to make today," he said, "but when I come back this evening, I'll show Fairlight how to change the bandages in case I'm called away. All right?" They both nodded. He had more instructions, marking off each item with a finger on his palm. "For now, Christy is not to have many visitors, or for very long. It's important to get as much sleep as possible. Don't put any strain on that arm at all, or the stitches may tear." They both agreed, and Neil let Fairlight leave to continue her household work. When she was gone, Neil sat in the chair, pulling it back a little from where Grantland had placed it. He waited until the sound of footsteps faded. "You hardly slept last night, Christy, but I'm sure now there's no concussion. I'm going to give you a sleeping draught." "You need to rest, too," she said. He met her eye for just a moment in acknowledgment. "I know you feel uncomfortable about it," he said, "but will you allow Dan Scott to come this evening with Fairlight when we change the bandages?" It took a moment for her to understand, and another for the color to rise in her cheeks yet again. "You know if I can't be here, you'll need Dan in an emergency." She took a moment to answer, and her voice was tired. "Yes, that would be all right. But I don't want to have parades of people--" "Fairlight and I will keep the parades away. You won't be disturbed or put on exhibit, I promise." He touched Christy's hand briefly. "Only Dan, Fairlight and I will be present." Without waiting for her to respond, Neil went into his medical bag and brought out a small green bottle. He measured several drops into a cup, added water from the pitcher, and watched as Christy drank it. He sat quietly beside her until it took effect. She smiled sleepily as she relaxed and slid down in the bed. Neil pulled the covers up to her chin. Then, promising to return when she awoke, he gathered his bags and left. ................... Fever, Chapter 7 by Annie ................... The next morning Neil was on the porch, reaching for the door of the mission house when it was opened from inside by David Grantland. "There was a call for you from Lyleton early this morning," Grantland said. "Wilton Barclay and his wife were hurt when their wagon overturned. The operator said they're both elderly." He stood blocking the doorway, staring at Neil as though he expected him to leave immediately. "Yes," Neil replied. "Wilton was cousin to Granny Barclay's husband. What are the injuries?" He stepped forward, and Grantland finally made way for him to enter. "They both have broken bones. The operator said it was an emergency." Neil continued toward the stairway. "I'll just check on Christy before I leave. Is Fairlight with her?" "Fairlight went home a little while ago," Grantland answered. "You're late." Neil paused to look back at the preacher, wondering why he sounded so angry. "Is Christy all right?" "You're the doctor." Grantland was obviously annoyed, but at what or whom? Maybe he was sorry he'd offered to teach. Neil ignored his glowering look, and climbed the stairs two at a time. He heard children's voices as he approached the open door. Ruby Mae and the Spencer girls were with Christy, chattering about the wagon accident. "Granny told me once about Wilton Barclay," said Ruby Mae. "His Pa and Granny's husband's Pa was first cousins, but Wilton's Pa was took with fever when he was a baby, so his Ma--" "Excuse me, ladies," Neil said. He earned a grateful look from Christy as he cut the conversation short. She was leaning back on a stack of pillows, and looked a little pale and tired. Though she had improved, this was only the second day since her accident. Neil continued, "I have to take care of Miss Huddleston's arm, and I think you and Reverend Grantland need to get to school." He removed his coat and waited by the open door. Zady answered, "Yessir, I reckon we do. Bye, Miss Christy, we're glad you're feelin' better." Zady looked up at Neil. "Mama said to tell you she'll be back in two shakes. She's fetchin' Least'un -- he wouldn't mind John." Neil watched the two older girls take Lulu and Clara by the hand as they descended the stairs. He closed the door. "I see I don't need to tell you I'm headed for Lyleton." He brought the chair around to the left side of her bed, seated himself, and drew a thermometer out of his medical bag. As he shook it down he asked, "Is the headache gone this morning?" Christy smiled and nodded. "Yes, finally, and the bump is a lot smaller. I'm feeling much better." Neil leaned forward to put the thermometer in her mouth, and then gently reached behind her head to examine the lump. His eyes wandered to the wall beyond her. He was aware that she was studying him intently. Little by little, Neil had returned to his withdrawn, distant manners again. He knew Christy felt hurt at his coolness, but it was best not to talk about it with her. Neil was convinced he would hurt Christy's reputation and her feelings if he allowed a close friendship to grow. As soon as he removed the thermometer, she spoke. "Neil, is something wrong?" "I don't think so." He checked the thermometer. "Your temperature's normal." Neil understood that she was worried about him, but he wanted to avoid that line of conversation. "Come, let me get a look at the stitches. I don't think you need the bandages now, but keep the sling until I come back from Lyleton." Neil waited as she fumbled to open the buttons. Christy still wore his shirt, and seemed comfortable in it. He'd let her keep it as long as she wanted. She shifted in bed so her back was toward him. He carefully lifted the shirt off of her left shoulder, slipped off the sling, and proceeded to unwind the bandages. "It's improving," Neil said, "but you must be very careful. You still need to rest and get a lot of sleep." He worked gently but quickly, cleansing the area. Fairlight peeked in the door just as Neil was helping Christy into the sling. He looked up at her and said, "Good. I need to leave you instructions for Christy while I'm gone." He slid the shirt back over Christy's shoulder, and Fairlight stepped forward to button her up. "How's Little Guy?" he asked. "Oh, he was just bein' ornery with John. I gave him a bowl of chicken feed and set him in the coop." She straightened the large shirt on Christy and helped her to resettle on the pillows. "That'll keep him for a while. He loves them critters." Neil repeated his warnings about resting Christy's arm and shoulder. "The soonest I can be back is tomorrow night," he said. "If there are any emergencies, don't hesitate to send for Dan Scott." Fairlight brought Christy her collection of articles about folk schools, and then accompanied Neil downstairs. As he checked the items in the medicine cabinet, he gave some final instructions. "I know it's asking a lot," he said, "but you've got to try and keep the preacher and Ruby Mae out of Christy's room as much as possible. They agitate her too much." "Don't worry, I can handle them two." He grinned. "I'm sure you can, but I'm worried about our patient," he said with a nod toward the upper floor. "She's feeling a lot better this morning, and she'll be thinking of getting out of bed. Don't let her do too much." She followed him out to the porch and into the yard. They saw her little son, still in the chicken coop, slowly sprinkling out handfuls of feed to the chickens flocking about him. He waved to his mother with a look of delight on his face. Neil smiled at the boy for a moment, and then turned back to Fairlight. "Christy's well enough to walk about the house a bit, but try to discourage it." "All right. Don't you worry." Neil threw the saddle bags over his horse's back, unhitched the reins, and mounted. "Her wounds are still fresh, and there's danger of them reopening and becoming infected." As he spurred the horse away, he called over his shoulder, "I'll try to be back by tomorrow night." * * * As lunch time neared, Christy grew more and more restless. She knew Neil expected her to stay in her room, but she felt her strength returning. She wanted to get out into the fresh air. The more she thought about it, the more she was sure that a brief visit to the school house would do her good. Slowly, pausing frequently to rest, she dressed herself and then crept downstairs. She heard Fairlight singing to Little Guy in the kitchen as she approached. Fairlight looked stunned when Christy stepped into the doorway. "Christy!" Fairlight moved toward the door, but Christy held up a hand to stop her. She lowered herself slowly into the nearest chair, smiled up confidently at Fairlight, then reached out to the little boy. He shyly came to her side. "What're you doin' outta bed, girl? And where's the sling for your arm?" she said. "Didn't you hear nothin' Neil said?" Christy didn't believe her sternness for a moment. Fairlight scowled, but almost immediately a grin appeared. Christy realized her triumph. "I have to start recovering sometime, don't I? A little fresh air will do me good." She accepted the cup of tea which Fairlight set before her, and chatted with Little Guy as Fairlight went back to her work. They knew school had recessed for lunch by the sound of the children playing in the yard. When David arrived he was just as surprised as Fairlight at Christy's presence. "Are you well enough to be out of bed, Christy?" he asked. "Won't you tire yourself out?" "Honestly," she said, "you two are like mother hens. I'm fine!" Christy took a deep breath. "And I'm going to come and visit the children at school for a little while this afternoon." "What!" Fairlight said. "You're not goin' outside this house!" David added, "Christy, be reasonable -- you're not ready for this yet." "It's one thing to walk to the kitchen," Fairlight said, "but you're not goin' to the school." David sat in the chair beside Christy and held her hand. "Why don't you rest another day and see how you feel tomorrow?" "For one thing," Christy said, "tomorrow's Saturday, and there's no school. Really David, I'm feeling much stronger." "No, Christy," said Fairlight. "I promise not to do too much," Christy said. "I need to see the children." She saw David wavering, and gave his hand a little squeeze. "Won't you let me come?" "I don't know," he said. "Preacher, don't you do it!" Fairlight stood in the doorway, hands on hips. "The doctor ain't here if somethin' goes wrong." Christy was determined. "I'll be careful. Everything will be fine." She stood up. "Will you please bring me my coat?" David slowly rose and went out. Fairlight shook her head and pressed her lips tightly, but said no more. When David returned, he draped the coat over Christy's shoulders, and then offered her his arm for the walk to the schoolhouse. ................... Fever, Chapter 8 by Annie ................... The day was raw and damp, and the cold wind cut through Christy's coat. The slight rise from the mission house to the school seemed steeper than usual, and she was already breathless by the time David led her up the steps. Nevertheless, she put on a cheerful face. The children had been scattered around the yard for the lunch recess, and immediately gathered around her, pressing in close to welcome her. "Be careful, children!" David said in his stern preacher's voice. "Miss Huddleston is still recovering from her accident, and can only stay for a little while. Please take your seats now." He ushered Christy to her desk. She wished it were a little closer to the stove. The fresh air wasn't as reviving as she'd expected. Christy smiled as she addressed the class. "Mr. Grantland has told me about your good behavior while I was out. I'm very proud of you." She turned to look at the boy's side of the room. "Sam Houston, will you please tell me what subjects you studied this morning?" Sam Houston rose to answer. "Well, Teacher," he said, tilting his head as he thought, "the first thing we done was spellin'. Umm, I mean to say, the very first thing Preacher done was the Scripture readin' and prayer. He went on considerable longer than you generally do." "A-men!" came out of the back of the class, causing a little rustle of laughter in the room. Christy recognized Creed Allen's voice, and silenced them all with a severe look. "Go ahead, Sam Houston," she said. He completed the recital of the morning's activities and sat back down. "Thank you. Zady and Ruby Mae, will you please hand out the reading books." The two girls rose and came forward. As they distributed the books, Christy caught David's eye, and he came to stand next to her. "David," she whispered, "I know you've given up your own work to teach for me." Her hand rested on his arm. "Why don't you take an hour or two right now? I can manage just fine." His eyes grew wide, and he turned so that his back was to the children. "No, Christy, I think I should stay. You don't have to teach the lesson." "We'll be fine. I have my Junior Teachers to help me, and I know you have things you need to do. Go." Once again, she saw that she had persuaded him. He gave one more warning to the class to be on their best behavior, and then she was alone with them. Thanks to the thoughtfulness of the children, Christy didn't have to push herself very hard. Her Junior Teachers -- Bessie Coburn, Rob Allen, and John Spencer -- helped with the reading lessons, and the children volunteered to write on the board and carry books so that Christy wouldn't have to move around more than absolutely necessary. Even so, she felt her strength draining away quickly. She lasted one uncomfortable hour. The strain of standing, walking or even sitting in the straight-backed chair fatigued her shoulder and arm. She wished she'd worn the sling. Christy started to feel light-headed and thirsty. The room seemed much too chilly. When Rob Allen offered to fetch Reverend Grantland, she nodded gratefully. By the time David ran in, her shoulder and arm were throbbing. He gathered Christy in his arms, and as he lifted her, she felt a searing pain all the way down her shoulder. She couldn't breathe for several seconds as the room seemed to darken. Christy knew immediately that the stitches had torn open. The children trailed behind as David carried her back to the house. She heard their voices, but between her burning shoulder and swimming head, it was a distant roar. He must have been carrying her carefully, but it seemed like he was jolting up and down, causing fresh pain with each step. She closed her eyes, clenched her jaw to keep from crying aloud, and leaned her head against David. Fairlight was grim. She led the way up to Christy's room, and then sent David right back out to dismiss the children and find Dan Scott. "There's bleedin' here," Fairlight said. "Dear God." "I'm so sorry." Christy felt faint, and struggled to stay conscious as Fairlight removed her blouse. When Christy saw the huge blood stain on it, she couldn't hold out any longer. She leaned into Fairlight's arms as her vision faded. * * * Christy awoke in her bed. She was confused for a moment, and then with her first breath the burning pain in her shoulder reminded her of all that had happened. When she opened her eyes a slit she saw Dan Scott in the chair nearby. He seemed to be dozing. She must have made some sound, because his head snapped up and his frightened eyes focused on her face. "Don't try to move," he said. "What..." Christy's mouth was dry, and she couldn't get any more words out of her throat. She couldn't even swallow without pain. "Lie still now." Dan rose, leaned out the door, and called, "Mrs. Spencer, Reverend!" Within a few seconds they arrived, and Fairlight took the seat by the bed. "How is she?" asked Fairlight as she stroked Christy's forehead. Her hand felt pleasantly cool. "You're burnin' up." "Water?" Christy asked. Fairlight quickly lifted a cup to her lips. "There were five stitches torn near your shoulder," Dan said. "I closed them up again, but you're running a fever now. It's likely the wound's become infected." Christy glanced down at herself, and saw that her shoulder and arm were once again bandaged. "I'm sorry, Fairlight," she said. "Oh, Christy!" Fairlight cried softly. "I'm so sorry I ever let you outta the house." She leaned forward to press her cheek against Christy's. "The fever might have been coming on anyway," Dan said, "but the strain of walking and moving around in the cold brought it on even quicker. The stitches just never had a proper chance to heal." "What can we do for her now?" David asked. Dan lifted a bottle from the desk. "Doctor MacNeill left laudanum for the pain, and we should get her to drink plenty of water. Otherwise, we just wait and watch." "And pray," added David. * * * Christy's fever rose steadily through the rest of the day. Dan and Fairlight took turns nursing her, but the medicine they gave her did little to ease her discomfort. By that night, strange, frightening dreams haunted her as she slept fitfully. In her dreams, Christy thought that Dan Scott's fiancee had come to Cutter Gap. Instead of being happy to see Cecile, Dan angrily ordered her to return home. They argued fiercely and broke off their engagement, although Christy pleaded with them. Some dreams ended with Neil MacNeill being injured by gunshot or by accident. In these nightmares, she was the only person who saw that he was hurt, but she could never reach him to help. Though she forgot the dreams themselves, the terror of those images stayed with her long after waking. She dreamt that the school house was burning. She cried on Miss Alice's shoulder as the building was reduced to ashes, and awoke feeling the heat of the fire on her face. As she drifted in and out of restless sleep throughout the day, Christy hardly noticed the people attending her. Dan fed her some broth, but her appetite was gone, and she only opened her mouth to receive the food by reflex. She was vaguely aware of David and Fairlight and Dan sitting with her at different times, but she wasn't sure what was real and what was a dream. It seemed to be evening again. Christy couldn't escape the frightening dreams. She saw Neil and Dan arguing and then fighting about the arrival of Cecile. Christy tried to break up their struggle, but Bird's-Eye Taylor appeared and shot both men. Neil called to Christy, but Bird's-Eye caught her and began to drag her away. Christy woke with a start, trying to call out Neil's name. ................... Fever, Chapter 9 by Annie ................... Neil had returned from Lyleton late in the evening, and was now was sitting next to the bed, softly calling to her. "Christy. Christy, can you wake up? It's Neil." He'd been pressing a damp cloth on her forehead, neck, and arms, but it had done little to cool her fever. As Christy opened her eyes, her uninjured arm flew up. She clutched Neil's vest, pulling him close. "Neil, you've been shot!" "Shot? No," Neil said, smiling. "I'm fine -- I haven't been hurt." He stroked her hot forehead and brushed aside her loose hair. He tried to sit back again, but Christy clung tightly to him. "Don't go!" she cried. "It's not safe -- please don't leave me!" She'd obviously had a bad dream, and wasn't fully awake yet. "I promise I won't leave. I'm staying right here." He covered her hand on his chest and pressed it there. "I don't know how to help you," she said. "Miss Alice will have to take the bullet out." Her eyes wandered around the room, as though she expected to see Alice. Neil was worried that she couldn't shake off the nightmare image. "Christy, I swear no one shot me! I just rode back from Lyleton tonight." He reached for the damp cloth, and touched it lightly on her forehead. Christy's restless fingers moved across his cheek, where there was a day's growth of beard, and then through his hair. "Lyleton?" She was looking at his face, but Neil could tell she wasn't seeing him clearly. If he moved away even slightly, she grasped him closer yet. Finally Neil gave up trying to disentangle Christy's hand, and slid onto the bed. He leaned over her, gently pressing his palm on her burning neck, cheek and forehead. "Christy, listen to me," he said. "You have a high fever, dear. The fever is causing the bad dreams; it makes them seem very real." He searched her face as he whispered, "You're safe now." Christy relaxed a little, and closed her eyes. "Your hand feels cool and nice." Her hand rested on his collar, and her thumb lightly brushed back and forth along his jaw. She was quiet for a while, and he began to hope that she was falling asleep. But she called his name once more, and her eyelids fluttered open. "Neil, please don't be angry with me. Can't I still be your friend?" He felt a tightness in his throat as he reassured her. "Of course you're my friend. And I'm not angry at you, Christy." He cupped his hand against her cheek. Beyond the natural, professional concern he felt for Christy's condition, Neil recognized that his fear was very personal, very close to his heart. All his struggle during these past months to distance himself from her had been undone in a few minutes. The seriousness of her illness, as well as the touch of her fingers on his face, awoke his long-hidden feelings. Neil knew in his mind he'd have to tear away again, but for the moment, he couldn't help but indulge himself. He was comforted as much as Christy by being so close. He reached to the bedside table for the cup of water, and offered her a drink. He raised Christy's head and she obediently took a sip. As he lay her back down, she asked in a weak voice, "You really haven't been hurt?" "No, not in the least." "You weren't fighting with Dan Scott?" Neil could see she was trying to sort out dream from reality. "Dan wasn't shot?" Neil smiled. "He's in the kitchen now with Ruby Mae and Reverend Grantland." He touched her chin with two fingers. "Did you think I shot Dan?" Christy started to speak, but hesitated. "Don't worry," Neil said. "Go ahead -- you can ask me anything." "Was -- did anything happen to the school house?" "Everything and everyone is all right, except they're worried about you." "I tried to teach school." "I know. You didn't last very long, did you?" Tears began to pool in Christy's eyes. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have tried it." "Well, I won't scold you now," he said. "I've already thrashed that topic out with the preacher and Fairlight." A few drops spilled over onto her cheeks. "Oh, but it was my fault! They tried to stop me. And I'm sorry I fought with you the other day. I thought Dan and Cecile would want to be together, but I'd never do anything to hurt them." The regret in her voice wrenched Neil's heart. "Of course you wouldn't. Please don't fret, Christy. I'm sorry for arguing, too." Neil was still leaning over her, and Christy had kept her grip on his shirt. Now he saw a change in her face as she became aware of their closeness. She was wearing only her chemise, with her neck and arm exposed. As she released him, she winced with pain. He immediately drew back, although he kept his seat on the bed beside her. He cleared his throat. "I need to take a look at your shoulder, Christy. Do you think you can turn on your side?" Neil helped her to move, and then very carefully removed the dressing. "Mr. Scott has done a fair job with his stitching. You'll only have an interesting scar to remind you of all this." "How bad is it?" she asked. "There's some inflammation. It's not good, Christy, but I'll try to keep it from getting any worse." Neil applied ointment and then began to bandage her shoulder and arm again. "You see, fever is your body's response to the infection. I'll give you something now to help reduce the fever. Once it breaks, you'll improve quickly." He was striving to regain his professional bedside manner. "Is the pain throbbing in your shoulder?" he asked. "Sometimes, but only a little now." "Do you feel any shooting pains up the whole arm?" "No." Neil finished wrapping the bandages and gently turned Christy onto her back again. "Is there any dizziness, or light-headedness?" he asked. Even that little bit of movement seemed to have drained Christy. Her eyelids drooped as she answered. "No, but I felt light-headed when I was at school. I'm just tired now." She kept her eyes closed until he prompted her to take the thermometer into her mouth, and then shut them again. As he waited for her temperature to register, Neil fought the urge to stroke her hair. He reached for his saddle bags, found a bottle of aspirin, and measured the powder into the cup of water. "One hundred and three point four degrees." Her fever had remained high for nearly a full day. No wonder she looked so frail and worn out. He offered Christy the cup. "It's important for you to drink a lot of fluids, to help cool down the fever." Christy swallowed and said, "Yes, Dan told me the same thing." "Good." Neil's hand moved to Christy's forehead, and she covered it with her own hot one. "Do you think you can sleep now?" he asked. "I'm tired, but the nightmares keep me from getting any rest." Her voice became worried, and her eyes grew round. "Are you going to leave?" Her hand was still on his, and he felt the pressure as she held him in place. "No, no," Neil said. "I'll stay until the fever breaks, and then you'll be able to sleep -- no bad dreams this time. I need to speak to Dan. Will you be all right for a little while?" Christy nodded, then carried his hand to her cheek before releasing it. Neil had remained seated on the edge of the bed all this time. Now he rose, straightened her bedcovers, and quietly left the room. He knew that both he and Christy would pay for these few moments of comfort. ................... Fever, Chapter 10 by Annie ................... "Thank you, Ruby Mae." Neil inhaled deeply as a bowl of stew and a plate of biscuits were set before him. He and Dan Scott were at the dining room table in the mission house. "It smells good." "Doc, ain't there somethin' I can do for Miss Christy?" Ruby Mae asked. "I been so worried, I can't think about nothin' else. When can I see her?" "Not now," Neil replied. "Miss Christy's fever is still high, and she needs to sleep as much as possible. It's late -- you ought to get to bed." "I gotta do somethin' for her." Dan asked, "Have you been praying, Ruby Mae?" "Yes sir," she said. "I been prayin' real hard when I go to bed and when I wake up, and at school, too. Don't that help her, Preacher?" They all looked at David Grantland, who was standing in the doorway. "It helps very much, Ruby Mae," Grantland replied. "Go on to bed, and say your prayers." Ruby Mae didn't look willing, but she went. Neil turned back to Dan. "You were telling me about the onset of her fever," Neil said as he began to eat. He saw that Grantland remained in the doorway. "Well," Dan said, "her temperature climbed quickly in the first four or five hours. She had the chills, and her heart rate was high." Neil nodded. "It's normal for the invasion stage of a fever, as well as loss of appetite and general weakness. Delirium sets in when high temperature is sustained for some time." "It was a little past dawn when she started talking strange," Dan said. "I was worried that her fever wouldn't break." "I gave her aspirin," Neil said. "It should come down soon." As Neil and Dan continued, the preacher occasionally took a step into the room, as though he intended to join the conversation. However, each time Neil glanced up, Grantland backed away without speaking. Finally Neil had enough of the interruptions. "Reverend, what is it that's troubling you? Is there something you want to say?" "Yes. Yes, there is," he said. He approached the head of the table and grasped the back of a chair. "I'm concerned about -- about the amount of time you've been spending alone with Christy. I'm concerned that she's only partly dressed. It's highly improper for her to be wearing your clothing." "Improper?" Neil said. "What kind of prudish talk is this? I'm a medical doctor, man! Don't you think I've seen a lot more than a woman's arms? I'll do what's necessary to treat my patient, and I don't need your permission." He pushed his chair back and crossed his arms. "But this isn't just any patient -- it's Christy." "So?" "I won't try to guess what it means to you, Doctor, but I can see what such intimacy does to her," Grantland said. "Intimacy!" "She's young and impressionable," Grantland said. "This kind of close contact is bound to have a strong effect on her emotions, especially since she's sick and weak." These thoughts weren't new to Neil, but he refused to give in to Grantland's jealousy. "Look, Reverend," Neil said, "Christy's been seriously injured, and now she has an infection and fever, thanks to her little visit to the school house." He jabbed his thumb in the direction of that building, and rose from the table. He saw that his remark registered guilt on Grantland's face. Neil continued, "Mr. Scott and I are caring for her physical condition. Feel free to tend to her spiritual needs. As for her emotional state -- she's stronger than you think." Neil gathered his empty dish, cup and utensils, and carried them across to the kitchen. When he returned, he spoke to Dan. "Her fever ought to break soon. I know you've been up with her since yesterday. Go home and get some sleep now." Neil turned to the preacher. "You're welcome to chaperone." * * * Shortly after midnight, Christy's temperature dropped, and she finally slipped into peaceful sleep. Neil knew she wouldn't wake until morning, so he decided to go home for a few hours of rest, too. The sky was clear, and the moon was just a few days past full, lighting his way through the woods. He had put Grantland's words out of his mind while he was tending Christy, but now they returned to disturb his thoughts. Neil had to acknowledge that Christy was indeed much more to him than just a patient. He cursed himself for so easily giving in to his desires. As he recalled the tender moments with her, his conscience accused him. "Selfish! Weak!" he spoke aloud, balling his fist. Christy had a reason for her clinging behavior: she was insensible with fever, responding to her dreams as though they were real. What excuse could Neil offer? If he really cared about her well-being, he must spare her the taint of his company. Neil reminded himself that he would never be free of Margaret's spiteful influence -- she could return at any time, disrupting his life and work. If Neil allowed Christy to become attached to him, she would certainly be hurt, and probably much worse. He recalled the furor in the Cove over their innocent chat at the river earlier that year. Did Christy deserve to be ruined through his weakness? His only relief was that she was probably too feverish and delirious to remember what had happened that evening. At his cabin, Neil immersed himself in his books, recording his Lyleton visits. When he wrote the entry for Christy, he made a strong resolution. For Christy's own good he must never allow himself to be drawn in as he had been tonight. He climbed into bed, thankful for the exhaustion he felt. He hoped sleep would come quickly, and that he wouldn't be tormented with thoughts of Christy or Margaret. ................... Fever, Chapter 11 by Annie ................... The mission house was quiet when Neil returned late the next morning. Its inhabitants were at the Sunday morning service. Neil heard singing from the church as he penned his horse. He waved to the group of men on the church steps before he entered the kitchen. He found a pot of coffee on the stove, as well as something that smelled like Fairlight's herbal tea. They were both lukewarm. Neil added wood to the fire-box, and in a few minutes poured a cup of each and set them on a small tray. With his saddle bags slung over his shoulder, he went quietly upstairs to Christy's room. He knocked very softly and peeked in. She was still sleeping. He relaxed into the seat by the bed and set the tray on the floor. Neil gazed at Christy's lovely peaceful face and recalled another time he'd sat in this very place, watching her sleep. Today he refrained from touching her at all, although the temptation to stroke her hair and hand was just as strong. Her soft cheek was just as inviting. When Christy began to stir, Neil reminded himself of his resolution. He took a deep breath as Christy's blue eyes came to rest on him. "Have you been here all night?" she asked. She winced slightly as she shifted in bed, but didn't seem to be in much pain. She rubbed the corners of her eyes and then brushed her hair back from her face. "No, I just got here a few minutes ago. Are you feeling better?" "A little," she said. "At least I didn't have any nightmares." "Good." "Mmm, that coffee smells wonderful" She smiled at him, and seemed disappointed that he didn't return the smile. "Does it? Well, you're not quite ready for coffee," he replied, keeping his voice even. "Fairlight brewed some of her Granny's tea for you." Neil carefully propped Christy up with a pillow. "Comfortable? Here you go," he said as he handed her the cup, and then reached for his coffee. Christy was clearly dismayed by Neil's behavior. Maybe she did remember how he'd behaved last night. Her eyes stayed on him as she sipped her tea, though she didn't speak. When Christy was done drinking, Neil took the cup from her and began his examination. He was aware of her growing distress, but he kept up a brisk flow of talk, maintaining his strict self-control. Better a little sadness now, Neil thought, than the serious pain that might come later. "We'll have to be careful in these next few days to be sure there's no relapse," he said as he placed the thermometer in Christy's mouth. "If you overtax your strength, the fever could return." Christy's lungs sounded clear, and her heart rate was normal, but her temperature was still over one hundred. "That's an improvement," he said, "but you'll have to stay right where you are until I say so. No arguments, no exceptions. Do you understand?" "Yes, Doctor." She seemed to be tiring quickly. Neil prepared a dose of aspirin for her, which she took in silence. "I won't change the bandages just now," Neil said. "It can wait until this evening." As Neil began to rise, Christy said, "Neil? Have I done something to--" She leaned forward and stretched her arms toward him, but immediately inhaled sharply with a hiss. "Easy, Christy, lean back now. You don't realize how weak you are. Did you feel any of the stitches pull?" "No." "Rest for a minute, let it pass." Christy closed her eyes, and Neil studied her face, watching as the lines of pain gradually cleared away. Suddenly Christy met his gaze, and he knew she'd recognized his worried, guilty expression. He understood her concern and curiosity, but he mustn't respond. Her sad eyes cut him to the heart. Neil quickly repacked his bag and stood to leave. On the desk, neatly folded, lay the shirt he'd lent her. He started to tuck it under his arm, but then turned to Christy. She was wearing her chemise, and now pulled the blanket a little higher on her chest. "Do you still want this?" he asked, wishing that Fairlight would appear. "Yes, please." Neil masked his uneasiness, and helped Christy into the shirt. He avoided looking at her as he fastened the buttons. Neil said something about getting to another patient, and then left. It was all he could do to keep from running from her room. * * * Christy sat alone in her room for a long time after Neil left. She'd often been perplexed by Neil MacNeill, but this morning he had been more confusing than ever before. He'd been so kind last night -- why did he close himself away from her now? He must know how it hurt her to be treated so coldly. Was he worried about her infection? Was he afraid to tell her bad news? Christy felt weak, but she was certainly better than the past two days. Neil had said she was improving, and she knew he wouldn't lie to her. As she idly fingered the buttons on Neil's shirt, Christy tried to find a reason for his behavior. It was possible that he felt guilty because he didn't want to teach at the adult school -- but that didn't seem likely, either. Her thoughts came around to Margaret, and suddenly Christy was sure she understood. If Neil had heard from his wife, it was bound to be bad news. He wouldn't want to talk about it. Now his withdrawal, his worry, and his look of guilt made sense. When Christy heard voices in the house, she knew the church service was over. In another minute, Fairlight peeked in the door. "Come in," Christy said with a smile. "I'm sure glad to see you sittin' up again," said Fairlight. "We was afeard for a while, what with your bad dreams and burnin' up with fever." Fairlight sat on the edge of bed and felt Christy's forehead. "Ruby Mae said you was sound asleep when they left for the church meetin'." "I'm feeling better now," Christy said. "Thank the Lord. I can't stay long, but I had to see if you needed anything." Christy shook her head. "No, thanks. I owe you an apology, Fairlight." "For what?" "I should never have gone to school, but I was just too stubborn to admit you were right." "All's forgiven," Fairlight said. "Don't you worry no more 'bout that." She bent to pick up the tray and cups from the floor. "Did Neil come by already?" "Yes," Christy said. "He brought me some of your tea. Can you stay a minute? I need to ask you something." Christy wanted Fairlight's advice about Neil. However, the sound of someone racing up the stairs put an end to their private conversation. ................... Fever, Chapter 12 by Annie ................... Ruby Mae rushed to the side of the bed across from Fairlight and dropped to her knees. "See, Mrs. Spencer?" she said, "I told you she'd be wakened up by now. Miss Christy, are you feelin' better?" Christy didn't even take a breath to reply before Ruby Mae said, "You was so bad off, and all that time I was worryin' and wishin' I could do somethin' for you. Mr. Scott and Reverend Grantland, they told me to pray." "That's what you oughta do," Fairlight said. "I did, real hard." "Thank you," Christy said. "God answered your prayers, because I'm starting to feel better now." She touched Ruby Mae's hair, which was looking a little wild. "If you come by later, I'll see if I can brush your hair out with my one hand." She grinned at Fairlight and added, "As long as I don't get too tired." "I'll be ever so beholden, Miss Christy. I have the most ornery hair! Is it all right, Mrs. Spencer?" asked Ruby Mae "I reckon, if Miss Christy ain't too wore out." "Yes ma'am," Ruby Mae said. "You know, Doc MacNeill wouldn't let me in here last night on account of your fever. Him and Preacher was argufyin' about you." Christy looked curiously at Fairlight, who shrugged and shook her head. "What do you mean?" Christy asked. Ruby Mae propped her elbows on the bed, and rested her chin on her fists. "As best as I could tell, Preacher said the Doc wasn't doin' right by you. Then Doc MacNeill told him he oughta let him do the doctorin', and mind his own business. Mr. Scott was sittin' right smack betwix 'em, but he never had a chance to say nothin'. They didn't hardly shout, so I couldn't make out for sure what they was sayin'." Christy and Fairlight looked at each other in surprise for a moment, and then both turned their eyes on the girl. "Ruby Mae Morrison," said Fairlight, "Was you a-spyin' on them?" From Ruby Mae's downcast eyes, Christy knew that the girl had indeed been eavesdropping. "You know it's wrong!" Christy said. "I'm real sorry," Ruby Mae said. "I never meant to do nothin' bad, but I guess I wanted to know in the worst way if you was gonna be okay." She looked contrite, wringing the bedclothes in her hands. "Ruby Mae," said Christy, "I am disappointed. I hope this will never happen again. And now I think you'd better get down to the kitchen and start cooking dinner." "Yes, ma'am." She dragged her feet as she went out. Fairlight called after her, "And heat up some soup for Miss Christy!" She turned back to Christy with a wry grin. "That girl's hide oughta be tanned. But it ain't really no secret that them two men don't see eye to eye 'bout you. I know Preacher's fit to be tied over you wearin' Neil's shirt like this." She plucked at the empty sleeve. "His shirt? But Fairlight, that's ridiculous," Christy said. "I can't fit into my own clothes with these bandages and the sling. Why is David upset over that?" Christy fingered the material of the shirt. "He told me he don't think it's proper. You and I know it's just a piece of cloth, but there's no accountin' for people's feelin's." "It's only a shirt," Christy said. She felt a little dishonest, since she had enjoyed the comfort of Neil's soft shirt, and had even indulged in a little daydreaming when he'd first lent it to her. Fairlight looked Christy squarely in the eye. "The Preacher sure has feelin's for you, and he made it real clear. He thinks if he keeps on tryin' and askin', you'll come round." "But I don't know if I want to marry him," Christy said. "Sooner or later, you gotta make up your mind." "I know." Fairlight stood and straightened her dress. "Well, I'd best be gettin' on. Jeb and the young'uns must be wonderin' what's become of me." "Fairlight, stay just one more minute, please. I need to ask you something." Christy held out her uninjured hand, and Fairlight sat down on the edge of the chair. Now that she'd come to it, Christy wasn't sure how to proceed. Her hand nervously stroked the fabric of the shirt. "Do you know," she asked, "if Doctor MacNeill has heard from his wife lately?" Fairlight's eyes opened wide. "His wife? Why do you ask?" "Well, I think I know why he's been acting like a stranger to me," Christy said. "Maybe he's heard about Margaret, maybe there's trouble. I can't explain it -- I just have a feeling." Now that she'd spoken her idea out loud, Christy thought it sounded ridiculous, but Fairlight remained serious. "It might be somethin' like that," Fairlight said. "But you won't be doin' Neil no favors by tryin' to butt in with help, Christy. Them two have to work things out by theirselves. If he needs some breathin' space, then his friends got to respect him and let him do what he sees fit." Fairlight rose again, picked up the tray from the floor, and left Christy to her thoughts. Christy knew Fairlight was right about David. He deserved an honest answer once and for all about marriage --but Christy didn't know what she wanted. She was even more confused about Neil. If he was struggling with problems, she couldn't bear to see him suffer alone. But Fairlight was right -- he wouldn't want Christy to intrude. Christy slid down in the bed a little, and shifted until her shoulder and arm felt comfortable. She found herself longing for her mother, or for Miss Alice. She tried to focus her mind, but was fast asleep within a few minutes. * * * Christy was having the dream again. She ran from the school house steps toward the meadow, where Neil waited on his horse. His smile was relaxed as he reached down for her. She vaulted up behind him, and then wrapped her arms tightly about his waist. He spurred the horse, and they flew though fields and woods. Christy peeked over Neil's shoulder as the horse jumped a small stream. The jolt of landing woke her. She kept her eyes closed, and though the details of the dream quickly faded, she retained the happiness of the memory. "Christy?" It was David's voice! Her eyes opened on him sitting next to her bed, with the tray and a bowl of soup on his knees. "Sorry," he said. "I wasn't sure if you were still asleep. How are you feeling?" She blinked a few times and took a deep breath. "A little better, thanks." She glanced toward the window and asked, "What time is it? I fell asleep after Fairlight and Ruby Mae were here." "It's nearly four o'clock. You've been getting plenty of sleep, but you must be hungry by now." David lifted the bowl. "Can I interest you in some of Ruby Mae's vegetable soup? She guarantees it's free of possum." This brought a smile to her lips. David placed another pillow behind her, and insisted on feeding her, although she felt well enough to manage it herself. "Please -- for my sake," he said. "Well, all right, but I feel silly." "You had us all worried, Christy. Thank God you're on the mend." As Christy ate, David talked pleasantly about the church service. The mountain folk had asked about her, and were hoping for her quick recovery. The children were especially concerned, and sent their love and their best wishes. When the soup was gone, David set the tray on the desk and returned to the chair, drawing it even closer. He gently took her hand, and leaned over to kiss her forehead softly. "I'm going to make sure you get plenty of rest. You just concentrate on getting better." He raised her palm to his cheek and held it there. Christy didn't have the energy to argue about their relationship, but she didn't want him to continue like this. She slid her hand away as she said, "David, we need to talk about school. Thank you so much for teaching. We have to plan the lessons--" "Don't worry about school," David said. "Everything will be just fine. Your Junior Teachers have been a big help, and the children are behaving very well." "But they ought to begin preparing for the Thanksgiving pageant," she said. "I started to write out the parts before I got hurt. If you could bring me my lesson books, I'll work on it little by little until I come back to school. I don't think Neil will object." She noticed a darker look at the mention of the doctor. "But I object, Christy," David said. "I can't allow you to wear yourself out." Christy was annoyed that David wanted to run her life, but once again decided to avoid conflict. She kept her voice calm. "I'm sure it'll be all right, David. I'll ask the doctor when he comes back." "That reminds me, Christy," David said. "I have something else to say to you." There was something in his somber face and voice that sent a shiver of alarm through Christy. "What is it?" she asked. ................... Fever, Chapter 13 by Annie ................... Christy's heart pounded as she shifted slightly on the bed, leaning back into her pillow as she waited for David to continue. She wished he wasn't sitting so close. "I know you've been ill," David said slowly, "but never forget that you have a great influence on the children of the Cove. You've got to be careful that your conduct is above reproach at all times. Ruby Mae and a lot of the girls look to you as their example." "David, I don't understand what you're talking about. Has something happened to Ruby Mae?" He rested his hands on his legs and leaned forward. "Christy," he said, "you know I care about you very much. I don't want to burden you while you're sick, but I must correct what I see to be wrong. Please believe me that I have your best interest at heart." Christy didn't reply. There was an accusation behind his words of concern. She dreaded what was to come. "I don't blame you for this," David said, "but it's not proper for you to be wearing MacNeill's clothing." The intensity of his eyes as he glanced down at the borrowed shirt was overwhelming. "What!" "It would be a disastrous example for you, an unmarried girl, to be too familiar with any man of the Cove -- especially a married man." "David, I--" "I know that nothing is going on," David said, "but when he spends so much time alone with you, you must be careful to avoid even the appearance of evil." "Evil!" Fairlight had warned her, but Christy was still stunned by David's jealousy. She took a few deep breaths before she continued. "David, what on earth do you mean? I'm sick and I can't get out of this bed. I have bandages wrapped an inch thick around my arm. Doctor MacNeill has been completely proper in his behavior." David crossed his arms on his chest. "Hmm!" "He has! I can't believe you're so upset about a shirt." "I was afraid you'd react this way, Christy," he said. "I'm sorry to upset you, but you must see that this intimacy is completely outside the bounds of acceptable behavior." "Oh, but it's fine for you to be alone with me," Christy said, "to hold my hand, to kiss me?" She didn't allow him to answer, but quickly added, "I think you'd better go now." Christy turned her face away from David as he slowly stood and moved toward the door. He said, "I hope you won't think so badly of me once you consider this more coolly and rationally." She refused to look at him. After the door closed and his footsteps retreated down the stairs, the tears she'd been holding back finally filled her eyes and coursed down her cheeks. * * * To Christy's relief, Daniel Scott came alone that evening to check on her. She wasn't ready to face Neil, and was grateful that he was on a call out beyond Pebble Mountain. "You still have a low fever, Miss Christy," Dan said. "You ought to stay in bed for now." "All right," Christy said. She'd been quiet during Dan's visit, unable to engage in his attempts at conversation. "Are you feeling poorly?" Dan asked. "Not really, it's not my arm," she said. "Maybe I'm just tired." Dan pointed to her Bible on the beside table. "Would you like me to read to you?" "Thank you, I'd like that very much." Dan opened to the book of Acts and read the first few chapters to her. He was a fine reader, and Christy immediately became absorbed in the story. As he closed the Bible, Dan said, "What an exciting time that must have been to be alive. Think of all the miracles, the preaching, and so many people being saved. Don't you sometimes envy those early Christians, Miss Christy?" "I guess I never thought of it that way," she said. "Yes, it must have been exciting. It was probably frightening at times, too." "Oh, yes. But to see God at work in such a wondrous, powerful way! My father always said that God doesn't change -- we change, and our times change, so we see Him differently. But He's still the same God." Dan stood and placed the Bible back on the bedside table. As Dan reached for his coat, Christy asked, "Do you pray a lot, Dan?" "You could say I bend God's ear," he answered with a grin. "I'm afraid I complain more than I ought, but He doesn't hold that against me. Miss Hattie's taught me about talking to the Lord." "I have a lot to learn," Christy said. She gathered her courage and then asked, "Dan, do you wish Cecile could be here?" Dan had started to put his coat on, and now he stopped in surprise, with one arm halfway into the sleeve. Christy rushed on, feeling self-conscious. "Because I was thinking that your cabin is almost built, and maybe when it's finished, the Mission could help to bring her here. I mean -- that is, if you think it's a good idea." She saw that Dan was not displeased by her suggestion. He finished pulling on his coat and then stroked his beard for a moment. "That's a mighty tempting offer, Miss Christy," he said. "Thank you for thinking of us, but I'm just not ready yet. There are so many things I have to do before Cecile can come to Cutter Gap." "Of course." "Besides, she's not sure what she wants to do about the school at the settlement. It might be springtime before they can find someone to replace her." "I understand." "But I do thank you for the thought." Dan picked up his hat from the desk as he headed for the doorway. "Good night, Miss Christy." As soon as Dan was gone, Christy prayed and brought all her worries to the Lord. She was embarrassed that she'd gone so long without seeking God's help. She was still concerned about David and Neil and the school, but now she sensed God's strong peaceful presence around her as she drifted off to sleep that night. * * * All through the next morning Christy felt herself gradually gaining strength. She couldn't move her injured arm much, but the pain was significantly less, and her fever seemed to be gone. Fairlight declared that Christy was still too warm to be up and about. Christy persuaded her to bring the Thanksgiving play parts, which were soon scattered across the bedspread and floor. The day was sunny, and Christy wished she could get out of her room, which seemed too small and confining now. Discouraging thoughts started to encroach as the morning stretched on, but she remembered to seek God's help. When she found herself worrying, or when the loneliness of her room weighed on her heart, Christy turned the worry into a prayer. Shortly after lunch, Christy heard Ben Pentland's familiar call outside. A few minutes later Fairlight handed Christy a package sent by her father. It was a letter and a book. Christy eagerly devoured the letter and then scanned the book, which was an adult education text. She fell asleep with it open on her lap, and awoke to a light knock at her door. ................... Fever, Chapter 14 by Annie ................... Dr. MacNeill stood in the doorway, holding a tray in his hand. Christy shook off her sleepiness and took a cautious look at his face as he set the tea and cornbread on the desk and then shed his jacket. He seemed relaxed. "Interesting book?" he asked with a grin. He pointed to the open book on her lap. "Actually, yes," Christy said. "My father sent this to me." "I'm glad to see you're getting a lot of sleep," he said. "That's your best medicine right now." Christy smiled hesitantly at Neil as he approached and gathered the papers from around the bedspread and floor. She wasn't sure how to interpret his mild, pleasant demeanor, and after her argument with David, she wasn't sure how she should act. Neil straightened the papers into a pile, lay them on top of her Bible, and then sat down next to her bed. "Fairlight says you've been restless today," Neil said. He tilted his head toward the papers. "Is that for the children?" "Yes, I'm writing out the parts for the Thanksgiving pageant." Then, thinking Neil might disapprove, she added, "I asked Fairlight to bring it to me. I'm feeling much better now." But his expression was thoughtful. His voice was low and soft. "You miss them, don't you? Even sick, you cannot bear to be away from the children." Christy stared, not sure how to respond. Neil continued, "They miss you, too." "I do miss them." Christy met Neil's gaze, but his look of openness and compassion quickly changed. "Well now," he said, taking a deep breath. "Let me examine you, and then you can have some tea. I hope your appetite is coming back." Neil's cool, business-like manner returned, but that brief moment of understanding convinced Christy that he was indeed hiding some troubles. She badly wanted to question him and offer help, but she recalled Fairlight's warning against interfering. Her temperature had dropped to ninety-nine degrees, and the swelling around her wounds had finally disappeared. "You won't need the bandages or the sling now," Neil said. "The sutures can come out in a few days. Then we'll have to see about doing some exercises for your arm." He rearranged the pillows so that she was sitting up a little straighter. "You've hardly moved in a week, and the muscles will have to be stretched gradually." Neil retrieved the tray from the desk, and offered Christy a cup of Fairlight's herb tea. He put a plate with cornbread on her lap. "See if you can use your left hand to eat." She managed to raise her arm easily at first, but soon was too sore to go on. "I feel so helpless," she said. "I can't bear to be stuck in this bed and in this room, but look at me! I can't even lift my arm. I wish I could get downstairs to sit by the fireplace." Christy sighed, knowing it was impossible. She blinked back tears of frustration, and looked down into her lap to keep him from seeing her childish distress. "Your strength is coming back, Christy." "Yes, but--" Christy didn't trust her voice to continue. "You must be patient," he said. "Maybe you can go downstairs tomorrow." She was silent as he took her tea cup and the plate. She hoped he would leave soon, but he remained in the chair. Christy grew annoyed -- if Neil was waiting to see her cry, he was going to be disappointed. Finally he spoke. "It's been a mild day. Would you like to step out onto your balcony for a few minutes?" Christy's eyes were immediately on his face, to see if she'd understood him correctly. He held his hand out toward the glass doors. "Yes," she said, "that would be wonderful." "We'll have to take it very slowly," he said. "If you try to do too much, you'll hurt yourself again." Christy was so thrilled at his proposal that she hardly heard him. She was just about to throw back the covers when his hand landed on the bed beside her. "Whoa there! Don't go anywhere yet. You'll need shoes, and a coat or sweater. Do you want me to call--" "My coat's on the hook behind the door," she said, "and there are my shoes -- right there, under the desk." Christy saw Neil's amused smile, but she was finally getting out of this bed, and it didn't matter what he thought. She waited impatiently for him to collect her things. Neil did not hand her the coat or shoes. Instead, he sat down again. "Listen to me now, Christy," he said. "I know you're eager to be up and about, but it was just such eagerness that tore your stitches and brought on the fever. Do you understand?" She nodded, but he continued to look at her sternly until she leaned back against the pillows, still smiling broadly. "Yes, Doctor," Christy said, "I promise to go slowly." "That's better." Neil helped Christy to sit on the edge of the bed, and then he put on and laced her shoes. He draped her coat over her shoulders, and also took a scarf from the hook and wrapped it around her throat. "All right," he said, "give me your right hand. Lean on me as you stand up." As she walked unsteadily toward the balcony, Christy realized that she would not have been able to make it down the stairs and into the rooms below. "Wait," Neil said. Before he opened the doors, Neil grabbed his own jacket and put it around her shoulders on top of her coat. He gently pulled it closed and fastened one button. The view of the mountain ranges in the late afternoon sun was always breathtaking. Christy remembered how astounded she had been at this sight on her very first morning in Cutter Gap. "Isn't it beautiful?" Christy asked. "This is my favorite place to look at the mountains. I could never get tired of this." "Yes, it's lovely," he said. They stood side by side for a few minutes. Christy decided to risk a question. "Neil, you weren't angry with me yesterday, were you?" She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "No, not at all." "Good." Christy didn't know if she should pursue her question further, but before she could speak, she suddenly felt dizzy. Neil must have noticed the change immediately. She felt his arm around her waist, gently turning her back toward the bedroom. "What is it?" he asked. "I feel a little light-headed." In contrast, her legs and feet seemed very heavy, and Christy had to lean on Neil to take the few steps into the room. She sank into the nearest chair, watching as Neil closed the balcony doors and came to kneel beside her. He lightly held her face and looked into her eyes. "Can you see clearly? Is the dizziness gone now?" "Yes," said Christy, "it only lasted a few seconds." She tried to answer confidently, but she felt more than a little flustered by Neil's gentle touch on her face. Neil instructed her to take some deep breaths. "How do you feel now?" "All right, I think." "What about your shoulder or arm?" he asked. "Did you feel any sharp pain?" "No, it's just the same dull pain that I've felt all day. I hardly notice it." Neil unbuttoned his jacket from her and turned it back over the chair. He unwrapped the scarf from her neck. Christy asked, "Should I go back to the bed?" "Not yet." Neil held her wrist and checked her pulse. "It's about what I would expect after such strenuous exercise, Miss Huddleston." She smiled at the joke, and noticed that his business-like demeanor was returning once again. If only she knew what this was all about. She longed to break through that wall. At least she'd gotten one glimpse into him today -- maybe she could get a little further tomorrow. Neil watched Christy for another minute until she felt steady, and then helped her to the bed. He removed her coat and shoes, tucked her back in, and sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. "Feel all right now?" he asked. "Yes, thank you. You don't know how badly I needed to get out of this bed, even for a little while." "That was enough for today," he said. "Why don't you take a little nap now, and I'll ask Fairlight to send up your supper later on." Christy touched his arm. "Will you stay until I fall asleep?" Neil looked uncomfortable, but he agreed. Christy didn't take long to drift off to sleep. As her eyes closed, she wondered if she and Neil would ever be truly at ease with each other again. ................... Fever, Chapter 15 by Annie ................... By the following day, Christy knew she was improving rapidly. Once in the morning, and again in the afternoon Fairlight accompanied her onto the balcony. They walked slowly back and forth in the sun as they chatted. Christy felt much steadier, and there was no repeat of the dizzy spell, although she did appreciate taking a nap afterward. Later that evening Christy was hard at work on the Thanksgiving play, with papers once more spread out around the room. She heard footsteps coming up the stairs. In a moment David stood in the doorway, with Ruby Mae at his shoulder. They smiled at Christy as though they shared a joke. Christy pushed her papers aside as a happy anticipation suddenly took hold of her. "What is it?" David rubbed his hands together and asked, "Are you feeling well tonight, Miss Huddleston?" He stood aside to let Ruby Mae enter. "Miss Christy, looky what I got for you." Ruby Mae held up a dressing gown which Christy recognized as her own. A pink ribbon tied in a bow was pinned on the front. "Mrs. Spencer and me borrowed it while you was sleepin'." "I don't understand," Christy said, looking at David. "Tell her, Ruby Mae," he said, smiling broadly. "We done got up a surprise party for you!" Ruby Mae said. "A party?" Ruby Mae sat on the foot of the bed and hugged the robe. "Oh, Miss Christy, Doc MacNeill said if you was feelin' peart today you could come downstairs, so me and Preacher and Mrs. Spencer made up a tea party. Mrs. Spencer, she had to go home, but she made the most wondrous cake. I wish I could cook as good as her." Christy looked at them in astonishment, unable to reply. "Everything is prepared for us downstairs," David said. "Ruby Mae will help you get ready, and I'll be out here if you need me." With that, he stepped into the hall and closed the door behind him. Ruby Mae couldn't control her excitement as she brushed out Christy's hair, put on her shoes, and helped her into the dressing gown. They stood together for a moment smiling into the mirror before Ruby Mae called out, "Preacher? Miss Christy's ready." David sent Ruby Mae downstairs and then offered his arm to Christy. "Hold on tight," he said. They paused at the top of the stairs as he looked down at her inquiringly. Christy nodded eagerly, and they slowly descended to the rooms below, with David staying one step below her. The entire first floor was brightly lit, and as they turned toward the parlor, Christy saw Ruby Mae waiting to greet her. The fireplace had never been such a welcome sight. The most comfortable chair was fitted with a feather pillow to rest her arm, and the table was laid with their finest tea set. Ruby Mae was bouncing up and down on her heels with excitement as David guided Christy to her special seat of honor. Christy smiled brightly at them both. "Thank you so much" she said. "Everything looks beautiful. This is the nicest surprise I could have had." Ruby Mae placed a tea tray in Christy's lap, and began to serve her: first a cup of tea and then Fairlight's shortcake with raspberry preserves and cream. "Oh, Miss Christy," Ruby Mae said, "ain't this the grandest china? It feels so smooth and soft-like, I'm almost afeard to pick it up." Although not very elegant by Asheville standards, the tea set was finer than anything owned by any resident of Cutter Gap. For tonight, Christy was happy to agree with Ruby Mae. When they were done eating, David presented Christy with a collection of drawings and letters from the children. With David sitting on one side of her and Ruby Mae on the other, Christy read through the entire stack, enjoying each message and picture. Christy was relieved by David's behavior. He was relaxed and jovial as he and Ruby Mae described the events of the school day. He seemed to have forgotten their argument. When Christy expressed concern that David was handling all of her work as well as his own, he wouldn't hear of it. "Christy," he said, "all you have to concentrate on now is getting better. It's great that you can work on the Thanksgiving play, but we're managing just fine." "I know, but I miss them so much." David nodded. "Of course, the children will be overjoyed to have you back, but it's important for you to take your recovery one day at a time." He glanced at the clock on the mantle and reached out to take the papers from Christy. "How are you feeling?" "I'm still okay, thanks," Christy said, "but I think I'd like to get back to bed." She turned to look at the girl beside her. "Ruby Mae, thank you for this wonderful surprise party. Everything was just perfect." The smile that glowed from Ruby Mae's face told Christy that she wasn't the only one who had benefited from the evening. The climb back up the stairs was slow, with several stops for Christy to rest. David offered to carry her, but Christy insisted on completing the trip herself. She thought she caught a slight look of annoyance. Even if he was upset at her stubbornness, Christy was determined to make it on her own two feet. Once in her room, David started to steer her toward the bed, but she halted at the chair. "David, can you stay for a few minutes? We need to talk." She seated herself, and looked up at him. He sat gingerly on the corner of the bed nearest her and rested his hands on his knees. "Of course," he said. Christy noticed a wrinkle of worry on David's forehead, and guessed he was remembering their argument about Neil's shirt. She definitely didn't want to raise that topic again. "Thank you so much for the party," Christy said. "I couldn't have asked for a nicer surprise." His look of anxiety was replaced with a warm smile as she continued. "I also want to thank you for being so considerate tonight. I'm afraid we haven't been getting along very well lately, and it's wonderful to feel like our old selves again." "I feel the same way," David said. "I know I haven't been fair to you -- I keep avoiding you and putting you off." "No, Christy, you're not unfair." "I haven't been fair," she said, "because I want things to be like they were, before..." "You don't have to--" "I owe you an answer to your proposal, David, but the truth is, I just don't have one." Christy caught the belt of her robe and began to wind it about her fingers. "Maybe my answer is that I need to stay the way I am for now -- teaching the children. If I have so many doubts, isn't it right to wait until I feel sure?" David leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "Of course it's right," he said. "I care too much about you to pressure you into a decision. But I need to know if there is hope." "Oh, David, please..." He held out his hand, and Christy automatically placed hers in it. "Christy, I know how important the children are to you, and I wouldn't ask you to leave them. Do you know how important you are to me?" "Please," she whispered, "I can't give you the answer you want. I've been trying to pray for guidance." Christy gently withdrew her hand. "I need you to be my friend while I find God's answer." David sat up straight as an odd look passed briefly over his face. "I will be your friend. And I'll pray, too, I promise." He stood and took a step toward the door. "You need your rest now. Ruby Mae will come right up to help you." "Good night, David." Christy felt a strange combination of relief and worry after he was gone. David had been relaxed and comfortable tonight, and she truly believed that he would do as he'd promised. But she was just as far from an answer as she'd ever been. Did she love him enough to marry him? How would she know if she did? Christy felt weariness settling in, as though she'd been holding it back during her discussion with David. When Ruby Mae appeared at the door, not two minutes later, Christy was longing to be in bed, though she could hardly move. Chisty didn't interrupt the chatter about their party as Ruby Mae helped her to the bed and tucked her in. "Ruby Mae," Christy asked, "would you mind reading to me a little? I want to read from my Bible before I go to sleep, but I feel so worn out I don't think I could hold it up." Christy pointed to the book where it lay on the bedside table. "Is it all right for me to read the Bible? Ain't we supposed to be in the church or somethin'?" Ruby Mae curled her hands against her chest. "Ruby Mae, this is God's word. How are we going to know what God is like, or what He wants, unless we read it? That's what Miss Alice says." Christy pointed again. "Please?" After a little more encouragement, Ruby Mae finally picked up the Bible and sat next to Christy on the bed. There was a bookmark in John, where Christy and Fairlight had been reading earlier. With assistance from Christy, she read the first part of chapter ten. "Miss Christy! I recollect the Preacher speakin' about the Good Shepherd. Is this the same scripture?" "Yes, you're right." "Ain't that a wonder?" Christy's drooping eyelids and a yawn that couldn't be stifled finally caught Ruby Mae's attention. "Here I sit, yammerin' your ear off!" Ruby Mae said. "Mrs. Spencer says I could talk whilst the house was burnin' down about me. She did tell me real particular not to wear you out, so I'm gonna git now." "Thank you for everything, Ruby Mae," Christy said. As Ruby Mae climbed off the bed, she turned back with a big smile. "That sure was a real fine party, wasn't it?" ................... Fever, Chapter 16 by Annie ................... In the morning, with help from Fairlight, Christy dressed and came downstairs for breakfast. School was already in session, and Little Guy was feeding the chickens, so the house was quiet as the two women sat at the kitchen table. "Fairlight," Christy asked, "how did you ever manage to keep Ruby Mae from telling me about the party?" "I can't believe that gal didn't swell up and bust from not tellin'." Fairlight shook her head. "When Neil told us you could come downstairs, Ruby Mae had the idea for the surprise party, right off. I reckon since it was her own secret, she better keep it." "It was lovely -- everything was delicious." A sly look came into Fairlight's eyes. "Ruby Mae says you and Reverend Grantland kinda made up last night. Did you?" Christy studied her coffee cup for a while. "In a way. At least I think we made peace." "What happened?" "I told him I couldn't marry him, that I need to be here with the children right now. David was very considerate." "You flat out told him `No'? And you call that makin' peace?" "No, it wasn't like that," Christy said. "I just told him I couldn't make a decision now. The only thing I'm sure of is my teaching. I think he understood." "Well, that'll only do for a while," Fairlight said. "He's gonna come back around to courtin' when he reckons he waited long enough. You ain't treatin' him fair." Christy was about to protest when they heard the sound of masculine laughter in the yard. In a few moments Neil MacNeill and Dan Scott entered the kitchen. Neil was carrying his saddle bags and an empty bowl. Under Dan's arm was a giggling little boy. "Miss Huddleston! Mrs. Spencer!" the doctor said. "Mr. Scott and I found a fox in your hen house. We caught him before he could steal the chickens." "And here he is," Dan added as he held up Little Guy, laughing and squirming. Fairlight put her hands on her hips as she said, "A fox! What have you done with my Least'un, Mr. Fox?" She reached for her son, and then sat down with the boy on her lap. "I'll teach you a lesson, you wily old critter." Little Guy laughed with delight as she began to tickle him. When she stopped, he barely caught his breath before he asked for more. Fairlight smiled up at the others. "You go on with Christy now. I better not let Mr. Fox outta my sight." Neil handed his saddle bags to Dan, and turned to help Christy to her feet. In a low voice he said, "We're going to take the stitches out. Do you want Fairlight to come with us?" Christy looked at him, and then over at the mother and child. "I guess not," Christy said. "Fairlight's so busy. I'll be okay." The climb up the stairs was slow, but Christy noticed with pleasure how much steadier she felt than last night. At the door of her room she paused. "Could you wait here while I..." Now that she was dressed normally and walking about, her embarrassment returned. She was a little sorry that she hadn't asked Fairlight to come. "Of course," Neil said. "Why don't you sit by the desk when you're ready, so we can use the light from the window." Christy didn't look up at the two men when they entered her room. She was relieved that they didn't pay as much attention to her as to the job of removing the sutures. Though the sensation was strange, Christy didn't feel the pain she had expected. Dr. MacNeill questioned Dan about the condition of the wound and therapy to restore strength to the muscles. When the men finished, they turned away and talked quietly to allow Christy time to button up her blouse. "Christy," said Neil once they rejoined her, "you're healing very well. I'd like you to rest right now, but if you feel up to it, you can pay a short visit to the school this afternoon. "Oh, thank you!" "Short, mind you," Neil said. "You're not to do anything but sit and watch, do you hear?" "Yes, I promise," she said. "It's been so long since I saw them all." "All right, then," said Neil, with a very small grin. "We'll tell Fairlight on our way out. Dan and I are going to visit Opal's daughter, and then Granny Barclay." "What's wrong with Iris?" asked Christy, her smile evaporating quickly. She rose from the chair and faced Neil squarely. "Don't worry, Christy," Neil said. "I don't think the wee one is sick at all." "Mr. McHone heard her coughing," Dan added, "and called for the doctor. He worries about that little girl." "So do I," Christy replied. "She's such a precious gift to that family." Neil packed away his instruments. "It's Granny Barclay we should be concerned about." "Why's that?" Dan asked. "You've never been there, Dan," Neil said. "She's as stubborn as they come. I don't know if she'll let either of us in her house once she gets a look at you." "I ought to be used to that by now," Dan said. "It's a good thing I'm stubborn, too." The men chuckled, but Christy turned back to Neil, still thinking of the McHone's daughter. "Is little Iris really all right?" Neil touched Christy's shoulder briefly. "Rest your mind about Iris. The child had a rough start, but now she's sturdier than Tom's own three boys. Speaking of rest..." Neil laid his hand on a blanket which lay across the foot of the bed as he added, "It's a little cool in here -- will you want this over you?" Christy had hoped for a chance to speak alone with Neil, since he seemed to be in such a pleasant mood, but now realized it was impossible. She picked up the blanket and sat on the bed. "All right, I get the message, Doctor," she said. "May I at least work on the Thanksgiving play?" "Of course. Try to use your left arm, unless it hurts. Maybe you should read that book you had the other day," Neil said with a grin. "The sleep will do you good." Christy had to smile, too -- she'd fallen asleep more than once while trying to study the text on adult education her father had sent. Christy settled herself on the bed, and called out as the men were leaving. "Doctor MacNeill?" He stopped in the doorway. "Will you be back again today?" "I don't know. Is anything wrong?" "No," she said, "I -- I just wondered... I need to talk to you about the adult school sometime." Neil's face was unreadable. "I'll see if I can stop by later." * * * Christy was refreshed and feeling strong by lunch time. She pulled a shawl over her shoulders and ventured onto the porch while the children were playing outside. Little Burl and Sam Houston were the first to notice her there. "Teacher! Looky, it's Teacher!" they called as they raced toward the mission house. In a minute, there was a crowd of children gathered below her. She saw David come out of the school house. "Teacher?" asked Little Burl, "When are you comin' back to school? We miss you somethin' powerful." Sam Houston's head nodded in agreement. "Preacher tries his best and all, but he just can't do the lessons like you, ma'am. You gotta come back soon." Christy smiled at the children. "Doctor MacNeill says I'm getting better every day. In fact, he said I can come and visit you for a little while this afternoon." This announcement caused a cheer. Ruby Mae, Zady and Bessie immediately started whispering together excitedly. David had reached them by now, and Christy repeated her news for him. "That's wonderful," he said. "I'll be glad to escort you there as soon as lunch time is over." Ruby Mae looked up from her conference with the other girls. "Preacher? Can we talk to you?" She caught his arm and pulled him into their circle as they took turns addressing him in urgent whispers. Creed Allen pushed his way into the group. Christy watched curiously as one child after another joined the hushed discussion. Finally David looked up at her. "Miss Huddleston, we need some time to clean up the classroom. Would it be all right if I came for you in--" He looked at the children. "--in about an hour?" The heads around him all nodded their approval. "Of course," Christy said. "I'll be right here when you're ready." Ruby Mae was sent upstairs to fetch Christy's Thanksgiving papers. When the children had gone back to school, Christy sat at the dining room table arranging the parts for the play. The hour flew by, and Christy was soon walking beside David toward the school. Her heart was racing with eager anticipation -- it felt like months since she'd been there, although it was only a little more than a week. The children had used the hour to decorate the classroom. No flowers were in bloom at this time of year, but colorful grasses, leaves and weeds were tied in small bouquets around the room. A garland of pine hung above the doorway, and another was draped over the blackboard, adding a lovely aroma to the room. 'Welcome Teacher' had been printed in bold letters across the board. David escorted her to a chair near the stove. The children were in a tumult of excitement at their teacher's return, and David was unable to calm the crowd. Christy saw that he was growing frustrated. She began to speak in a normal voice. "Children, I wonder if you would do me a big favor." Before she finished the sentence, the room had quieted down. All eyes were on her. "First of all," Christy said, "thank you for the beautiful pictures and letters you sent me. When I read them, I started feeling better right away. And now, I've really missed our singing time. John Spencer, will you lead the class in a few of our favorites? How about 'Blessed Assurance'?" John's harmonica was out of his pocket in an instant, and the children sang the hymn enthusiastically. They sang 'We Gather Together' next, and finished with their favorite, 'Sourwood Mountain'. When the children had settled down, David began the geography lesson. While David taught, Little Burl slipped out of his seat and came to Christy's side. "Teacher," he whispered, "are you really better?" His hand reached out to touch her arm gently. "I been mighty worried about you." Christy stroked Little Burl's head and leaned close to his ear to answer. "Yes Burl, I'm much better. I've missed you, too." She let him stay by her side for a little while before sending him back. The next one to drift away from David's lesson was Mountie. She didn't speak, but only gazed into Christy's eyes and smiled. One by one, the younger children -- and even some of the older ones -- came to stand near her, to hold her hand or touch her arm in sympathy, and to whisper their welcome. Christy allowed them each a minute before returning them to their desks. She'd missed their affection, and now inhaled the love just as she inhaled the sweet piney aroma of the garlands. David was instructing the children to take out their slates for an arithmetic lesson when Christy noticed a slight shadow of displeasure cross his face. She followed his look to the back of the room. Neil MacNeill stood in the doorway. The doctor made his way to the front, and leaned down to speak quietly to Christy, resting his hand on the back of her chair. His eyes examined her closely, but she met his gaze with a smile. "I'll take you back now, Christy," Neil said. "Are you feeling all right? Any dizziness or pain?" "No," she said, "I feel wonderful." "Good." "This visit has helped me more than resting in bed ever could." Christy took his arm as she stood. When they reached the door she stopped to thank David and the children for their welcome. "I promise to come again tomorrow," she said, "and I'll be back to teach as soon as I can." Christy and Neil descended the steps slowly, and had only gone a few yards toward the house when they heard a small voice behind them. "Doctor MacNeill?" They both turned to look. Becky O'Teale had followed them. "Doc?" Becky asked, grasping his sleeve, "Is Teacher gonna be okay? I know she was real sick." Christy smiled to hear the question, which David had answered half a dozen times during his lesson. Neil knelt down to speak to the girl, and Christy touched her hand on his shoulder to keep her balance. "Yes, Becky," he said, "Miss Christy was very sick, but now she's getting stronger every day. She'll have to be careful of her arm when she comes back to school, so she'll need someone to help her. Will you do that?" Becky nodded at him, and then looked up at Christy. "Yessir, I'd be proud to help." Neil lifted Becky in his arms to be at eye level with Christy. "See for yourself, Becky," he said. "Miss Christy's almost better now." Christy reached for Becky's hand and said, "I've missed you all very much." With one hand around Neil's neck and the other in Christy's hand, Becky smiled shyly at them both. Neil's coldness and reserve disappeared as they stood close to each other. "Have you had any trouble with your eyes, Becky?" Neil asked. "No sir, they don't hurt no more. I can see just fine with my glasses. I'm always real careful with 'em, too." "That's a good girl," he said. "I'm glad to hear it." Christy squeezed the girl's hand. "Becky, it's time for you to get back to class now. I'll see you again tomorrow." Neil lowered Becky to the ground, and she ran up the steps into the classroom, with one last look at them. They resumed their walk toward the mission house. Christy slipped her arm under Neil's; he bent his elbow to cradle her hand. "Tired?" he asked. "Just a little," she said. "Neil? How soon can I go back to teaching?" She looked up hopefully, not sure if he would be distant or friendly now. "The Thanksgiving pageant is just about ready -- maybe I could work on the parts with the children, and let David do the rest of the teaching." "Yes, I think you're ready for that now," Neil said. "Why don't you try a half day tomorrow?" Christy's grip tightened on his arm, and her smile widened. "But don't push yourself too hard, Christy. Promise me." "I promise. Thank you, Neil." They reached the mission house, and Neil led her into the kitchen. She watched as he moved the coffee pot onto the center of the stove to heat up. He took a seat across the table from Christy and asked, "So, you want to talk to me about the adult school?" "Yes, I do." Christy looked him in the eye seriously. "And a few other things, too." ................... Fever, Chapter 17 by Annie ................... The kitchen was quiet except for the rumbling noise of the coffee beginning to percolate. Neil braced himself as he met Christy's intense gaze. He was sure he knew what was coming. Christy had been trying to draw him out for some time, and her eyes told him that she meant to try again. He quickly made up his mind what to do, though he felt himself trembling. "Christy," he said, "before we talk about your adult school, there's something I need to tell you." "If you don't want to teach any more, please tell me now." "No, that's not it. I will teach, I swear it. But I have something else to say to you." Neil stood and reached into the cupboard for two cups. He knew that Christy was burning with impatience for him to go on, but he needed time to gain his composure. Even after he'd poured the coffee and was seated again, he waited another minute. "I've been unfair to you," he said, keeping his eyes on the cup. "I know you're concerned about me, but--" Neil paused for a deep breath. "But it's been easier to keep my distance than to talk to you... or be with you." "Why?" she asked, leaning forward over the table, touching her fingertips to his hands, which were wrapped around the steaming cup. He flinched at her touch. "I don't know an easy way to say this," he said. "I must stay away from you because I love you." He finally raised his eyes to hers. Christy didn't move for a few moments. Neil saw that he had completely flummoxed her, and his inward resolution wavered. Had he done the right thing? "I wouldn't have told you," he said, "but I knew you'd never give up until you found out why I was avoiding you." "Neil," she whispered, "you can't love me." "I know I can't, yet I do. You deserve far better than me, Christy. I promise never to speak of this again, or ever do anything that would harm you." He stood and gazed down at her. "Your friendship has meant more to me than I can tell you." Neil took a step toward the door, but Christy was instantly out of her chair to block his way. She laid her hand on his arm, clutching his sleeve tightly. "Don't go. Neil, I, I--" Christy's eyes were filled with pain and confusion. She was out of breath as though she'd been running. "I must go," he said. "Are you going to leave? You're just going to leave me?" Neil gently opened her fist from his sleeve. "We'll see each other, but not alone any more." Now his fingers stroked her cheek. "No, please." "Don't cry, Christy," he said in his deepest voice, as he saw her tears welling up and spilling over. Once again Neil tried to move to the doorway, but Christy stepped into his way, forcing him to bump into her. Her right hand clasped his neck and she raised herself onto her toes so she could reach his lips. As she kissed him, he felt her other arm slide inside his coat and around his waist. He tried once to pull away, but Christy held him fast. Neil's own arms moved by themselves to enfold her. His resolve melted and he closed his eyes to return her kiss with a long-denied passion. For one sweet minute he forgot all else. They finally drew back, their breath coming in gasps. Christy leaned her hands against his chest and smiled into his eyes. "Please forgive me, Christy," he said. "I should never have taken advantage of you like that." Neil tried to step back, but she still held onto him. "Why do you have to stay away from me? Why?" Neil looked at her incredulously. "Why? Because of Margaret, don't you see? I can never be free to love you." "But Neil... Margaret's dead. She died before I ever came to the Cove." "How can you say that!" Neil grasped her hands and held them away from himself. "She's not dead. She left Cutter Gap a month ago, and I don't know where she is. What are you thinking of?" Christy pulled her hands from Neil's and pressed her forehead, as though trying to clear her mind. "What's wrong with me! You're right, of course. I don't know where that idea came from." She looked up at him again. "Please forgive me." He calmed himself as he softly stroked her hair. "There's nothing to forgive. You've had a long, tiring day, Christy. Maybe you should lie down for a while. Shall I help you upstairs?" "Yes, I'd like that," she said. "Can you get my shawl for me? I had it on earlier, and I want to take it with me." Neil glanced about the kitchen, but didn't see it. "What does it look like?" "It's the one old Nadia gave me." "Who?" "You remember, the gypsy lady." "Gypsy? When did you ever see gypsies, Christy?" She chuckled. "You were there, Neil. It was July when they left Cutter Gap." Christy traced his suspender strap from his belt up to his shoulder, and then let her fingers wander to his collar button. Neil placed his hands on her shoulders. "Look at me, Christy. It's November now. I think you're confusing your stories." Her eyes grew round with worry. "Am I?" "Maybe your injury is infected again." "Did I have typhoid already? Oh, did I get hurt when we were locked together in the barn after Ida's wedding?" Neil's fingers slid over her left shoulder and arm to touch the wound there, reminding her with gentle pressure. "No, dear," he said. "You were injured when the tree branch fell, and then you had a bad fever." His other hand felt her cheek and forehead, checking for an elevated temperature. "Don't you remember?" "I remember the snow, when you came home with a bullet in your shoulder. Or was that when we were snowed in at Mrs. Tatum's?" "No, no. That's not in this story, either." "Wait," she cried, "who was that young woman wearing your shirt? I saw you kissing her." Christy stepped back and looked at him accusingly. "There was no one like that, I swear!" Neil said. "Are you thinking of the time you saw Margaret with me at my cabin? But I wasn't kissing her, either." Christy sighed. "I'm not sure of anything just now." Neil took both her hands in his. "Somehow we've gotten off track here. I think we'll have to do this whole chapter over again." "But Neil, if we start over will you still love me? Will we lose that?" Neil kissed her forehead softly, then tenderly cupped his hand on her cheek. His eyes met and held hers as he said, "I'll always love you, Christy -- in every story and every chapter and every paragraph." "I love you, Neil. You're my best friend, and I couldn't bear to lose you." Christy's eyes grew teary. "What will happen to us now?" He continued to caress her cheek. "Don't fret, sweetheart. Some of this may turn up in other stories sometime in the future. We can't be sure. I'm only sure that I love you -- always." Once more Christy stretched upward to kiss him. Their lips met gently, briefly at first, and then returned again and again with increasing passion. Neil wrapped his arms about Christy, pressing her close. He loved the feel of her fingers twining through his hair. As they held each other, Neil heard a slight creak on the porch. His eye flew open to catch a movement outside, behind Christy. Neil embraced her even more tightly and kissed her with even more fervor just as David Grantland opened the door! ................... Fever, Chapter 17 explanation by Annie ................... Hi Christy-list friends, I must pause in the telling of the Fever story to explain what happened in Chapter 17. It was a joke, a goof, a spoof, a weird impulse that came over me while I was brushing my teeth one morning when I was first posting Fever. I was carried away by the hilarity (or insanity -- take your choice) of the idea. All the kissing was just to tease you. IT NEVER HAPPENED. Can't you sympathize with Christy's confusion? Hasn't it happened to you sometimes? With all the fanfics floating around out here, who can remember whether Margaret is a Monkey Wrench, whether she's alive or dead (or how she died), whether Christy and Neil have 'told' each other or are still pretending, whether Bird's Eye is a good guy or bad guy, etc., etc., etc. When Fever was first posted, I used characters and story lines from fanfics that were running at that time. Those references have been changed to more recent stories. Think of Fever 17 as a "Christy Fanfic Bloopers and Outtakes" chapter. Think of it as a detour into the Twilight Zone. Tonight I'll post the "real" story as I originally intended it. Rewind the tape to the end of Chapter 16. Annie ................... Fever, Chapter 18 (real thing) by Annie ................... The kitchen was quiet except for the rumbling of the coffee as it began to percolate. Neil braced himself as he met Christy's intense gaze. He was sure he knew what was coming. Christy had been trying to draw him out for some time, and her eyes told him that she meant to try again. If he could keep their discussion centered on the reading class for the men, Neil might avoid her personal questions. If not, it would only lead to trouble. "Well, Christy," Neil said, "what about your adult school?" "I need to know about the men's class. It's all right if you don't want to do it any more." "I don't know how you got this idea," Neil said. "I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but I've not changed my mind. I do want to teach the men." "You do?" "Yes, really." Christy studied his face for a few moments, and then leaned back in her chair. Neil was sorry to have caused her so much worry, but rather than continue to apologize, he moved on to practical things. "I'll admit I've not had much time to prepare," he said. "I thought Jeb and Bob would like to start out with the newspaper. They haven't touched a book since they were boys, and this will get them used to reading again." "That sounds like a good idea." Neil rose to pull two mugs from the cupboard, and poured the coffee. "You know Uncle Bogg wants to come as well." "Yes, he talked to me at church a few weeks ago," she said. "We should start gradually." "Oh yes," Christy said. "I don't want them to feel overwhelmed. The newspaper from Lyleton or Knoxville will be an easy way to renew their reading skills, and they won't feel they're being treated like children. I thought you could start the lesson by reading to them. I have an interesting book from my father." Neil immediately thought of the book he'd seen on Christy's lap while she slept. She hadn't seemed interested. "I'd like them to stay awake," he said. Christy stared for a moment, then smiled and playfully swatted at Neil's hand. "No! Not that book. This one's about the life of John Sevier. Daddy sent it to me months ago. I'd heard of Sevier, but I didn't realize how involved he was in the formation of this state." "Ah, that's better," Neil said. "He's almost as much of a hero as Bonnie Prince Charlie." He paused for a gulp of hot coffee. "Do you know this area belonged to a state called Franklin before Tennessee was founded?" "Yes," Christy said, "and I read that Sevier was the first governor of both states." "I wouldn't be surprised if Bogg knew more than your book." "So much the better." Christy leaned forward eagerly. "I hoped to find something that would spark their interest." "And you want me to read this book to them?" "Yes. Then you could have them read from the newspaper, and talk about the things you read. I think that might be enough for the first few sessions. We could introduce arithmetic a little later." Christy's enthusiasm grew by the moment, and it was infectious. Neil hadn't realized how much his involvement mattered to her. He reminded himself to keep a cool head. "That's fine," he said. "Do you have other subjects planned?" "I have a lot of ideas," Christy said, "depending on how much the men want to do. We'll begin with interesting and useful subjects, like the biography and simple bookkeeping. If they want to continue, we could add American history, penmanship, some science, and then skills like cabinet-making." "Easy now, don't get ahead of yourself." "It can wait, of course, but I want to be prepared. The women's class will start with reading, too, just as I did with Fairlight. Someday I'd love to see them learning to weave again." Christy lifted the steaming cup to her lips and carefully sipped. "Christy, the children take a lot of your time." Neil didn't want to discourage her, but even if she'd been in perfect health there was a limit to her strength. "I know, but--." "How soon did you hope to begin these adult classes?" he asked. She looked uncertain as she answered. "I'd like to start before Christmas." "You mustn't push yourself too far," Neil said. "It'll be a while before you have your full strength back." "I'll be careful, I promise, but we've waited so long already." Neil came around the table, pulling out a chair beside Christy. "How do you feel now? Can you move your arm without pain?" She looked tired. Neil gently supported her left elbow and slowly straightened it, bringing her hand toward himself. He kept his eyes on her face, and stopped as soon as she winced and bit her lip. He then reversed the motion, moving her hand toward her shoulder until he saw the twinge of pain again. "This will take time, Christy," he said, repeating the slow flexing motion several times. "The muscles have been idle, and they'll have to be stretched bit by bit. I want you to do this exercise several times a day -- even during school." "I'll do it." "Let your arm swing as you walk. See if you can carry something light, like a book, but stop as soon as your arm or shoulder begins to ache." "All right, Doctor. Oh, I meant to ask you about little Iris McHone. How is she?" Neil released Christy's arm and reached across the table for his coffee. He took a sip before answering. "It's as I thought -- the child is fine. Opal takes very good care of her." "I was worried." Something in Christy's voice made Neil suspicious. "Don't you get any idea of walking to the McHone's," he said, "or riding, for that matter." Christy swirled the coffee in her cup, avoiding his gaze. Neil was sure the thought had been in her mind. "It's hard to wait," she said. "There's so much that needs to be done." "I thought you were happy to go to school for a half day tomorrow." "I am, really." Christy's smile was sheepish. "Look, why don't you just let the adult school wait until the new year? Give yourself time to catch up on your work with the children before you add this burden." "It's not a burden." "You know what I mean." Christy sighed. "At least let me give you the the Sevier book. I have it upstairs." She struggled to stand, and Neil was immediately at her side. By the time they reached the top of the stairs, Christy was out of breath. Her eyelids looked heavy. Neil guided her to the bed and insisted on covering her with the blanket. She pointed out the biography and the portfolio containing the lesson plans, and he promised to read both. Neil noticed that the shirt he'd lent her was once again laying neatly folded on her desk. "Thank you for lending it to me," Christy said. "You're welcome. I'm glad it was of use to you." Neil tucked the schoolwork under his arm and gathered up his shirt. He was suddenly nervous. "Please stay a little longer, Neil," she said. "There's something I need to ask you." "I really must go." "I know something's been bothering you lately," she said, "but you've closed yourself off from me. Why can't you tell me?" Neil clenched his jaw. He looked out the window for several moments. "Nothing's the matter. There's nothing to tell." He felt guilty, knowing his answer wasn't truthful. "Something is wrong," she said. "You told me you're not angry with me, but sometimes it seems like you are. Why are you acting like a stranger?" "What do you mean? Haven't I been here all these days and nights on your account?" Christy's feet swung off the bed onto the floor. "That's just it! You're here, but I never know if you're going act like a stranger or my friend. It's usually the stranger. Are we still friends?" Her voice choked, and Neil felt his own throat constrict. "Of course we are!" Neil felt an urge to sit beside her and comfort her, but he remained standing by the desk. He should never have come to her room. The shirt was crumpled in his hands. "Please, just let me--" "It's about Margaret, isn't it?" Christy asked. "I know you're trying to protect me from something. Have you heard from her?" Neil sighed in frustration. How was he going to extricate himself from this? "Look, I appreciate your concern, but there's nothing you can do." "Neil, if she--" "No, I've not heard from Margaret." "But you're worried about her. And you've avoided me." After a long pause Neil said, "Yes." "Why?" "It's better this way." "Better? I don't believe that. It can't be better to cut yourself off from people who care about you." Neil's temper flared. "You don't understand, Christy," he said, shaking the shirt at her. "You think it's your Christian duty to fix people's lives--" He stopped himself. Christy didn't deserve his anger. "No, that's not fair. I apologize. I know you do care, but this cannot be fixed." "But--" "It can't, I tell you! Let me remind you of your own words," Neil said. "You told me I can't just wish Margaret away -- we're married to each other. And it will never be over, even if I do forgive her. She'll appear at any time, whenever it suits her." "But you and I are still friends, Neil," Christy said. "Why must you stay away from me?" She pushed the blanket aside, stood, and approached him. Neil backed toward the door. "What kind of a friend would I be if I caused you trouble or pain?" Neil asked. "Don't you remember what happened last summer when Bessie Coburn saw us talking by the river?" Christy's cheeks blushed deeply. Neil saw that she finally understood him. "We were only talking," he said, "and they were ready to send you home. Nothing has changed since then. I've made a mess of my life, but I can't let your life be ruined." Christy took another step toward Neil, but he held up his hand. "No. This is how it has to be." He backed away from her, pausing in the doorway. "Goodbye, Christy." ................... Fever, Chapter 19 by Annie ................... "Miss Christy, you gotta let me do this!" Ruby Mae blocked Christy's way, and reached for the empty water bucket. "Mrs. Spencer'll have my hide if you hurt yourself totin' that bucket. Please, Miss Christy!" Christy smiled as she handed her the bucket. "Honestly, Ruby Mae," she said, "I won't break. In fact, it's part of my exercises to carry light things like this." As they came to the pump in the yard, Ruby Mae maneuvered to keep Christy away from the pump handle. "You stay right there." Ruby Mae hooked the bucket under the spout and began to pump energetically. "Everybody's real glad to have you back in school, so I'd feel terrible if you was to get hurt again after just one day, specially doin' my chores." "All right, I'm only watching," Christy said. "That's good. Oh, and I been thinkin' about my speakin' part for Thanksgiving. I think I oughta wear my hair the way Miss Ida done it up for me when we did the Romeo and Juliet play." The first bucket filled, and Ruby Mae switched to the second, never pausing in her stream of talk. Christy was half listening as her mind ran back through her first full day back at school. The first assignment she had given the children was to write Thank-You notes to Reverend Grantland. Her own message to David had been on the top of the stack. After that, the whole day had been devoted to the Thanksgiving play. As she watched Ruby Mae work the pump, Christy slowly flexed her arm, stretching just to the point where the muscles complained, as Dr. MacNeill had instructed her. She hadn't seen Neil since their unhappy conversation last week. Dan Scott had mentioned that the doctor was in Lyleton, visiting the elderly Barclays again after their wagon accident. Christy could not believe that he really meant to isolate himself from her. "Miss Christy?" Ruby Mae's voice cut through her thoughts. "Are you okay? You look a mite tired out." Christy forced a smile onto her lips. "I'm fine, Ruby Mae. I was just thinking about--" her mind raced. "--about, umm, the costumes for our pageant. Maybe you and I can start working on them tonight." They both turned at the sound of a horse approaching. Christy's heart leapt at the thought that it might be Neil, but she was far from disappointed when she recognized Alice Henderson. Christy and Ruby Mae ran to meet her. "Well, this certainly is a lovely reception," Miss Alice said. She dismounted and turned to receive Christy's hug. "I missed thee, too." Alice freed one arm and encircled Ruby Mae's shoulder, bringing her close as well. "And how have you two ladies been?" Where should she begin? Christy opened her mouth to answer, but Ruby Mae was quicker. "Law, Miss Alice!" the girl said. "You ain't heard? Why, Miss Christy was hurt real bad when a tree fell down, and then she took sick somethin' awful." Alice turned to look at Christy in consternation. "Is this so?" Christy nodded as Ruby Mae continued. "Oh yes ma'am. Miss Christy was burnin' up with fever, and the doctor was here every single day tendin' her. Preacher had to teach us while she was ailin', and she only came back today." Alice was still staring at Christy. "Miss Huddleston, how badly was thee hurt?" "Don't let Ruby Mae scare you," Christy said. "I'm practically better now." "Tell me," Alice said. Christy noticed a deep weariness in Alice's face. "Miss Alice, you've had a long, cold ride, and you must be hungry and thirsty. Why don't we go inside, and I'll tell you everything." Christy reached for the horse's saddle, and started to unfasten the packs tied there. "Stop her, Miss Alice!" cried Ruby Mae. Both Alice and Christy jumped in surprise. "Land sakes," Alice said, hand over her heart. "Ruby Mae, what is the matter with you?" Christy asked. "Miss Christy ain't supposed to do no hard work nor liftin'." Ruby Mae darted between Christy and the horse, and pointed to the house sternly. "I'll take care of your horse, ma'am. You and Miss Christy go on inside now." Alice's arm at Christy's back compelled her to obey. * * * "This is a serious injury," Alice said as she finished examining the scar. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here to help thee. How long ago did it happen?" Alice held the blouse for Christy, allowing her to slip into the sleeve easily. Christy started fastening the buttons. "Let me see. The day after tomorrow will be exactly two weeks since I was hurt." "That is not so very long ago." "But Miss Alice," Christy said, "I really am much better now, and everyone has helped me. David put all his own work aside to teach school, and Dan Scott and Fairlight have been just wonderful." "Good, but thee still must be cautious." "You saw how concerned Ruby Mae was -- all the children have taken care of me like that." Christy finished straightening her skirt and then turned toward Alice. Christy was struck once more by the weary, exhausted look on her friend's face. "Miss Alice," Christy asked, "Are you all right? I've talked about myself all this time and never asked you about your visit to Big Lick Springs. Did it go well?" She laid her hand on Alice's arm. "Is anything wrong?" Alice reached out to stroke Christy's hair lightly. "The children there are not so lucky as to have thee for a teacher. My trip was a good one, although I feel somewhat tired just now. Thee need not worry about me." "I do worry, because you push yourself so hard, and you've been traveling so much lately. Are you really all right?" Christy asked. "I'm fine, Miss Huddleston," Alice said. "But I am not the only one who pushes herself. I want to know more about your accident and illness. I believe it was more serious than you've admitted." Christy smiled and shrugged. "Has Doctor MacNeill been here today?" Alice asked. The smile faded from Christy's lips, and she turned slightly away. "No, he went to Lyleton a few days ago. He didn't say when he'd be back." They heard Ruby Mae's voice calling for them. The girl entered, carrying Alice's bags and a pitcher of water. Ruby Mae was eager to talk, but Christy quickly guided her out the door. "We can talk later," Christy said. "Miss Alice needs to get some rest. We'll call you for supper," Christy said over her shoulder. As Ruby Mae served the meal that evening, she recounted the full story of Christy's injury, with interjections from both Christy and David. Alice was attentive, but Christy saw that she was still low in spirits. Christy made a few attempts to draw Alice out, but was gently rebuffed each time. Hoping that it might be simple fatigue, Christy persuaded Alice to turn in early. After the table was cleared and the dishes washed, Christy brought out paper, cloth, scissors and glue for the Pilgrim and Indian costumes. She and Ruby Mae sat on the floor in front of the fireplace in the parlor, and were soon surrounded by costume hats and scraps of materials. "Miss Christy," Ruby Mae said, "if you start feelin' poorly, you be sure to rest yourself. I can do a heap more of these Pilgrim hats, and never get wore out." "Thank you, Ruby Mae," Christy replied, "but I think I can handle paper and scissors." She looked up as David entered the room. "Hello, Mr. Grantland." David stepped carefully around them to throw a couple of logs on the fire. "You ladies have made great progress tonight, I see. I hope you're not neglecting your other homework, Ruby Mae," he said, lowering himself into the arm chair nearest Christy. Ruby Mae shook her head. "No sir, there's no -- oh!" Her face lit up coyly as she grinned first at David and then Christy. "I forgot my speakin' piece in the Thanksgiving play. I'll just go to my room and do some more memorizin'." Before Christy could protest, Ruby Mae jumped to her feet and was gone. They heard her giggling as she climbed the stairs. Christy shook her head at David. "Why did you do that? You knew she'd get the wrong idea." His smile was charming, and his eyes were warm in the firelight. "Well maybe it's the right idea, after all," he said. "David!" "Don't worry, Christy. I promised to give you time to think, and I will. But you also asked me to be your friend. Friends sit together and talk, don't they?" "Well, yes," Christy said, toying with the half-finished Pilgrim collar in her hand. She didn't want to be unfair to David after he'd done so much to help her. "Now that you mention it, I do want to talk to you about--" Christy paused as she looked toward the stairway, where she suspected Ruby Mae was listening. "Yes?" "It's Miss Alice," Christy whispered. "She's usually so uplifting, and full of energy and joy when she comes back from her visits, but she seems sad today. You noticed it, didn't you?" David's voice dropped to match hers. "Maybe," he said, "but she's probably tired. You know Alice demands a lot of herself -- just like another woman at this mission." David patted Christy's shoulder gently. "She'll probably be fine after a good night's rest." Christy sighed. "I hope so, but I know she worries about Margaret. Miss Alice never speaks of her any more. Both she and Neil blame themselves for what happened." "What's happened between Alice and her daughter," David said, "or between Doctor MacNeill and his wife, is their business, Christy." "But she's helped me so many times, and I can't bear to stand by and watch her suffer." "If Alice does need your help, she'll come to you when she's ready." David slid off the chair to sit beside Christy on the floor, wrapping his arms about his knees. "You're right." "And besides, that leaves more time for us to be together." A muffled giggle from the stairway was a welcome sound to Christy's ears. She kept her eyes on her work as she carefully trimmed the paper collar. ............................ Fever, Chapter 20 -- FINAL by Annie ............................ Thank God for the children, Christy thought. In spite of the fact that discipline had become lax in her absence, it was a joy to be back at school full time. "Good morning, children! Quiet, please." She scanned the room, and paused as she noticed an empty seat on the girls' side. "Sam Houston," Christy said, "isn't Lizette coming to school today?" "No ma'am," came the answer. "She's feelin' a mite poorly with a head-cold, but she learnt her part for Thanksgivin'. She don't aim to miss the play." "Has Mr. Scott been called to see her?" "No ma'am. Doc MacNeill was over to our place last night." "But he--" Christy stopped and bit her lip. She felt the air deflating out of her lungs as she realized the truth. "Doctor MacNeill was at your house yesterday?" "Yes'm," Sam Houston said. "Pa fetched him right after supper." Neil was home, but he hadn't come to see her! Christy said, "Thank you, Sam Houston. Please tell Lizette I hope she'll feel better soon." When had Neil returned? Christy turned toward her desk, trying to calm her hurt, angry feelings. "Quiet down, please." She fumbled with the pages of the Bible until she found the place for the day's reading. * * * All through the morning Christy's mind kept returning to Neil. Regardless of what he'd said, she had been sure that he would stop by to check on her. One minute she was angry at him, and the next she felt a deep worry. The spelling and history lessons suffered from her preoccupation. As soon as Christy released the class for lunch, a number of the children gathered around to discuss their parts in the Thanksgiving pageant. Most of the recess was gone by the time Christy dashed through the biting cold to the house, hoping to speak to Fairlight. Alice was sitting alone at the kitchen table, needle and thread in her hand, with a pile of clothing in front of her. "Miss Alice," Christy said, "is Fairlight here?" Alice hastily put her sewing aside. "Is one of the children hurt?" She began to rise, but Christy held out her hand to stop her. "No, it's nothing like that," Christy answered. "Please don't get up. I just wanted to talk to Fairlight before lunch time was over." "Mrs. Spencer has gone home for the day. Is there an emergency? Can I be of help to thee?" Christy hesitated for a moment. "Something has been bothering me all morning." Christy took one more deep breath and sat down. "Miss Alice, did you know that Doctor MacNeill is back from Lyleton? He was at the Holcombs' last night." Alice's eyebrows arched. "And that is thy urgent question?" She looked intently at Christy for a while before continuing. "Yes, I knew. He was just leaving Rebecca Holt's when I arrived for a visit the other day. He asked me about thy recovery. What's wrong, Miss Huddleston? Does thee need the doctor?" "No, I -- I'm not sick," Christy said, and then hesitated in confusion. Was she the only person in the Cove who hadn't seen Neil? "Christy, you said something has been troubling you." Alice glanced toward the doorway, where sounds of the children at play drifted in. "If thee wishes to talk about it, thy time is short." Now that Christy had her opportunity, she felt her confidence melting away. The words she'd prepared suddenly seemed foolish. She stared at her hands. "Miss Alice, I'm worried about Doctor MacNeill. He's been so withdrawn lately, and he hasn't been here to -- to check on my injury." "Does thee think Neil is neglecting his duty?" "Oh, no, that's not what I mean." "You mean he's withdrawn from you -- personally?" Alice asked. Christy nodded. "Have thee asked him why?" "Yes," Christy answered quietly. "He doesn't think it's proper to spend too much time with me." She felt heat spreading from her neck to her cheeks. "And thee doesn't agree?" "Oh Miss Alice, I don't know what to think, but he won't even talk to me any more. If I could just--" "Miss Huddleston," Alice said. "I know thee feels this very strongly. It's a wonderful gift that thee feels everything strongly. I also know thee believes this difficulty concerns Margaret." Christy finally looked up at Alice in surprise. The stern look Christy expected was not there -- Alice's smile was gentle and sad. "Thee must realize," Alice continued, "that where Margaret is involved, there is no easy solution." "Miss Alice--" "Patience is hard for thee, as it is for us all, but we must be patient." "I know," Christy said. "God is teaching me. If there's anything I can do to help you..." "You are always a help to me, and a light in my life. At this moment, I believe the children need thee at the school." Christy reluctantly rose and took one step. "What about Doctor MacNeill?" Alice inserted the needle into the blouse she held. "Be careful, Christy. Wanting to help can easily turn into meddling." With a heavy heart, Christy returned to the school house, hardly noticing the children running about her. * * * It was too dark and too cold to be outside, but Christy found herself walking around the pond with David just after supper. She couldn't remember much of the conversation around the table, and wasn't even sure why they were outside now. "Christy?" David said, taking her arm, "did you hear me?" "I'm sorry," Christy said. "Did you say something about the school porch?" "Yes I did. My idea is to put in hooks and a pulley around the overhang. You'll be able to hang curtains easily anytime you want to put on a play outside. Didn't the boys talk to you about it? It's all worked out." Christy tried to concentrate. "I don't think they -- oh wait! Was it John Spencer and Will Beck and Orter Ball O'Teale?" "Yes." "They did talk to me about something, but I can't remember what it was." David's arm slipped around her shoulder. "You've been pushing yourself too hard, Miss Huddleston. I'm glad the pageant will be over in a few days, so you can finally get some rest. You mustn't strain your health." "I'm fine, Mr. Grantland," she said. "It's being back at school that's helping me to recover my strength." David's arm slid to Christy's waist as he pulled her closer. "I can't help but worry about you. I want to take care of you." He stopped and turned to face her, with both arms around her, but Christy stepped back. "Please, David, can't we just walk?" Christy regretted coming out alone with him. "I'm sorry," she said. "I have so much on my mind lately. Maybe I do need a rest once the play is done." She slipped her hand under his arm once more. They continued their walk around the pond in uncomfortable silence. * * * The pageant was a remarkable success, considering the short time of preparation. Christy knew that the children had done their best for her sake, and she praised them highly to the parents who'd assembled to watch them re-enact the story of the Pilgrims and Indians at the first Thanksgiving celebration. After the children and families had been dismissed for the holiday, Christy stayed on at the school, unwilling to return to the mission house and the embarrassment she felt in the presence of both Alice and David now. She feared to talk about anything but the most safe, mundane subjects. For a while Christy wandered about the quiet building, picking up stray papers or parts of costumes left by the children, and then cleaning the blackboard and the slates. Once the room was in order she sat at her desk, staring at her books, unable to concentrate. Finally David appeared at the door with a lantern in his hand. Christy hadn't noticed how dark it had become. The cold air swept down the aisle with him. "It's late," he said. "Are you coming to supper?" "Yes, I'll be in soon," she said, remaining seated at her desk. "Would you mind leaving the lantern with me, David? I promise I'll come in a minute. There are just a few more things to take care of." "Don't be too long." When the sound of his footsteps had faded, Christy rose to retrieve her satchel from its hook on the wall. As she slowly closed her books and packed them away, she came across a letter from her parents. Sniffing the faint scent of her mother's perfume on the envelope, Christy remembered she'd told her parents she wanted to spend Thanksgiving in Cutter Gap again this year. She was needed here, she'd written, and felt such joy to celebrate the holiday in this place where she could clearly see how much she had to be thankful for. Christy didn't feel quite so enthusiastic any more. What happened to her confident feeling of belonging in the Cove? Christy tried to shake off the low spirits, but she kept returning to the idea that she was disturbing the lives of those she cared about: David, Miss Alice, Neil. With a deep sigh, Christy put the last of her books into the satchel, and raised the strap onto her shoulder. Things that had seemed clear and solid even a few weeks ago were now vague and uncertain. Would she ever get the adult classes started? Had she damaged her friendships with Neil and David? She still held the letter from her parents in her hand. Maybe her trip to Asheville at Christmas time would help to restore her confidence, to see things clearly again. Right now nothing was clear. >>>>>> THE END of FEVER <<<<<<