Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. We are in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. We are continuing the story of Christy for our own amusement only. Any additions in story line and characters (such as Rose) were invented by the writers of the alt.tv.christy Round Robin and the Christy Mailing List. Post: Unconditional Love, Ch. 1 Author: Cherie Summary: Christy must decide between David and Neil. SETTING: This story takes place right where the final episode of Christy left off. Christy is standing midway between David and Neil who have both asked for her hand in marriage. They are in the front yard of the mission. As she stood between the two of them Christy began to think. 'This is what I've been doing all along,' she mused. 'I've been standing between them.' It was true in more ways than one. She had been the mediator of their disagreements and at times the one to keep them both from harming one another, but it was also she who had perhaps hindered their friendship. If they hadn't developed such feelings for her, what might they have become? The possibilities stretched on and on in her mind. Then her thoughts returned to the reason she was standing between them just now. On the one side there was David. What a knight in shining armor he had been that first night when she had arrived in the Cove. He had always been kind and treated her with respect. Yet, somehow he was quelching her and she didn't quite know how to put it into words. He was there for her - she knew that, but she also knew that his heart wasn't firmly attached to the Cove - like hers had so quickly become. He harbored dreams of returning to the city and Christy wasn't sure she could stand leaving this newfound haven that was her home. She realized it now. Somewhere, somehow, during this past year of hardship Cutter Gap had become her home and she didn't want to leave it. Then that left her with McNeil. Fiery Dr. McNeil. How he drove her crazy. It seemed a contest from the start. She remembered the argument they had had over Birdseye and his moonshine. She recalled how his eyes had become like burning embers as he called her self- righteous. She also remembered that first night she arrived in Cutter Gap....how he had asked her to hold the ether over Bob Allen's nose and how his sharp instrument had glistened as he readied it for the use for which it was intended. Could she really become a helpmate to this man who must, out of necessity, perform many gruesome tasks like that one just because he bore the name "doctor?" Then her thoughts travelled to Becky and her bought with tracoma. How gentle Neil had been. How he seemed to know just what to do and just how to respond. He had saved her sight. Yes, she could become his wife. But, alas, he was married. Margaret was still to be considered. How could she possibly marry a man who was already committed? And yet, it didn't seem like much of a marriage. She had seen the look in Neil's eyes as he saw Margaret standing on the mission steps. There had been suprise, yes, and shock, but no love - not any longer. Christy prayed she would never see the day when her husband's eyes no longer held love for her. Oh, what was she to do? She didn't really love David and despite the security he could provide, she would never give up her life here in Cutter Gap. But Neil, he was a married man and not even a Christian - not yet anyway. How could she marry a man who's very attitude and belief defied what she knew in her soul to be true? What could she do? The answer came to her just as quickly as the thought itself. She would pray. God was watching over her. How could she forget her heavenly father? He would tell her heart what it longed to know. But even as she bowed her head in prayer she heard a cry coming from near the Mission. "It's Creed Allen! Help! Doc - come quick. Somethin's wrong!" Opal was yelling as she come rushing out from behing the Mission. She held in her arms the still, small form of Creed Allen as she struggled up to where they were. "He weren't far from ma' house when I heard him a'yellin' and a'carryin' on." she cried. "Said he was tryin' to catch hisself a new 'coon ta keep Scallawag comp'ny. I be guessin' it bit 'im from the way he was holdin' his finger. He seemed jes fine and then all 'o a sudden he just went all funny-like and plumb dropped to the ground." Even in his present mindset, the doctor quickly dismounted and gave orders for Creed to be brought inside the Mission. His limp form was layed gingerly on the nearest bed and the doctor called for some hot water as he knelt down to examine his young patient. Christy, who had been standing speechlessly for a moment, turned with new lines of panic and worry beginning to crease her forhead and rushed toward the bed as David followed on her heels. Any answer to his question would have to be postponed...at least for the moment. The doctor quickly examined young Creed. "Rabies" he said as he slowly straightened himself. "I'm goin' ta need some blankets an' ma medical bag." Neil said looking at Ruby Mae who had walked into the room to see what all the commotion was about. "It's goin' to be a long night." Meanwhile Margaret, who had become quite irate at the thought of McNeil, HER Mac, begging Christy's forgiveness - or whatever fool reason he had ridden so madly away to see her for, decided that she would take herself over to the mission and bring him home. He was her husband after all. He was loyal to her. He was bound to her. She was rather unprepared, however, for the scene that met her eyes as she walked unbidden through the mission door. Christy, head buried against Ms. Alice, was crying - begging God to help Creed. David, leaning heavily against the far wall, was watching the doctor at his work. And finally she saw Mac...head bent and brow furrowed over Creed. 'What has he gotten himself into now?' Margaret thought. The boy didn't seem to be in pain or anything. She made her way over to where he was and placed her hand on his shoulder. He looked up, startled, and his eyes got even wider as he realized who she was. "What's going on?" she asked him. "Isn't it about time you thought of yourself and your family for a minute? Come home." Neil couldn't believe his ears. Could it really be that she was this callous to the needs of this place and to his work?! "Land sakes woman!" he cried, unable to say anything else. Everyone else in the room stood silently, too shocked to speak, with eyes turned in their direction. "I'll come home when ma work is done." he said. "Can't 'cha see tha' he needs a doctor?" His eyes locked with Margarets. "Sure" she said with a shrug after a moment of deliberation. "I'll go and make sure supper's ready for when you come." And with that she left. Neil stood staring speechlessly at the spot where she had just been. He just couldn't believe that she could be so blind, or that she didn't care. 'No,' he thought. Was it that she didn't care or that she didn't know how to care? There was a big difference in the two. Even before, she had never understood why he had to spend so much time away. He would have liked to have time to ponder that thought, however, Ruby Mae entered with her arms full of blankets. Her eyes grew wide as she saw Creed on the bed. "Lordy, he's as white as these here sheets!" she exclaimed. She was quickly hushed by Ms. Alice and instructed to go make some coffee for all of them. They would need it.......... Story: Unconditional Love Ch.2 Author: Cherie Summary: Creed Allen recovers and Christy and Neil make some interesting discoveries. David and Christy watched as Ms. Alice helped Neil make Creed more comfortable. There was really nothing he could do - nothing any of them could do except wait and pray. "Rabies is a difficult thing. " Neil said. "Sometimes ya won't see anythin' out 'o th' ordinary for a few days, and sometimes it jes hits 'em. Creed's a strong lad though. I think 'ell make it through." Ruby Mae entered the room then, her hands holding a tray of coffee cups. She placed the tray gingerly on the table top and then moved in to get a closer peek at Creed. "He's gonna be alright, ain't he doc?" she said. "I believe so Ruby Mae." was his reply. The group lapsed into silence for a moment. David, who had been watching the proceedings rather quietly from the corner wall, was all but quiet on the inside. "This always happens." he thought to himself. Just when he would manage to get Christy all to himself for a few moments, HE would interrupt it all. David had asked Christy to marry him first. Why did the good doctor have to interfere? "Well, she knows I can provide her with a stable home and that I will be there when she needs me. That's more than I can say for Dr. McNeil.' he comforted himself. "Has anyone sent for Mrs. Allen?" the doctor said, breaking into David's quiet reverie. "I will go for her." Ms. Alice said and then left. Neil and Christy took turns sitting up with Creed that night. David grudgingly retired upstairs and fell into a troubled sleep. Ruby Mae had long since fallen asleep at the table where the emptied coffee cups had been put back onto the tray. Early in the morning Ms. Alice returned with Mrs. Allen and they crept quietly into the Mission. "Oh, my poor boy!" cried Mrs. Allen as she make her way over to the bed and stooped to lift Creed into her arms. She was rewarded by a weak smile. "It's alright ma." Creed whispered. "The doc done fixed me up good and it don't hurt no more." Mrs. Allen's eyes took on a misty hue as she turned to nod her thanks to the doctor who was sitting wearily in the nearby chair. Christy came down the stairs then and, after rousing a somewhat sleepy Ruby Mae, made her way to the kitchen and offered to make them all some breakfast. Neil stood up and after a brief examination of Creed, pronounced him fit to go home as long as he was kept quiet for the next couple of days. "Send word to me if there is any trouble." he told Mrs. Allen. Christy left the kitchen for a few moments to ask if Neil would be staying for breakfast. He shook his head and said something about having other patients to see. He started to leave, but Christy walked over and stood in the dooorway. "No Neil." she said as she put her hand on his chest. She could feel the steady drumming of his heart against her fingertips and the burning of his gaze as he looked down at her. Her body tingled with unknown excitement. "You're tired. You need to eat something." He looked down at her with a steady gaze. "All right." he said after a moment. Christy turned and practically fled back onto the kitchen. What had she done? She had barred Neil form leaving and then told him he had to stay!" 'But he did look tired,' she reasoned with herself. She had been well within her bounds. She hastened to prepare breakfast. Little did she know that outside the kitchen door, Neil McNeil was wrestling with thoughts of his own. 'What had she done to him?' he wondered. He had been set on leaving and with just one word from her all his defenses had turned to naught. He had felt her hand on his chest. It had sent little sparks of fire coursing through him. He thought she had also felt something through the brief contact, but he couldn't be sure. It was just the look in her eyes as she she spoke to him that hinted to him that something was going on. He settled himself down at the table just as David entered the room. David seemed to be taken aback for a moment at the presence of another man at the table. He quickly composed himself however and took his place at the head. As Christy entered from the kitchen with the breakfast trays, followed by a somewhat subdued Ruby Mae, she sensed an undercurrent of hostility. Choosing to ignore it she smiled warmly at both David and the doctor and moved to her place at the table as Ms. Alice entered the room and joined them. "Wilt thou say grace?" she inquired of David who had by now gotten himself almost completely in hand. "Of course." he stated and bowed his head to pray. As Christy bowed her own head, her thoughts came tumbing down almost faster than she could give heed to them. "Oh my," she thought to herself. 'Just what did this day have in store?' Title: Unconditional Love Ch.3 Author: Cherie Later on at the school Christy found time to collect her thoughts. The children were busy making get-well cards and pictures to be sent to Creed. No one had mentioned the proposals since yesterday and Christy decided it was best to wait until she had had time to think and pray more befor she gave either man an answer. She stopped for a moment to reflect on how much her life had changed since she arrived in Cutter Gap. Back in Ashville her biggest worries had been what dress to wear to which occasion and which part of society had the most need of her. My how things had changed! Christy felt as if she were years older as she turned her attention to the children in front of her. They had become so precious to her in the last year. There was Zadie Spencer who had such a passion for arithmetic and reading, Rob Allen who could never get his fill of story writing, and little Mountie O'Teale who had come such a long way in such a short time. Mountie was something special. Christy held such special memories of each of them. Her love for them was strong - like the bond they each shared as young kinsmen and women to these mountains. Each one of them had been born and raised here...like the doctor. The doctor! Yes, he was a kinsman to this land as well. Could she ever feel as they did? Would she ever feel as though she truly belonged? She would never feel right in living here unless she knew she belonged. Just then, one of the children came up and tugged shyly on her shirtwaist. "Isn't it 'bout time fer lunch now?" Becky O'Teal asked. "Why yes Becky." Christy blushed at having allowed herself to daydream her way through the children's lunchtime. "Come on everyone. Let's go outside." The rest of the school day passed uneventfully. After the last of the children had gone home, Christy decided she would ride over to the McCones and see how the new baby was doing. It had only been a little over a month since Iris had gone to live with Opal and Tom, but to Christy it seemed an eternity. She loved the little girl and wished with all her heart that she could have kept her, but she knew that Opal would make a fine mother and would do the best she could. Christy saddled up Blaze, the horse Ms. Alice had purchased for her with some of the left-over mission money she had 'solicited' so long ago. Her cheeks still flamed at that memory as well. Christy rode slowly along, mindful of the soft, slippery ground and the rocks that would be making their way to the surface after all the recent rain. She had just begun to let her mind drift again when a deer suddenly jumped out of the brush directly into Blaze's path! It took only a second for Blaze to rear, neatly unseating her rider, and then take off galloping through the trees. "No! Come back!" Christy shouted as she sat on the edge of the road...gingerly rubbing that part of her anatomy that was rather rudely removed from the saddle. She sighed. "What am I going to do now." she muttered. Neil's house was only a few minutes away. She would walk there and ask him to ride out and help her find Blaze. Twenty minutes later she was knocking on his door. "Neil," she called "I need your help. Blaze has run off and I've got to find her.." The door opened wide revealing a somewhat disheveled doctor who had just arisen from his afternoon nap. "Wha'?" he exclaimed, trying to make sense and reason clear out his foggy brain. "Blaze dumped me and then ran off into the woods." Christy explained again. The doctor's eyes opened wider as what she was saying got through to him. "Yer not hurt are ya?" he asked, watching her face carefully. She grinned. "Only my pride. " "Well come in then, and we'll see what we can do fer ya." He watched her move into the room and his eyes narrowed as she walked a bit stiffly. He noticed which part of her was sore by the way she was moving. Oh boy. He blushed and cleared his throat. "Would ya be needin' me ta be lookin' a' that?" he said, somewhat chagrined. "What?" She turned to him and saw the lok on his face. She blushed just as deeply. "Uh, no. That won't be necessary." They both seemed relieved. "Wait here then while I go saddle up ma horse and then we'll see about findin' yers." Neil said. "By the way, does anyone know where you've gone?" "Yes" Christy replied. "I told Ms. Alice I was leaving. She won't expect me back for a while." Neil nodded and went out the door. A few minutes later he returned to find her looking at the pictures above his mantle. One of them was of Margaret. "Where is Margaret, Neil?" she asked. She had almost forgotten for a moment that Margaret was living with him They were married. The thought cut deep into her soul. The doctor did not miss the cloud that quickly passed through her eyes. "She went to EL Pano for the day to do some shopping." he said. "Come on." He mounted the horse and turned to offer his hand to Christy. She swung up behind him as he nudged his horse into a slow trot. "Where did you last see her?" he turned to ask. The light breeze whisped his hair back and made his rugged features even more prominent. Christy couldn't answer for a moment. Then she silently chided herself for looking at him in such a way. "Right over there." she replied. "Yes, that's it." They found the horse several yards later. Christy jumped down and walked over to retrieve Blaze, who was calmly grazing in the clearing. But as she got closer she noticed.. But as she got closer she noticed.. something wasn't right. "No!" Christy exclaimed as she got to Blaze's side. Her right front leg was torn to shreds. "How could this have happened?" she cried to the doctor who had just come up alongside her. He knelt to examine the leg. "It looks bad." He said. " Must have cut herself on some wire. This needs treated immediately. I'm no vet though. I dunna know how much I can do fer her." Christy reached up and stroked Blaze's head. "You've got to try. Do you think she can make it back to the mission?" "Huh? Mmmm." the doctor replied. He had been watching Christy's hand on the horses nose. How gentle she was! And what delicate and small hands she had. He wondered....he was afraid at what he would wonder. Her voice brought him back to reality. "Do you think she can make it back to the mission?" she was repeating for a second time. "I dunna know." he answered. "But she can make it back to my cabin at least. Come on.." He remounted his horse and swung her up behind him again. "Don't let go of her rein." he cautioned her as he nudged his horse to walk. Christy sighed. Would she ever be meeting the doctor under good circiumstances... Title: Unconditional Love Ch. 4 Author: Cherie The trip back to Neil's was a slow one on account of Blaze. Poor thing, Christy thought. If only she had been more careful perhaps she could have stopped the horse from running away. The doctor turned to look at her and read her face easily. "D'nna think that this was yer fault Christy. Ya couldn't 've known." She smiled at him. How was it that he knew her so well.? As they approached the cabin Neil helped Christy off his horse and told her where to tie Blaze while he went in to get some medicine and bandages. He returned with this hands full, followed by a somewhat miffed Margaret. Neil's face was like flint and Christy had the idea that he had been doing more than just fetching medicine. Christy offered to hold the bandages and Neil knelt down and went to work. Margaret stood oddly to the side and watched the whole process. What right did Christy have to be here...she thought. Couldn't she get the idea the Neil was hers and hers alone? Margaret decided right then and there that she would do something about it. She would let Christy know that Neil was not to be touched. It would be a good lesson for her, and for Neil too. She had not missed the looks that passed between the two. Margaret turned and made her way back up to the cabin. Fine. Let them have their fun for now. She would show them both. Neil finished his work and slowly straightened. He truned to Christy with a grim look about his face. "It's bad Christy. I'm a human doctor not a veternarian. This horse needs someone who knows what they are doing. I'm sorry." The words hit Christy like a slap in the face. The tears started to well up in her eyes and threatened to spill down onto her pink cheeks. Blaze was in trouble and there was nothing she could do. If only she had been paying more attention. ..if only... Neil had her in his arms in an instant. He hadn't wanted to cause her pain and seeing her like this was almost more than he could bear. "I told ya Christy. This wasn't yer fault. Ya couldn'a done a thing. I'll tell ya what. When I was in school, a friend of mine had a brother who was a vet. I'll write to him and ask if he would be willin' ta take a look at Blaze. How'd that be?" Christy threw her arms around his neck - all tears gone at the thought of someone being able to help her. She was so thankful. She hugged him tight and he returned her embrace. It felt so natural for them to hug like this. Neither one noticed that Margaret was standing at the window watching with her hands on her hips. So, Christy wasn't going to play fair was she? Well, Margaret would just see about that. A week later, true to his word, Dr. Matthew Herrington stepped off the train in El Pano to see what he could do to help the horse of a friend of Dr. NcNeill. Herrington wasn't very pleased with the arrangement, especially since it had meant cutting short a vacation he had planned for months. Oh well, he thought. He would see the horse, prescribe something, and then be on his way. Nothing could have quite prepared him, however, for the young woman who met him at the station. All visions of returning to his vacation ceased to exist. She was beautiful and so young! His heart skipped a beat. He wondered what she was doing in a place like El Pano. "Hello" Christy greeted him. "Welcome to El Pano. I'm so glad you've come. I do so hope that you can help Blaze." Well! After business was done, he would have to introduce himself more thoroughly. But until then he would be content in knowing that she would be accompanying him to the Cove...wherever that was. "Hello to you!" he then answered her. "I was not expecting to be met by such a vision of loveliness so far from home." Christy blushed and gave him a small smile even as the warning bells went off in her head. "If you'll come this way, there is a wagon waiting." He followed her like a school boy to a somewhat dusty but useable wagon with a boy sitting up front holding the reins. This is what they're giving me to ride in?! Herrington thought. Whatever happened to cars and the like? In Boston, he would never dream of riding in such a thing. And what about the young woman? Surely she was used to much finer things. He turned his attention to her then, realizing that she was talking to him. "This is John Spencer." Christy was saying. "He will see you safely to the Mission. I have other business to attend to, but I will meet you there." Herrington hesitantly got into the wagon annoyed that she would not be with him. At least he would have the pleasure of knowing that he would see her again. He hadn't realized yet that it was her horse he would be trying to save... Post: Unconditional Love 5 Author: Cherie Quinn Summary: Neil and David band together against a new threat. Unconditional Love Ch. 5 ...That evening found Christy, Ms. Alice, Ruby Mae, David, Dr. Herrington, and Neil at the mission table sitting down for some supper. Herrington turned to Neil. "My brother speaks very highly of you Dr. McNeill. In fact, he made me promise to secure a letter from you for him before my return." "Indeed. Your brother was a fine man." returned McNeill. "I only regret that I haven't been able to talk with him in so long." Christy turned with large, suprised eyes to Ms. Alice. She had never heard Neil talk that way before. He sounded so...so...civilized. Ms. Alice merely nodded her head to Christy and continued eating. Christy looked down at her plate. Well now, here was a side of Neil she hadn't seen. Dr. Herrington then turned to David. "Mr. Gratland, I understand that there is a horse here that needs my attention. By any chance, does it belong to you?" "Actually..." David started. "Actually the horse belongs to Miss Huddleston here." Neil cut in. Herrington turned to Christy. So it was HER horse that needed his services. Wonderful! He thought. He would be seeing quite a bit of her then. Perhaps this would just make up for having to cut his vacation short. He turned to look at her. "Mr. Herrington, I would be most grateful for anything you could do for Blaze." Christy said. "Dr. McNeill says that you have experience in such matters." Herrington was once again suprised by her. What ease and grace there was in her manner. How easily she extended to him the proper courtesy he felt he deserved. "Of course," he replied. "I would be glad to do anything I can to help." David and Neil looked at eachother. Neither had missed the look in Herrington's eyes as he talked to Christy. There was a new threat here and both of them knew it. David's manner was decidedly colder as he regarded Dr. Herrington. Ms. Alice, not missing all that had gone on between the three decided to ease the situation. "Mr. Herrington" she said. "I'm sure you must be tired from your long trip. Ruby Mae will show you to your room and you can get settled in." Ruby Mae gave Ms. Alice a disappointed look. She had quite been enjoying the slight rivalry taking place. However, she dutifully marched up the stairs to show the new Dr. to his room. Downstairs Christy announced that she needed some fresh air and stepped outside for a brief respite. Neil and David regarded eachother silently, each knowing what was in the other's mind. Something had to happen here. The new doctor would not take Christy away. Both of them had fought too long and hard for her to have her swept away in a moment. They sat in silence for the better part of an hour, then Neil stood up. "It's about time I headed back ta ma cabin." he said. David then rose. "Be careful." he said. Neil turned his head toward the door to hide his suprise at David's statement. Was it possible the doctor was now wishing him well? It's strange what one woman can do to a man. Neil walked out the doorway and headed for his horse which was tethered to the back side of the Mission. He had almost reached the horse when he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye. He turned to look. It was Christy. She was down at the edge of the forest of trees. His eyes softened as he regarded her. The subtle moonlight glistened off her hair - giving her almost an angelic halo as she softly walked among the great tree trunks. Her simple dress fell in becoming folds around her and swished softly as she moved. Her face was radiant with the light of the moon and something on it glistened as she looked into the sky. Tears! Neil's heart skipped a beat. She was crying. Why? He wanted to run to her and throw his arms around her...hold her, even if for just a moment. Then he stopped. He had no right to go to her. Why, for all he knew those tears were because of him...but oh how he ached to ease her pain. It would ease so much of his own. Slowly and meticulously he got into the saddle. No, he would leave her to her forest and her God that she was no doubt calling upon at that very moment. Post: Unconditional Love Ch.6 Author: Cherie Unconditional Love 6 Neil rode slowly along the path toward his cabin. He tried to concentrate on all the things he would need to do the following morning, but all that he could think about was Christy and how he had left her. What was she crying about? Did it involve him? Why didn't he help her? Questions swam around his head and he didn't like the turn that they were taking. Didn't she tell him once that he was her friend? He knew she counted on him for advice and would come to him when she needed to talk. Suddenly Neil pulled his horse to a halt. He was not only her friend, but her doctor as well...and he needed to care for his patient. He wheeled around and headed back the way he had come. Christy needed him - if not as a friend than as a doctor. After all, he thought, what if she did actually did need medical attention. He certainly wouldn't want to be remiss in his duties now would he? Christy felt as though she had been walking for hours. She was sorry to have left the table so rudely, but she had needed to clear her head and think. She had also needed to pray. Seeing Dr. Herrington look at her made her think again of the proposals of Neil and David. She still hadn't given either one of them a true answer. Perhaps it was because she didn't even know exactly what she wanted for herself. It didn't matter though; she should never have left them hanging like that. Back in Ashville her actions would have been considered quite rude at best. She shuddered to think of what her father would say if he knew. She needed advice. How she wished she could go to Neil and tell him her trouble, but he was in the very midst of it and she couldn't tell him what was raging in her heart. No, she would have to find an answer elsewhere. Christy leaned up against the base of a large maple and looked toward the sky. There were tears in her eyes as she then poured her heart out toward heaven. "Oh God," she began. " I have made such a mess of things. I don't know what to do." She continued to pour out her heart and after what seemed a long time a peace finally started to descend upon her. She smiled. Her God was always there for her. He would never leave her nor forsake her. Christy lowered herself down into the grass at the base of the tree and bowed her head to thank her Father for once again being there when she needed Him most. It was in this position that Neil found her as he rode softly up from the path. She had been praying and finally fallen asleep in the new peace she had found. He gingerly walked over to where she was and gazed down at her sleeping form. She was so beautiful, he thought. And there was something different about her that wasn't there at the dinner table. Her face was alight with a peace that he hadn't seen or experienced before. He knew she had been praying from the way she held her hands. He wondered. What if there really was something to this God? Author: Cherie Post: Unconditional Love Ch. 7 Neil gazed at Christy for a long moment. He wanted more than anything to just sit and watch her there. He reached out a hand to gently stroke her cheek just once before gently shaking her shoulders. Her large blue eyes looked up at him, startled, and he rushed to reassure her that everything was all right. She smiled at him then and he wondered again at the peace he saw deeply settled in her eyes. He grinned. "If I'd known tha' ye preferred th' comp'ny ofthe trees to yer bed," he said "I wouldn't 'a come ta such trouble to see that ye got there." He reached down a hand to her and helped her slowly to her feet. She leaned on his arm to steady herself for a moment and then looked up into his eyes expecting to see that certain twinkle that she knew would be there. She was somewhat unprepared, however, for the depth of emotion she now saw behind that twinkle. Her eyes questioned him as he turned to rest his chin gently on the top of her head. He sighed a gentle sigh and Christy decided it was better not to press the matter just now. "I would be grateful if you would accompany me to the mission" she said with a smile. "Why certainly Miss Huddleston," he replied. "It would be ma pleasure." Dr. Herrington was quite joyous that night as he readied himself for bed. Not only would he be seeing more of that charming girl, but he would also be staying in the same place as she for as long as he was here. Tomorrow he would have to come up with a reason to get her alone with him. He wanted to get to know her better...a lot better. He had just finished washing his face in the basin beside the window when a flash of movement caught his eye. Caught in the moonlight, two figures glided arm in arm across the field to the mission house. Herrington had to squint to try and make out who they were. What he saw did not please him. It was Miss Huddleston walking arm in arm with Neil McNeill. Well, this was certainly going to complicate matters a bit. Just what was their relationship to one another he wondered? Herrington would have liked to ponder the matter more, but sleep was beckoning to him and his eyes could scarcely stay open long enough to see him to the bed. Oh well. There was plenty enough time to think more on the matter in the morning, he decided. Morning broke early in the cove that next day. Neil had long since gone home to find Margaret asleep on the single bed in the cabin - the open book across her chest a sign that she had tried to wait up for him. For a brief moment he pitied her. She had come back to the cove despite the knowledge that she would have to face Alice and him again. Then just as briefly another feeling took hold of him. She had allowed him to think she was dead. She deceived him. And now that he had fallen in love with Christy, she came back to rub their shambles of a marriage in his face. Whatever was he going to do? He turned from her and settled in a chair across the room. Maybe tomorrow things would look clearer. Even as he tried desperately to rest, sleep evaded him. His mind kept returning to the look of peace that was on Christy's face when he had found her beneath the tree. He knew she had been praying. Could it possibly be that she had found a truth he knew nothing about? This God of theirs - all of them: Ms. Alice, David, Christy, Dr. Ferrand, even Fairlight seemed to drive them toward their destiny. It seemed to compel their every decision and move. Why? What could possibly have so much hold on a person as to be able to exact such a response? Slowly, ever so slowly, Neil got up from the chair and in a manner he had not done since he was a very little boy, Neil lowered himself to his knees, clasped his hands in front of him, closed his eyes, and opened his heart and mind to something more powerful than he. "God" he started, " I dunna know where ta begin. I know ya havn't heard from me in a while - if y've heard from me a'tall. Are ya there God? Is there really such a person or a thing tha' could give Christy such peace and all o' them a reason to live? If yer really there then I want'a know it. Give me the same thing ya gave ta Christy. I...I...give you the things that are wrong in my life and I...I hope that ya can...take 'em and fix 'em. I'll leave it ta you. Jest help me if'n ya can. Amen." Neil waited for a moment. Nothing changed. He had thought perhaps a being of light would come down and talk with him or thunder and lightning would crack in the distance, but there was nothing. Neil opened his eyes and started to rise. And then slowly, ever so slowly, a feeling started to creep into his heart. It wasn't overwhelming like he thought it would be, but it was gentle - like a surgeon making the first incision on a wound to be repaired. Peace. He waited on his knees as it slowly overtook all the bitterness and hatred, all the confusion and longing, and all the despair and put in their place a hope - a hope beyond all words or comprehension. Neil knew in that moment that a being much bigger and more powerful than he existed and he bowed his head in acceptance and acknowledgement. Christy awoke with a light smile as she recalled the events of the previous night. She was in peace. she had finally given this whole matter of marriage to the only One who was capable of handling it. Her eyes took on a shine as she remembered Neil walking her back to the mission and the deep, wondering look in his eyes. She wasn't sure yet just what it meant, but Christy had a feeling she was going to find out. Unconditional Love Ch. 8 ...Margaret awoke to a sight she just couldn't believe. Neil was on his knees with his back to her praying...actually praying. "So this is what you do when I'm not around." she sneered. She could see the muscles in Neil's back tense as her remark hit home. Then he straightened and turned toward her. Margaret was waiting for a rebuttle but it never came. She stood transfixed by his gaze as their eyes met. There was a new fire and passion in Neil's eyes that she had never seen before. His face which was once so worn and haggard was now an aurora of peace. She started to tremble. She had never seen this look before...or, no...she had... once. She remembered running away from home as a little girl just to prove that she didn't need anyone, but she had been wrong and when she had returned her mother was on her knees beside the doorway. Margaret remembered the look in her own mother's eyes as she had stepped through the door. It was the same look that Neil now held. "Neil?" she said rather unsteadily. "Neil, what's going on?" He smiled at her. He didn't say a word - only smiled. Margaret panicked. She had to get away! It didn't matter where. She had to leave - to excape! Margaret fled past Neil through the doorway and out into the woods. She didn't know where she was going and she didn't care. She just had to get away from those eyes. Christy hummed to herself as she moved about her room setting things out and preparing for the day ahead while the events of the night before still played over and over in her mind. She said a quick prayer to heaven for Neil and then opened the door and made her way downstairs for some breakfast. Mr. Herrington was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs as she came down. "Why hello there Miss Huddleston. This is certainly a lovely morning, isn't it - although not half as lovely as you." Christy held back the impulse to fly back up the stairs and smiled politely at Herrington. "Hello Mr. Herrington." she said. "Oh please, call me Matthew." he stopped her by saying. "All right...Matthew." she replied. She started to make her way over to the table for breakfast when Herrington again stopped her. "You know," he said "it's such a lovely day that I thought you might enjoy spending some of it outside. How would you like to have breakfast with me out in the field by the woods? Here. I've made up a picnic basket. Come on. I'll tell you about Blaze while we eat. I've already been out to look at her." Christy didn't know what to do. She wanted to hear his diagnosis of Blaze, certainly, but she really didn't want to eat with him...especially alone. However she didn't want to be rude to him since he had already gone to all the trouble of making a basket for her. "All right." she said at last. "But we must not be too long." Herrington's face lit up and he grinned like a little boy. He was delighted. He knew he had been taking a chance inviting her out and he hadn't been at all sure that she would accept. "This way then!" he said as he held out his arm to her. She took it reluctantly and allowed him to lead her outside. "You should know that Blaze is doing quite well." Herrington said to Christy some time later. "When we go in I'll give you some cream to put on her leg and hoof. If all goes well, she should be up and running in a couple of weeks." Christy smiled and her eyes lit up. "That's wonderful news Herr...um, Matthew! Thank you so much. I've been so worried about her." "You know," Herrington started "you have been worrying far too much lately. You need to get out...to relax. How would you like to go for a long walk? I haven't ever been in such a place as this and I would love to see some of the country side." Christy frowned. This was not how she was wanting things to go. She was trying desparately to come up with an excuse when she heard a voice call out from the mission yard. "Heeellllooooo? Miss Christy? Where are ya?" It was Fairlight. "Over here!" Christy shouted, relieved at having an interruption. "Oh Christy, you wouldn't believe it." Fairlight said as she got closer to Christy. She was out of breath and her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes shined with the story of untold treasures. "Berries!" she fairly burst out. "Berries - and lots of them. Christy, would you care to come pick berries with me?" She held the faintest glimmer of humor in her eyes and immediately both of them thought back to that day when Fairlight had first invited Christy to go berry picking. "I'd love to." Christy replied without the slightest hesitation. "You'll excuse me, won't you Dr. Herrington?" "Um, oh yes, of course." he conceeded somewhat gloomily. "I'll see you later then." Herrington watched Christy's retreating figure with a mixture of disappointment and disgust. He noticed all too keenly how she practically fled from him. Well, she just didn't know him yet. Once they had spent enough time together surely she would change her opinion of him. Herrington turned to pick up the remains of their picnic. He had just stuffed the blanket into the basket when a flurry of skirts and petticoats erupted from the woods behind him and ran full tilt into Herrington. Suprised and caught off balance, Herrington lost his footing and tumbled onto the grass. Struggling into a sitting position, he turned to look at what had made him fall. It was a girl! She was even more beautiful than the girl who's company he had just been in. And this girl was crying, sobbing actually. "Who are you?" he said as he turned her to face him. She looked up, suprised. Her eyes shone bright with shed and unshed tears and in a choking voice she whispered, "I'm...Margaret." Unconditional Love Ch. 9 "Margaret?" Herrington echoed, "Margaret MacNeill?" His eyes rested on her porcelain face as she turned tear-filled eyes away from him and to the ground. "Yes," she whispered. "Why Margaret, my dear, whatever is the matter?" Herrington inquired solicitously. Suddenly she regained a semblance of composure and turned a chilling shoulder in his direction. "Nothing. Nothing at all." She picked herself up off the ground and proceeded to brush off her skirts. Herrington jumped up beside her. Such a confusing woman, he thought to himself. She is a beauty though. I don't envy MacNeill any too little. "Come my dear and let's get you into the Mission where you can sit down and relax. It appears to have been a trying morning for you already." Margaret yielded a little and allowed him to take her arm and lead her to the Mission. She didn't really want to go, but at least she would be away from Neil and those eyes. Christy and Fairlight made their way through the woods toward the gigantic patch of berries Fairlight had found. "Thank you Fairlight. I don't think you realize how eager I am to be out here." "Nonsense Christy. I think I understand all too well." Christy turned toward her friend in time to see a mischievous smile and a hint of the same smile in her eyes. "I knowed tha' man had eyes fer ye the very minute I saw him. He's a rascal of a feller I reckon." Then Fairlight stopped short and her eyes grew large as she looked up at the sky. A small cry escaped her lips as the basket she was carrying tumbled to the ground. Christy stopped also and knew that Fairlight was having one of her premonitions. She dare not interfere. Even though she didn't quite understand what was happening to Fairlight, she knew that in the past her premonitions had turned out to be true. "Fairlight?" she hesitantly called out. "Fairlight, what is it?" Fairlight turned to Christy, her eyes wide with fear. "It's him...that man...Herrington. He means no good here. I c'n feel it." Herrington was relieved to finally get Margaret into the Mission. "Where is Neil? Does he know where you are?" "No!" cried Margaret. "I don't need Neil. He's gone anyway and he won't be back for a while." she lied. "To where has he gone?" Herrington questioned. "He mentioned nothing of a trip to me." "There's sickness in El Pano." she replied. "He was needed there." Herrington regarded her curiously for a moment before standing up. She seemed fine now and he was anxious to track down Christy. "If you're sure you will be all right then, I have business to attend to." He stopped. "However, if you require my services..." "No, I'm fine. Thank you." she told him. With that Herrington tipped his hat and started down the Mission steps to find the girl that constantly seemed to evade him. The thought that Neil would leave so unexpectedly puzzled him but he reasoned that a doctor would be expected to drop everything and come in case of an emergency. He would find Neil later. Herrington walked briskly down the path toward the way Christy had taken as she had followed Fairlight. His thoughts grew more and more unchecked as he imagined what it would be like to have her in his arms. She seemed only a slip of a girl, but she was beautiful and so strong. How wonderful it would be to have control of such a thing. She was like a frightened deer caught in the brush - in need of assistance and not even knowing it. This place was nowhere for her to be. He would sweep her up and take her away from this forsaken place. He would rescue her. She might not realize it at first, but she would be much better off with him and his practice than anything anyone here had to offer. He just had to find her... Christy and Fairlight had their skirts and baskets full to the brim with berries as they sat in the middle of the thicket and tasted the afternoon's yield. "Mmmm, not bad." Fairlight called to Christy as she smiled revealing two very red lips and an equally reddened tongue. "Mmmm" Christy replied. The two smiled in unison. "We should be heading back soon. It's not getting any earlier and I have lessons to plan for tomorrow." Christy glanced over at Fairlight. "Yer right." Fairlight agreed. "We need ta be headin' home. How 'bout we take the path back to the Mission? It's shorter and it'll pass by Doc's and the McCones cabins. We can stop an' give 'em some of these." The two slowly stood up, mindful of each little berry in their posession. Then with a smile and a light step, each headed down to the path that would take them to their destination. Herrington was most assuredly in a frenzy by the time he had reached the doctor's cabin. Just a little way to go, he thought, and then she will be mine. He didn't even think to stop and see if by chance Neil had returned. He bolted by the cabin as fast as he could, wishing he had a horse in his possession to help him reach his destination more quickly. Then he saw a sight that brought him intense pleasure. Neil's horse was tied to a post beside the cabin. Reason and logic were no where to be found. He seized the horse by the reins and swung up as he kicked the horse wildly into a gallop. Neil, who was very much at home, was shaving in front of the window in the corner of his cabin when he happened to see his friend scramble up his own horse and go riding off down the path. "Hey!" Neil called as he bolted out the door, shaving cream and all. But it was too late. Herrington was already too far away to hear. Christy had just stopped to tie a lace on her boot when she and Fairlight heard a commotion making it's way wildly up the trail. "What is..." Christy started to say but never got to finish her sentence. Herrington jumped off the horse and sprinted to where Christy was standing. "Come my dear!" he cried, grasping her arm tightly. "I've come to take you away from this place. We'll be happy together, you and I. It will be wonderful." "No! What are you doing! Let me go!" Christy cried as she felt herself being forced into his arms and saw his head looming over hers to press his lips to her own. "Nooo!" Christy pleaded. "Stop!" "Christy!" Fairlight cried. "Mr. Herrington what are you doing?!" Chapter 10 A scream from Fairlight was all that was needed to push Dr. McNeill from the already hurried pace he was going to an all out run until he came around the bend and gaped at the sight before him. Herrington was obviously forcing himself quite unwantonly on Christy. Fairlight, wonderful woman that she was, was trying to help free her by pulling on Herrington’s coat sleeves. Neil’s face turned red with rage. He stormed over to the spot where Christy was still being held against her will and let out a punch that would wallop the best and stoutest man. Herrington never even saw it coming. One moment he was looking into Christy’s panic-stricken eyes and the next he was face down in the dirt. A moment more and all faded to blackness as he tried to right himself. Christy looked at McNeill with fear-driven eyes even as she saw him asking if she was all right and faded to her own blackness as Dr. McNeill reached out strong arms to catch her. He swooped her up in his arms and turned to Fairlight. “Wha’ in God’s name happened here?” he roared. Fairlight faced him with tears running down her own cheeks. “Ah knew it... Ah felt it. I’d been a knowin’ tha’ he’s some bad news. But Ah couldn’t stop ‘im. He jes came up an’ grabbed Miz Christy. Actin’ like a madman he was.” Neil looked down at Herrington with as dark a look as Fairlight had ever seen him give. “Come,” he said. I must get her into ma’ cabin an’ make sure she’s all right.” “What’ll you be wantin’ ta be done with him?” Fairlight asked as she stepped a wide berth around Herrington’s still form. “Leave ‘em there,” was Neil’s reply. “Leave ‘em in th’ dirt where he b’longs.” Fairlight was worried about Christy, but she was also just as worried about simply leaving Herrington there. “Perhaps Ah’d best be goin’ to the mission and tellin’ Ms. Alice,” she suggested. “All right, Fairlight.” Neil mumbled absently as his mind was already completely taken with the form in his arms. Neil carried Christy slowly up the steps of his cabin and had just reached the doorway when a big sob escaped from her lips as she tensed her muscles and opened wild eyes to look up at him. Christy strangled a scream as she realized that it was not Herrington who held her, but the strong, steady arms of the doctor. With a sigh that sounded more like a whimper her whole body went limp once more and she turned and buried her head to his chest as she cried. “Hush, dear one.” he soothed. “It’s all right now. He’s gone and I’m here. Hush there wee one, you’re with me now.” Dr. McNeill carried her through the door and gently stood her beside him watching her anxiously and keeping his arms around her even as his eyes searched her face for any sign that she was in physical pain. He knew her emotions had to be in utter turmoil from the way she was crying and sobbing so. His heart broke for her and he thought back to that past night when he had seen her crying in the woods. He couldn’t bear to see her so broken and upset. He had to do something. With his arms still around her as she held tightly to him he tipped his head down and kissed her lightly on the lips. The moment he did it he felt ashamed of himself. She had just been physically assaulted and here he was trying to ease her pain by kissing her? He immediately drew back, thinking that she would be all the more upset and was shocked when she slowly closed her eyes and leaned toward him with her lips ever so lightly pursed. Neil’s eyes opened wide in surprise, but it was quickly checked as he leaned back to her and kissed her more firmly. Then he drew her at arms length and was quite relieved to see her looking up at him with still frightened but now smiling eyes. He released her from his arms and felt her lean heavily against him. “Are ye all right?” he asked in true scottish brogue. “That.. that ruffian will never get to ye again. Ah can promise ye that.” Neil gently started to stroke her hair and Christy reached up a hand and clasped it around his. She regained her posture and her voice as she took one step away from him. “I’m ok now Neil,” she said, her mind still on the kiss that had so recently come from the doctor’s lips. She needed a moment and some distance to get her emotions under control. Why had she leaned into him? Why had she wanted more? It suddenly hit her harder than anything ever had. She realized that she loved Dr. McNeill. It had taken an awful experience like this to make her realize it completely. When she was in Herrinton’s arms and he was kissing her all she felt was fear and hurt. Even when David had kissed her it hadn’t been a pleasant experience. But when Neil had kissed her she had immediately went from torment into ecstasy. But what was she going to do now? She turned her head from him to keep him from seeing the look in her eyes. She wanted to tell him she loved him. She wanted to shout it to the whole cove, but she couldn’t. He was a married man. Margaret would be back at any time and she would be required to go back to the mission and act as if she had never come upon this great revelation to herself. Oh why did things have to be so complicated? Christy stared out the window of the cabin in consternation. What was she going to do now? Then she suddenly bowed her head in shame. She was forgetting once again that she had a heavenly father who loved her and who was with her always. He knew everything about her and everything she was feeling. Christy moved away from Neil and toward the window, almost forgetting for a moment that he was there as she closed her eyes and focused solely on the One who’s power she was calling upon. Neil watched her go and, guessing that she had started to pray, silently watched her with curious eyes. Having just recently undergone the same experience, he was still rather curious about such undertakings. He wanted to see if this act of prayer was indeed what had given her that look of such peace that he saw when she was sleeping under the tree. Unconditional Love Chapter 11 Ms. Alice and Fairlight reached the yard of Dr. McNeill’s cabin just as Herrington was beginning to wake up and right himself. He was still too confused to notice their approach as he sluggishly tried to get on his hands and knees and move bewilderedly toward the cabin. Ms. Alice was beside him in a few short strides. “I think that thee should stop right where thee is Mr. Herrington,” she commanded. Herrington stopped dead on his hands and knees and turned to face his accuser. Fairlight came running up behind her with a rather menacing looking frying pan in one hand and an accusing, pointing finger as the other. “If thee moves,” Alice explained, “I have no doubt but that thou would make a fine spectacle after Mrs. Spencer finishes with thee.” Christy turned from the window and opened her eyes with a light smile on her face and an uplifted heart. Neil immediately saw the change and wondered, probably for the millionth time he thought, at the sight before him. ‘She looks even more beautiful this way.’ he caught himself thinking. “Christy...” Neil started to say. “It’s all right Neil. I’m fine now.. and... thank you for what you did to take my mind off of things.” she grinned at him and he caught a light teasing twinkle in her eyes. It hit him that she was referring to the kiss he had so recently given and his eyes opened wide in surprise and then gleamed a twinkle of their own as he answered, “’Twas ma pleasure, Miss Huddleston.” The two exchanged a brief smile and then turned as the door opened and Ms. Alice hurried in with a worried look on her face. “Art thee all right?” she directed at Christy. “Yes, Ms. Alice. I’m fine.” Christy replied. “Where is....where is....” she stammered. “Mr. Herrington?” Alice finished. “Yes.” “Do not worry child, he is in strong hands.” Truth be known Mr. Herrington was, at that moment, being guarded by a determined soul called Fairlight who was even now looking at him with a most menacing glare and holding one of Ms. Alice’s best frying pan in her right hand. Ms. Alice waved toward the window as Neil and Christy saw Fairlight at the same time. They looked at each other for a moment and then each burst into raucous laughter. Christy laughed so hard her sides began to ache terribly. It felt good to laugh though. It was the release she needed... the release they all needed. Neil started with a chuckle and was soon booming out a laugh that could be heard all the way out to the yard where Fairlight vigilantly held the frying pan whilst keeping a keen eye on her would-be victim. Neil was glad to hear Christy laugh. He had wondered how affected she truly was and as he heard her laugh he marveled at the strength of her spirit and her unquenchable will. Ms. Alice had been very stern-faced up to that moment, but seeing that Christy was all right and noticing for the first time that Fairlight towering over Mr. Herrington was, in truth, an amusing sight, began to laugh as well and continued until the whole cabin nearly shook with the laughter. That night was a quiet one after Mr. Herrington had been escorted to his room in the mission and had the door locked behind him. Christy, David, Ms. Alice and Fairlight all sat down for a quiet dinner. Christy didn’t eat much on her plate. She was reminiscing over the events of the day and trying to make some sense of them. Why had Herrington grabbed her and held her? What did he really want? He had said he wanted to take her away. Her mind spun back to some of the parties she had attended in Asheville. She remembered the unhappy look of one of her best friends as she had married a young man of wealth and power only to be treated like a beautiful Christmas tree ornament - something to be admired and shown off to company, and then packed in a box until needed again. She had looked miserable and Christy had promised herself she would never end up like that. She could never lead a life as someone’s ornament. She needed to feel, to care... to belong. Christy didn’t want to be anywhere where she wouldn’t have the ability to influence the lives around her. She realized that as much as the children needed her, she needed them so much more. They gave her a purpose and a strength to go on. Christy lifted up a silent prayer to God thanking him for the events of the day. Though the ordeal with Herrington had indeed been terrible, it had also caused Christy to think and to examine herself and realize things about her that might profoundly affect her life. She mused in quiet thought more while pushing her dinner around on her plate unaware that David was staring at her intently with a displeased frown. ‘That beast of a man Herrington,’ he thought. He has made her so upset that she can’t even eat. What must she be thinking? David was about to ask Christy if she was all right but Ms Alice saw David’s intentions before he had time to carry them out and skillfully began to ask David questions about his day and draw the concern and would-be conversation from Christy. Christy was too deeply engaged in thought to even notice. Back at the cabin Dr. McNeill was still silently fuming inside thinking of what that bastard had tried to do to his Christy. His Christy? Had he actually thought the words out? What was becoming of him? What kind of man was he to be married to one woman and constantly thinking of another. What had become of Margaret anyway? He hadn’t seen her since she had run out of the cabin so early that morning. Perhaps he should go and look for her. He dreaded having to face her sharp and cutting comments he knew would come, but she might have been hurt and he felt an odd sense of duty even now to look after her. Neil grabbed his small black bag from against the wall, saddled his horse, and rode out slowly in search of Margaret. Chapter 12 Margaret had been none to pleased to be escorted to the mission earlier that day. She dreaded having any confrontation with her mother just now and only wanted to hide from the world. Upon Herrington’s exit, Margaret quickly flew up the stairs in the mission and found a resting place in one of the spare bedrooms. There she threw herself down on the bed and, after some none too comforting meditation on the days events thus far, fell fast asleep and began to dream of the city that she had so recently begun to miss. Around midnight Margaret awoke to a jarring thud on the other side of one of the walls of the room. ‘What was that?’ she wondered. Margaret got up and tiptoed out of the guest bedroom and over to the door beside it. There was no one in sight. “Is anyone there?” she asked just a tiny bit frightened. “Yes!” came a man’s booming voice from inside. “Be a dear and let me out, won’t you?” “Who is it?” Margaret answered. “It is I, Herrington. Won’t you please unlock this door? Someone must have accidentally pushed the outside lock.” he lied. Margaret, having no knowledge of Herrington’s actions of the day rushed to comply uttering a small oath at the people of this forsaken cove. Margaret opened the door and stared at a rather disheveled Herrington. His coat was torn and tattered and his eyes were bloodshot and restless. Margaret just gazed at him. “Thank you... Margaret, isn’t it?” Herrington offered. “ I was rather afraid I was going to be stuck in here all night like this. But come now, my dear, don’t tell me that you have spent all day in this place? What of Dr. McNeill? Surely he must be worried by now? Shouldn’t you go to him before he comes looking for you?” Herrington was concerned about Margaret, yes, that much was true, but he was also very concerned for his own well-being and shuddered to think of what would happen if McNeill ended up at the mission looking for Margaret and discovered his presence. Herrington liked his nose and face very much the way they were and had no mind to get them rearranged. “Oh, don’t worry about him.” Margaret replied to Herrington. “It’s likely he doesn’t know where I am, but it is even more likely that he doesn’t care. Truth is, he doesn’t care much for me anymore. Seems to have caught a fancy for that young schoolteacher. Could hardly blame him, I guess,” she smiled sweetly, beguilingly, “After all, she is the prettiest thing this cove has seen in a while.” Margaret had begun to form a plan. She remembered her promise to get even with Christy that day she had watched from the window. Maybe, just maybe, this would be her chance... and Herrington her key. Herrington watched Margaret’s face as she talked. Her eyes glistened with envy and perhaps even hatred of the schoolteacher and her husband who was so willingly following after her. Herrington saw that Margaret was distressed and malleable, and he took his chance. “Margaret, my dear. Any man would be an utter fool not to fall head over heels for the like of you. Your beauty is beyond compare.” As the night wore on Herrington and Margaret continued to sit and talk in that room alone and uninterrupted. Christy had been attempting to eat her dinner, but she was so lost in thought that she wasn’t really hungry. She needed to think and to pray.. and the dinner table was obviously not a place where she was going to get much peace and quiet. Christy stood up and quietly excused herself from the table. “I think I just need some fresh air. I’ll go take a walk.” “Would thee like me to accompany thee?” Alice asked. Christy hesitated and then smiled. She was so grateful to Alice for all she had done. Alice was even now a motherly figure to her despite her own struggle with her daughter’s return. “No, Ms. Alice, but thank you.” she replied, noting the look in Alice’s eyes that beckoned to her and told her that if there was anything Christy needed or wanted to talk about Alice was there for her. Alice nodded and Christy opened the door and went out into the growing night, leaving a disgruntled David and a thoughtful Ms. Alice behind. Christy needed some time to walk and to think. The episode with Herrington seemed so far away already. She had been distressed, yes, fearful and excited, but it was nothing compared to the excitement she felt when the doctor had reached down and kissed her. What had happened? She remembered hearing McNeill’s voice, vaguely, and then all of a sudden she was in his arms. Then he had kissed her and Ms. Alice and Fairlight had come. She hadn’t really had a chance to respond properly to the doctor, but what was the right way to respond? She didn’t know. Christy walked along the path by the mission and slowly made her way over the bridge. She paused to reminisce a bit about Margaret. Alice had been very distressed about Margaret’s arrival, that much she knew. But she also knew that Alice had been excited and even pleased to have her daughter back again and have a chance to make up for all the lost years. Christy’s eyes glistened with a deep sadness as she remembered Margaret’s last visit and how Christy had found Ms. Alice in front of the church weeping as her daughter left her once again. Christy hoped this time would be different. Perhaps, just perhaps, Margaret had changed and she was going to make amends. Christy continued her walk and picked her way out into the field and down towards the river. She loved to see the river in the moonlight. She was never sure just how she always ended up at it’s edge, but something in the lulling of the water and the glistening of the moonlight did much to soothe her tired, worn-out soul and mind. **End for now. Chapter 13 As Christy was almost out of sight of the mission, she caught a faint light flash through the trees ahead of her. ‘That was strange.’ she thought. It must have come from behind, she reasoned and turned to look back the way she had come. She caught a brief glimpse of Margaret passing by a window on the second floor of the mission with a lamp in her hand. So that’s where Margaret had been! Christy had wondered where she had gone and why Neil hadn’t mentioned her and why she didn’t see her when they were inside the cabin. Christy reasoned that perhaps Margaret was there to see her mother and turned back around and made her way to the river’s edge. Christy walked along the riverbank for some time... allowing it to soothe her soul and mind. She lifted up prayers to her heavenly Father and by and by began to feel a little better and to hum a little tune. It was one of the songs she had heard Hattie sing at the Mission. Christy began to sign softly to herself, “He took wild mountain laurel.. and he twined it in her hair...” Her mind began to drift to another place and time. A place where she didn’t have to worry about Herrington or Blaze, where no evil existed and where she was safe in his arms. His arms?! Christy stopped her reverie. Why was it that no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t get Dr. McNeill out of her head? Christy sighed in frustration. So what if she cared about him? Maybe even loved him? She could never have him. He was Margaret’s, rightfully so, and she would just have to get used to it. She began to hum again - a sweeter, sadder tune to console herself as she continued down the river bank. Dr. McNeill had been in quite a hurry when he had left the cabin looking for Margaret. He called her name a couple of times, but then reasoned it was useless. Even if she could hear him, it was likely that she wouldn’t answer. That’s just how she was. He was still puzzled by her reaction to him earlier that morning when she had fled out of the room. What was wrong with her? What had changed in him? Regardless of whether or not he would admit it, something had started to grow down deep in his heart. He didn’t quite understand what it was, but he felt that it was there.. ever present and he was ever aware of it’s being. Neil continued down the bridle path looking carefully at the woods as he went, wishing that he would not find Margaret hurt or in trouble. As he gazed out at the woods Neil caught a fleeting glimpse of something white moving along the river bank. What could that be? He pulled up his horse and stared harder until he could just make out the slim outline of a figure gliding along the bank. Was it Margaret? Neil dismounted and tied his horse to a nearby tree. He grabbed his black bag from behind the saddle and moved slowly and carefully towards the figure. About 20 feet away from him the figure stopped and knelt at the river’s edge, picking up a smooth stone from inside its waters and looking at it carefully before tossing it back into the river. Neil stopped and slipped behind a tree as he continued to watch the figure. He couldn’t quite make it out yet. Was it Margaret? Christy stopped at the river bank and knelt to pick up a stone that was glistening with the pale moonlight upon it. She turned it over in her hand admiring its smooth perfection. Then she smiled. She was like a stone in the river. She tossed the smooth stone back and reached for another one. This one too, she turned in her hand and instead of soft smooth rock, some sharp edges met her small fingers. She was indeed more like this stone than the other. She was but one of many in a great pool of people, her God forever shaping and molding her into what He wanted her to be. In some places she was mature, and in others she still had a lot of smoothing out to go. What a wonderful Father she had. Christy changed her tune from the sweet mournful song that had been on her lips and began to sing a song of praise that she had learned long ago in a church in Asheville. Neil lifted his head and stared when he heard her start to sing. It was Christy! What was she doing out here by the river at this time of night? He paused as he heard her melodic voice lifting up praise to the Most High. Why was the song familiar to him? He remembered. That song.. that was a song his mother used to sing when she was working around the house and Neil was nothing more than a young boy running about the cove. Neil stared at Christy. Where had she learned it? Christy forgot herself and her surroundings as she began to praise her heavenly Father. She was lifting up His praise and adoration. As she reached the chorus she was suddenly aware of another voice, a masculine voice, joining hers and singing with her. Christy whirled around the last note still on her lips and watched as Neil McNeill came walking out of the brush to join her. He kept walking until he reached her side. “Dunna stop now, Miss Huddleston. The best verse is still to come.” Christy’s eyes opened wide in complete amazement at his transformation from his usual, God-defying manner and continued to sing with Neil in the background providing a wonderful baritone. As the last verse was finished and the last note sung, Neil gently turned Christy around to face him. “So would ya like ta be tellin’ me what yer doin’ out here this time o’ night?” he asked her. “I.. I..just needed to take a walk.” she stammered, still unable to comprehend the change in his manner and the softness she could now see in his eye. Christy gathered herself. “I could ask the same of you Dr. McNeill.” she replied. “I,” Neil said. “I was looking for Margaret. She left from ma cabin this morning and Ah have been worried that she might ‘a been hurt.” Christy looked at him. “Why Neil, Margaret is at the mission.” she told him as she looked into his eyes trying to discern the emotions she saw clouding together. His eyes betrayed him. She saw concern, relief, joy, and sorrow all in turn, then she saw that look. It was the same look he had given her the night he woke her under the tree. It was a look of.. a look of... love? She tilted her head up to get a better look into his eyes and he stretched his head down at the same moment to look at her face. Their eyes met and locked. Then their lips met. Christy and Neil both felt the familiar fire course through them as their lips locked to each other. There were no more trees nor river, no more night nor day, no more time or place. The only thing they saw in that instant was one another. chapter 14 to come!