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.



=======================
Title:  The Rainy Night
Author: Annie 
=======================

The moment Christy's eyes opened she knew she'd
overslept.  Gray clouds which darkened the sky gave
the impression that it was early, but she wasn't
fooled.  She threw back the covers and immediately
winced in pain.  She'd forgotten about her sprained
wrist!  She fell back against the pillow, and lifted
her bandaged arm to examine it.

How could she have been so clumsy?  She must have
climbed on a chair dozens of times to pin up the
children's artwork in the classroom, but yesterday
after school she somehow lost her balance as she
stepped down.  She'd fallen awkwardly against one of
the student's desks, severely spraining her wrist and
breaking the ring finger on her right hand, as well as
bruising her knee.  By the time David returned with
Dr. MacNeill, both wrist and finger were swollen and
throbbing.  Though Christy knew the doctor was tempted
to scold her for carelessness, he'd been mercifully
soothing and gentle while treating her injuries.

A smile lingered on Christy's lips as she recalled how
he had stayed for dinner, sitting beside her, keeping
a careful eye on her throughout the meal, and playing
checkers with her in the parlor afterward.  He'd been
kinder and more attentive than he had in a very long
time.  For one evening at least, the cautious,
taciturn doctor was replaced by an open, friendly,
even humorous Neil MacNeill.

But she couldn't lay in bed daydreaming any longer! 
Christy climbed out of bed gingerly, taking care not
to use her hand, which was swathed in bandages.  She
noticed that the bruise on her knee had begun to
darken.  It didn't hurt badly, but Christy was sorry
that she hadn't mentioned it to the doctor.  A glance
at her clock showed her that she would almost
certainly be late for school.  Why hadn't Ruby Mae
called for her?  This day was not starting out very
well.

When Christy dashed into the kitchen, Ruby Mae was
drying and putting away the breakfast dishes.  "Miss
Christy, are you awright?" she asked, staring at the
young teacher's unusually frazzled appearance.  "No
disrespect, ma'am, but my Ma would say ya look like ya
got up on the wrong side o' the bed."

"I'm fine, Ruby Mae," Christy said.  "I'm just running
a little late."  She automatically reached to smooth
her hair with her injured right hand, and inhaled
sharply at the twinge of pain.  It took her a few
moments to catch her breath.  "Why don't you run along
to school."

"Yes ma'am.  I'm real sorry there ain't much left to
eat.  Preacher was real hungry this mornin'.  Oh, an'
he says to tell you he's goin' off to Lyleton today,
an' he'll prob'ly stay with Deacon Mattson again
tonight."  A sly grin spread across the girl's face. 
"I know he's goin' to see that new school teacher
there.  He's mighty took with her --"

"That will be enough Ruby Mae.  You'd better get to
school now.  I'll be there in a minute."  Ruby Mae
apologized once more and ran out the door.

Christy grabbed the loaf of bread and awkwardly
mangled it as she tried cut a slice, holding the knife
with her left hand.  There was no coffee left -- David
must have finished that, too.  She drained the last
drops of milk from the pitcher into a cup, drank it,
and crammed the bread into her mouth, then drew her
cape about her shoulders.

The morning lessons dragged by.  Christy couldn't
remember when so many slates were accidentally dropped
and cracked, or when so many children coughed and
fidgeted while she was trying to get the class to work
quietly, or when so few hands were raised in answer to
her questions.  She felt clumsy writing on the board
with her left hand, but using her right hand with its
heavily padded splint and immobile wrist produced
handwriting that was just as illegible.

It was close to lunch time when she felt a light sting
on her back.  She spun quickly, but wasn't in time to
see the pea-shooter in Creed Allen's hand.  He smiled
at her innocently.  Christy was near the end of her
temper, but she was sure she'd end up in tears if she
tried to scold him now.  Instead, she dismissed the
class for lunch.  As soon as the room was empty she
dropped wearily into her chair, cradling her right
wrist against her body.

She knew she ought to go to the house for something to
eat, but the morning's frustrations and difficulties
had drained her.  The few hours of sleep she got last
night left Christy feeling ragged, rather than
refreshed.  When the medicine Dr. MacNeill had given
her for the pain wore off, she'd been unable to get
back to sleep until nearly dawn.

Christy propped her left elbow on the desk and was
leaning her forehead on her hand, eyes closed, when
the sound of footsteps climbing the stairs interrupted
her rest.  "Miss Christy?"  It was Ruby Mae's voice.

"Yes?"  Christy raised her head with as much energy as
she could muster.

"Miss Christy," the girl began, "I feel downright
awful 'bout you missin' yer breakfast, 'specially with
yer hand bein' hurt an' all."  Ruby Mae quickly moved
to the front of the room.  Her voice was pleading. 
"Kin I bring ya sompthin' ta eat?  I'll jes' run to
the pantry and bring some cheese or whatever ya like. 
Won't ya let me, Miss Christy?"

Christy nodded, and as soon as Ruby Mae had dashed
out, she returned her head to its resting position on
her palm.  Her eyes closed within a few moments, and
she was actually beginning to doze. It seemed as
though only a minute had passed when the sound of
footsteps again roused her.  She didn't look up this
time, assuming that it was Ruby Mae.

"You don't look at all well, Miss Huddleston," said a
deep voice at her side.  Christy's head snapped up to
see Neil MacNeill holding a plate of food!

"Doctor MacNeill!  You surprised me!  I - I was
expecting Ruby Mae," Christy blurted, embarrassed that
she'd been caught napping.  She didn't have the
strength to try to explain her harried appearance.

The doctor swiftly set down the plate and drew a chair
close beside her, dropping his saddle bags at his
side.  "I should have made you stay home today," he
said.  "I knew you'd keep on straining your wrist
until you damaged it further."

He held out his hand, and she willingly place hers in
it, trusting his gentle touch.  With great care the
doctor examined the splint on her fingers and then the
bandages on her wrist.  He looked up with a sharp
expression.  "I told you not to use this hand at all,
but I see from the chalk dust and ink stains you
disregarded my orders.  Did you ask Ruby Mae to help
you dress this morning?" he asked.

Christy shifted nervously in her chair under Dr.
MacNeill's intense gaze.  Why did he make her blush? 
"Well, no," she began.  "I was late, and she was
making breakfast --"

"Yes, she told me the sad story," he interrupted.  His
piercing eyes never left her face.  "And I see that
you didn't sleep well, either."  He released her hand,
and leaned forward.  One arm rested on the back of
Christy's chair and the other lay across the edge of
her desk, nearly surrounding her.  "You think a sprain
is a little thing, but I tell you, if you don't allow
the ligaments to rest completely, you'll inflame them
even more, and prolong the swelling and pain."  The
doctor's stern face was close to hers, but he didn't
appear to notice the rosy blush that now covered her
neck and cheeks.

Christy couldn't meet his eyes, so she looked down
into her lap while he scolded her.  She tried to
muster her spirit as he continued the lecture.  When
he paused, she turned toward him and attempted to
answer in her own defense.  But to her surprise she
found that her voice caught in her throat.  Fatigue
overwhelmed her, and Christy could only raise her head
enough to look at his vest.  Finally she choked out a
few words, "I -- I'm sorry, Doctor."

Neil immediately relented.  "Christy, I never meant to
hurt your feelings," he said in a much softer, deeper
voice.  His finger under her chin brought them face to
face.  "Please forgive me.  I only want you to take
better care of yourself.  I'd rather pay you social
calls than medical ones."  He searched her face
anxiously.  "Do you understand?"

Christy was flustered.  She was used to the doctor's
brusqueness, but it had been a long time since she'd
heard such tender words from him.  It was well before
his wife had died when he'd last shown such an
interest.  She slowly nodded, and a quick wink from
Neil brought a relieved smile to her lips.  He laid
his hand lightly on her shoulder as he pulled the
plate toward her and said, "Eat your lunch now, Miss
Huddleston.  Do you need me to help you?"  He grinned
as she first stared in surprise and then playfully
pushed his hand away.  He added more seriously, "I'm
going to give you something to ease the pain."  He
rummaged in his bags and selected a bottle of white
powder.

"Thank you," she said, and nibbled a generous slice of
cheese.  "But it really doesn't hurt as long as I keep
it still."  In reply, Dr. MacNeill only squinted
sternly and reached into his pocket.  As she watched,
he pulled out what looked like a large handkerchief,
tied off two corners, and slipped the loop over
Christy's head.  He gently brushed back her hair where
he'd disturbed it and then drew her right arm into the
sling.

"Leave that on until I tell you otherwise," he said, a
twinkle in his eyes as he adjusted the sling, letting
his hand linger on hers.  "You're not to use this arm
at all."  His eyes fastened on hers.  "No arguments."

Christy nodded again.  She met his eye a little
timidly.  "I'll be more careful, Doctor MacNeill.  I
promise."

He had remained close to her throughout their
discussion.  Now he leaned even closer.  Christy's
heart beat faster at the soft tickle of his hair
against her cheek and the warmth of his hand on her
neck.  She instinctively tilted her head toward him as
he whispered in her ear, "I wish I believed you!"

She looked at him in astonishment, but he stopped her
reply with a finger on her lips.  He slid his chair
back and glanced over at the doorway.  "Girls and
boys!" he called to the silent group that was gathered
there, raptly observing the two of them.  Christy felt
her cheeks burning again, but Neil seemed even more
cheerful.  "Your Teacher will need your help this
afternoon.  She mustn't use her right arm, or else it
won't heal.  Will you help her?"

The reply was a boisterous "Yessir!" as they tumbled
back into the school room.

 * * *

Neil's heart was in his throat as his horse cantered
along the steep, winding trail.  The day had been
gray, and now the afternoon light was fading quickly
as a storm threatened.  His eyes scanned the woods
about him, searching for Christy.

This was the path she would most likely have taken,
but he knew there were many others - all treacherous
for a person impaired by an arm in a sling.  Neil
stopped frequently to call her name.  The only reply
was his own echo.  His impulse was to urge Charlie to
a full gallop, but he wouldn't take a chance of
missing Christy in the heavy forest and undergrowth. 
Their bantering encounter at noontime seemed an age
ago.

Even as his eyes remained alert, his mind recalled
what Zady Spencer and Ruby Mae had told him when he
found them alone at the Mission house.  Christy had
discovered that little Wanda Ann Beck had no one to
walk home with her, so she arranged for Ruby Mae to
stay with the Spencers, and then set off with Wanda
Ann on the long trek - the Becks' cabin was about
halfway to El Pano.  It was just like Christy to put
the children's needs above her own, but Neil fumed at
the thought of her walking such a great distance while
injured, with a storm approaching!  He tried to calm
his rising fear, but he knew too well the dangers of
the mountains.  With every hill and bend in the trail,
his hope rose and was dashed again.

His anger turned on the preacher.  Neil had nearly
lost his temper when the girls told him David had
taken the Mission's horse to go courting in Lyleton,
leaving Christy with the lame mule.  It was
inexcusable to have left her alone while Alice was
away!

Occasionally Neil glanced at the thickening clouds. 
He reasoned that he'd surely find Christy safe at the
Becks', but he couldn't stop his eye from restlessly
searching, nor could he relax the nervous tightness in
his chest.  "Oh God," he breathed, "where is she? 
Please let her be all right."

 * * *

As Neil's horse trotted into the Becks' yard, he
closely observed the doorway of the cabin.  Mrs. Beck
and her children came out to greet him, but Christy
was absent.  His heart sank, even as his temper rose. 
Why wouldn't that woman stay in one place!

He went through the ritual of greeting the family and
inquiring after their health, although his mind was
screaming in impatience to set out after Christy.  The
knot that had formed in his stomach at the school yard
tightened even more.  Finally, trying to sound calm,
he asked, "Was Miss Huddleston here this afternoon?"

Mrs. Beck replied, "Yep, that she was.  She brung
Wanda Ann home."

"Is that right?"  Neil went down on one knee and
extended his hand to the little girl, who
unhesitatingly came to him.  "That was good of your
Teacher, wasn't it?"

Wanda Ann nodded emphatically.  "Yessir.  First-off I
was kinda scared, but Teacher an' me sang while we was
walkin', and then I weren't scared no more."  She
responded to Neil's encouraging smile with a shy grin.

Mr. Beck, who'd joined his family, greeted the doctor.
 "Howdy Neil.  Dolly asked the Teacher ta stay an'
take supper with us, even spend the night, but she was
all-fired set on gittin' back ta the Mission.  I
warned her she was shore ta be caught in the rain, but
there weren't no two ways about it fer her."  Mrs.
Beck nodded in confirmation.

"I see," Neil said, his anxiety about Christy growing
with each minute.  "But I've just come from there. 
I'm sure I would have seen her..."

"Waal, she an' Wanda Ann come up the same way's you,"
Mr. Beck said, "but I figgered she'd have a fierce
time on them steep paths if'n it started in with wind
an' rain, so I sent her down 'long the river path." 
He nodded in the direction Christy had taken.  "Hit's
a piece longer, but easier goin', see?"

Neil was already climbing into the saddle.  "Thanks,
George.  The rain won't hold up much longer.  I'd best
be after her."  And with that he turned his horse and
rode off toward the river.

 * * *

Christy couldn't remember a time when she'd been so
annoyed with herself. The sling kept her from
straining her wrist any further, but it also put her
off balance as she walked.  The bruise on her knee
didn't make the journey any easier.  She'd
overestimated her strength, and now she would be
caught in the rain.  The clouds had thickened, and she
regretted leaving the Becks' cabin.  It would have
been uncomfortable to sleep in a cramped bed with
Wanda Ann, but she'd have been warm and dry.

She stopped and leaned against a tree, trying to guess
how close she was to home.  Would it be farther to go
on or go back?  Christy assured herself she could make
it, and tried to control her worry, but the image of
hiking through the forest in the dark frightened her. 
She felt her energy draining.  As she struggled to
decide what to do, she heard the light patter of rain.
 The canopy of leaves still protected her, but she
knew it was only a matter of time until she was
soaked.  She pulled her hood up over her head and
rearranged the sling under her cape as comfortably as
possible.

She was preparing to proceed when another noise
reached her ears.  It was the sound of a horse's
hoofbeats, growing louder quickly.  Sudden
apprehension caused her to step back behind a tree,
trying to see who was approaching.  As soon as the
horse and rider came into view, she rushed forward
with relief.  "Neil!"

Neil didn't wait for Charlie to stop before he leapt
down.  His hat tumbled off as he strode toward her,
his arms spread wide.  "Christy!"  She never paused as
she flew into his embrace.  Her arm in its sling
pressed against him.  "Thank God," he sighed.

Christy gripped his coat tightly and rested her cheek
against Neil's chest while she caught her breath. 
Neither spoke or stirred for a minute, allowing their
fears to melt away as they drew comfort from each
other's touch.

Finally they drew back.  Neil held Christy's arms and
examined her closely.  "Are you all right?"  She
nodded and tried to smile convincingly.  Her trembling
hand betrayed her as she smoothed the strands of hair
from her face.  He reached out to help, lightly
brushing the loose hair back over her forehead. 
Instead of releasing her, he stroked Christy's
shoulders and arms.  "You shouldn't be out alone, so
far from home!"

"I'm fine," she said, although he didn't seem
convinced.  "I was just at the Becks' cabin, taking
Wanda Ann home."  She looked up into his face as his
hands came to rest on her shoulders.  She finally felt
safe.

"I know.  I was there myself."  Neil intently studied
her face, but Christy wasn't sure if he was angry or
worried.  He pulled off his gloves and felt her
cheeks.  "Christy, you're so cold."  Neil's warm palms
sent a tingle through her face.  He reached for her
left hand and removed the glove.  "Your fingers are
like ice!"

While the doctor softly chafed her hand, she tried to
explain, "That's just because I stopped to rest for a
minute.  I was very warm while I was walking.  Really,
I'm fine."

Neil's voice grew stern, though his touch remained
gentle.  "You wouldn't have been fine in another few
minutes.  Didn't you know the rain was coming?"

Before Christy could reply, Neil grasped her hand and
led her toward his horse.  With a nod of his head he
directed her to climb into the saddle.  "No, let me
sit behind you."  Christy pulled back, embarrassed at
the thought of Neil holding her so closely.

He kept a firm grip, and drew her forward again. 
"Christy, you can't hold onto me properly with your
arm in a sling.  Come, we don't have time to argue. 
The rain's picking up."

Christy knew he was right.  With reluctance she gave
in, and gathered her skirt to step into the stirrup. 
Neil lifted her by the waist, but noticed her grimace
of pain as she reached the saddle.  "You're hurt!" 
His brusqueness was gone, and his voice was filled
with concern.  He reached up to touch her arm
tenderly.  "What is it, Christy -- have you strained
your wrist again?"

"No, it's not my wrist," she replied, although it did
feel sore.  "It's only a bruise on my knee.  It's
nothing."  She adjusted her skirts, avoiding the
doctor's piercing gaze.  "I thought you were in a
hurry."

Neil looked at her suspiciously for another moment,
and then handed Christy the reins.  He retrieved his
hat, put his own foot in the stirrup and swung up
behind her.  He reached around to take the reins
again, gave Charlie a light touch with his heels, and
they were off.

Christy tried to keep a space between her and Neil,
but the horse's jogging motion made this impossible. 
Less than a minute had passed when she felt his chin
nudge her ear.  "How did you bruise your knee?" he
asked softly.  "Did that happen today?  Tell me,
Christy."  He had her surrounded, with an arm on
either side, his chest against her shoulders, and his
face leaning over to read her expression.  Suddenly
she felt too warm.  Christy shifted nervously in the
saddle before answering.

"You see, when I fell yesterday, I bumped my knee." 
She rushed on before he could respond.  "It hardly
hurt at all.  I didn't think anything of it.  Why must
you make so much of a bruise!"

"Because you're in pain!  Bruises and sprains don't
get better with exercise -- they must rest to heal. 
And here you are, hiking all the way to the Becks'! 
What were you thinking?"  The sharpness of his tone
irritated Christy.

"I was thinking of Wanda Ann!  I couldn't let her walk
all that way alone, could I?"  She lifted her chin and
twisted her head to return his glare.

"But you could have stayed at the Becks'!  I can't
believe you walked all the way there from school, and
then left when you knew the rain was coming!"

Christy was running out of replies, but she was
determined not to apologize for what she'd done.  "I
could have made it.  I had my cape to keep me dry." 
She leaned forward, trying to avoid touching him at
all.

"Keep you dry!" Neil muttered.  "Did you think about
walking four miles in the dark?"  She shuddered at at
that, but only humphed in reply.  They rode on in
angry, uncomfortable silence.

Arguing at such close range was difficult.  Neither
could walk away, as they were accustomed to doing, and
they didn't know how to proceed.  When the horse
started down a bumpy incline, Neil put an arm around
Christy's waist to steady her in the saddle, but she
refused to lean back against him.

Christy's tired mind was searching for a stinging
comment that would put Neil in his place, when a
sudden thought occurred.  "Neil," she said in a softer
tone, "You came to the Becks' house looking for me?"

"Mmm-hmm."

Christy thought another moment.  The facts had been in
front of her all along, but only now fit into place. 
"You went to the school, and followed me to the
Becks', and then here?"  A smile bloomed on her lips. 
He'd come looking for her!  He'd been worried about
her!  Her heart swelled.

The doctor gruffly affirmed it.  "Of course I did. 
But if you'd waited at the school, I would have ridden
the wee girl home myself."  His voice was still
accusing.  "What induced you to run off like that? 
Didn't I tell you when I left this morning that I'd be
back?"

"How was I to know when you were coming?" she replied,
on the defensive again.  "I thought you meant you'd be
back in the evening!"

"I see!"  His arm around her waist tightened, and his
voice dropped to a teasingly low pitch.  "Were you
hurrying back home because you thought I'd be there?" 
His cheek brushed against her temple as  he tried to
glimpse her face, but Christy turned her head away to
hide the blush which raced up her neck and cheeks. 
"Hmm?  Is that it?"

"Never mind, Doctor.  That's of no interest to you."

Still grinning, Neil loosened his hold on Christy's
waist and sat up straight.  He didn't pursue his
question, but after a few moments of awkward silence
he changed the subject.  "It was very kind of you to
walk home with Wanda Ann," he said softly.

"Thank you, Doctor MacNeill."  Christy breathed a sigh
of relief, acknowledging that she would have been in
serious trouble had he not found her.  "And thank you
for coming after me."  After a minute, she relaxed
against his chest, and rested her own injured arm on
his as he held her securely.  She heard the rain on
the trees, but so far hadn't felt more than a drop or
two.  Her eyelids began to droop.  They rode
comfortably in the late afternoon dusk until the sound
of the wind and rain grew stronger.




Neil's voice broke their silence.  "The heavy rain's
only a few minutes away, Christy.  We'll have to take
shelter."

Christy had been dozing as she leaned against Neil,
but now was fully alert.  Sure enough, the wind was
increasing, and she felt the light but steady rain. 
"Are we near the Mission yet?"

"No.  George Beck sent you on this path to avoid the
steep trails, but it's more than a mile longer."  He
stopped Charlie and slid off the horse's back,
scanning the woods for a familiar landmark.

Christy immediately felt the cold wind on her back. 
"What are you doing?"

"The old Coburn cabin isn't far away.  We'll stop
there till the rain lets up."  He grasped the reins
and led the way off the trail into the heavy forest. 
Christy held onto the horse's mane tightly, keeping
her eyes on the doctor's broad back, his tweed hat and
the ends of his hair that curled out under the edges. 
Suddenly it seemed quite dark, though she knew it was
only late afternoon.  The sight of his confident
stride calmed her nerves.

Five minutes later they came upon a small cabin
perched on a hillside.  Neil turned to grin
reassuringly at Christy.  He reached up to help her
out of the saddle, but instead of setting her on the
ground, he kept her in his arms and carried her onto
the porch.

"I can walk!"  She meant to frown, but somehow smiled
as he turned with a flourish and deposited her on a
weather-worn bench.

His finger tapped her chin lightly, and he said, "Wait
here for me.  I'm going to put Charlie in that shed." 
He nodded toward a rickety shelter on the hill below
the cabin.

While he was gone, Christy slowly stood, gingerly
testing her sore knee.  The house seemed deserted,
with all the windows shuttered, but she cautiously
knocked on the door and called out.  Silence confirmed
that it was empty.  The wind was spattering her with
rain, but Christy wasn't at all tempted to go in
alone.  She waited shivering on the porch for the
doctor to rejoin her.

He wrapped his arm protectively around her as he
pushed open the door.  He explained, "It's been empty
since Kyle's father died five or six years ago." 
Christy leaned against him, and didn't let go of his
coat until their eyes adjusted to the dim interior. 
Even then she stayed close.

Neil took a quick inventory of the room.  "Well, we
can stay dry.  Someone left us firewood, I see."  He
patted Christy's shoulder.  "I know it doesn't look
like much, but you're safe here."

In a short time, the fire was kindled.  Neil placed a
chair before the hearth, wiped it as clean as
possible, and seated Christy.  "Now tell me the
truth," he said, standing before her, hooking his
thumbs in his belt.  "How badly did you hurt your
knee?  And I know your wrist pains you."  His gaze was
compassionate as he waited for her answer, but she
knew there was no use in claiming to be all right. 
She was too tired to pretend, anyway.

She looked down at her right arm, still hidden under
her cape.  "It aches a little."

Neil remained attentive.  "Go on."  When Christy
hesitated, he sank to one knee before her.  "Don't be
afraid to tell me, Christy."

Christy carefully touched her knee, tracing the
tender, bruised area.  "It didn't bother me during
school."  She kept her face averted, dreading Dr.
MacNeill's reaction.  "While Wanda Ann and I were
walking, my knee started to feel sore.  I rested a
while at the Becks', and I thought I'd be all
right..."  Her voice trailed off and she sighed
wearily.  The soft sound of rain on the roof filled in
the silence as she braced herself for the doctor's
criticism.

She gaped in surprise as Neil lifted her hand and
pressed it to his lips.  "You amaze me, Miss
Huddleston," he said quietly, earnestly.  "Any
ordinary mortal would have collapsed long ago, but
when it comes to the children, you've more courage and
endurance than anyone I know."  The blazing fire
behind Neil cast his face in shadow, but the
admiration in his gaze shone clearly.  He stroked her
hand gently as their eyes met.

Christy wasn't sure how long they remained in that
position, but the sound of something banging startled
them both.  "It's only the door in the wind," he said.
 Her eyes followed him as he crossed the room and
examined the latch.

He peeked outside before closing the door securely. 
"It's pouring out there!"  As he returned he spoke
reassuringly.  "We'll be fine.  Now, let me take a
look at that bruise and check your bandages.  I'll
give you something for your pain."  He gathered his
canteen and saddle bags, and glanced over with a
mischievous twinkle.  "Or should I save it for the
ordinary mortals?"  She couldn't help but smile.

Christy's smile faded when he knelt once again before
her.  As much as she trusted the doctor, she still
felt embarrassed, even apprehensive, at the thought of
him examining her leg.  They were alone!  Her eyes
darted nervously about the dim cabin, and then came
back to Dr. MacNeill as he spread a small cloth and
set out medicine and clean bandages.  Her fears began
to ease at his patient, mild expression.  Finally she
reached for her skirt and slowly revealed her knee.

As Dr. MacNeill carefully drew down her thick
stocking, his eyes grew round.  The bruise was large
and blackened.  "How on earth did you walk all that
way?"  There was a three-legged stool beside the
fireplace; he slid it under her foot, saying, "You
must keep your knee elevated.  I shouldn't have waited
this long to examine it."  He removed her shoe and
bound her knee lightly.  When that was done he brought
another chair and sat beside her to change the
bandages on her wrist and fingers.

A little while later, after Christy had drunk the
medicine he offered, the doctor asked, "Are you more
comfortable?"  She nodded as they listened to the
steady rhythm on the roof and the occasional splash of
drops coming through the ceiling.  Neil said, "It
won't let up any time soon.  We'll not be able to
travel any further tonight."

Christy's answer was a very small "Oh."  She shivered
as a blast of wind blew through the cracks.

"Don't fret, Miss Huddleston.  Didn't I tell you
you're safe here?"  He turned up his palm, and after a
moment of hesitation, Christy shyly placed her hand in
his.

"Thank you, Neil.  I know I'm safe with you.  I'd be
out in this storm if it wasn't for you."  She squeezed
his hand.  "Thank God you came after me."

He winked at her and returned the pressure.  "Thank
God I found you," he whispered.  Christy looked at him
curiously, but Neil quickly rose as another gust
rattled the door.  "Let's see what we can do about
that wind," he mused, scanning the one-room cabin. 
His eye lit on a bed in the corner.  She watched as he
dragged it toward the fireplace and pulled the straw
mattress onto the floor  He tilted the heavy frame on
its side so that it created a low wall, facing the
fireplace.  In reply to her quizzical look he said,
"This will block the drafts and keep the heat close." 
Christy smiled at his thoughtfulness, and was grateful
for his energy - she felt hers draining.

He repeated the operation on a second bed, so that the
two "walls" formed an angle in front of the hearth,
with Christy sitting in the middle of the enclosed
area.  She watched with growing embarrassment as Neil
spread the saddle blanket over one of the mattresses. 
"When you want to lie down, I'll move the chair out of
the way."  He noticed her discomfort and chuckled. 
"Or else you can sit there all night!"

The bags and bundles were piled on the table.  Neil
rummaged through them and drew out a couple of apples.
 He lowered himself onto a mattress, leaned back
against the bed frame and stretched his legs toward
the fire.  "Hungry?" he asked.  He cut a slice of
apple, speared it on his knife, and held it out to
Christy.

"A little."  She fumbled in the pocket of her cape,
which hung over the back of the chair.  "Mrs. Beck
gave me some biscuits."  She handed him a brown paper
package, and then accepted the apple slice.

While they ate, Christy was fascinated by the dancing
flames.  She relaxed and listened to the steady
drumming of the rain.  As she swallowed the last piece
of apple she glanced at Neil, and blushed to find his
eyes on her.  She saw the same admiration as before,
but there was something else that made her heart beat
faster.

"Neil?" she asked, unable to break away from his
steady gaze.

"Yes, Christy."  His voice was low and gentle.

She didn't know how to give words to her thoughts,
which had been tumbling around in her head.  "You --
you've seemed different these past days."

"Have I?"  A slight smile crossed his face, but he
waited for Christy to proceed.

She looked down at her hands.  "When you came to
supper last night, and then today in school, and just
now...  You're more, more --"

He finished for her.  "More friendly?"  He leaned
forward.  "Christy, I've considered you my friend for
a long time, and I know you feel the same."  She
agreed with a nod, and he continued hesitantly.  "I
wanted to find out...  I wasn't sure if that was all
you wanted."

Christy felt her pulse quickening.  "I wasn't sure
either.  I didn't want to intrude after --"  Once
again, as she paused, Neil completed the sentence.

"After Margaret died.  I know.  I found myself
mourning her a second time, and I'm afraid I shut you
out."  He sighed and plucked at a piece of straw
sticking out of the mattress, letting the silence
extend.

"I knew you were sad," Christy said softly, "but all I
could do was pray for you."

"Did you?" he murmured, drawing up one knee and
resting his elbow on it.  They both turned at the
sound of a burning log collapsing into the glowing
ashes.  Neil rose and stacked more wood on the fire,
then remained standing as he faced Christy.

"I kept to myself partly because I didn't want to hurt
you," he said, rubbing his hands together.  Christy
looked at him questioningly.  "As hard as it was to
forgive her, it was harder to forgive myself.  No
doubt you noticed I was a wee bit --" he looked up
apologetically "-- testy at times."

"Once in a while."  She became serious as she asked,
"Did you? -- Forgive yourself?"  Her eyes were
fastened on his face.  She knew that to speak openly
about himself required a great effort for Neil, and
she tried to encourage him with a gentle smile.

Neil swallowed and nodded.  "I think so, but it's not
been easy."  His hands were still clasped together. 
"There was another reason for staying apart as I did. 
You needed time, too, Christy.  You had to be sure
your decision about David was the right one."

Christy didn't hesitate.  "I am sure.  David's been a
wonderful friend to me ever since I came to the
Mission.  It was easy to feel comfortable with each
other."  Her smile became wistful.  "But I realized
we'd make a mistake if we married each other.  It
wasn't enough."

Neil's eyes swept over her, coming to rest on her
face.  Christy stood and cautiously put her weight on
her sore leg, reaching out for Neil.  He caught her
hand to steady her.  Her grip was tight.  "You haven't
really told me why you've been ... more friendly
lately."

He caught his breath as he met Christy's earnest gaze.
 "Well," he began, unable to keep a soft smile from
his lips, "I told you I wasn't sure if your feelings
for me were any more than friendship.  So, I decided
to find out."  He brought her hand to rest against his
chest.

"And what did you find out?" she asked in a hushed
voice.

Neil studied her lips, her hair, her eyes.  "I know
that I care for you very deeply, and I hope you care
for me, too."  She leaned slightly toward him, but
with his hands on her shoulders he held her back
gently.  "Christy, I'd like to court you."

She stared for a moment as the meaning of his words
sank in.  Her smile grew wide as she felt happiness
blooming.  "You want to marry me?"

Her heart leapt at the answer in his eyes, but still
he held her apart.  "You're an impatient one, aren't
you?  I want you to be sure of your feelings, and that
needs time.  Didn't you just tell me that being
comfortable with each other isn't enough?  I don't
want you to make a mistake."

"It's not a mistake.  I do care for you -- very much."

Neil caressed her cheek as he whispered, "Christy, I
want you to be happy.  There's no need to rush.  You
know, you're not used to looking at me as a suitor." 
He held her face gently in both hands.  "Or as a
husband."

"I look at you as my dearest friend, Neil, and even
though we argue now and then --"

"Now and then?"  He brushed his lips across her
forehead.

Christy closed her eyes for a moment as she felt the
warmth of his kiss spread like electricity.  When she
opened them again her smile was brilliant.  "Yes, now
and then.  But we never stopped respecting or caring
about each other.  I trust you more than anyone I
know."  Christy stepped back and carefully slid her
arm out of the sling.  She returned to his embrace,
nestling her cheek against his shoulder.  He murmured
her name as he held her close.

She soon looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the
glowing firelight.  "I would be honored and pleased
for you to court me."  Her fingers wandered to his
hair, lightly brushing it back from his temple.

Neil slowly leaned down and softly kissed her lips. 
Her hand touched his cheek, his neck, his hair while
they prolonged their tender kiss.

Finally he raised his head.  Christy hugged Neil
tightly for a few moments, and then leaned back
comfortably against his encircling arms, still beaming
with joy.  His face reflected her happiness.

The sound of the wind and rain must have reminded Neil
of their situation.  With a deep breath he reached for
her hand.  "It's time you got some sleep, Christy. 
Your feather bed awaits you," he said with a grin.

"Oh, can't we sit up and talk some more?  I'm too
happy to fall asleep now, anyway."  Christy tried to
resist, but found herself steered toward the straw
mattress.  "Don't you want to stay up?"

"Yes, very much," he replied with a soft kiss on her
cheek, "but if you recall, one person in this room
didn't get proper rest last night, and then pushed
herself much too hard today."  He pointed down at the
mattress and helped her to seat herself.  "Careful of
your knee.  Take my hand.  Are you all right?" 
Christy nodded reluctantly, watching as Neil moved the
chair away and brought her cape to cover her.  He
rolled his coat and placed it under her right foot,
instructing her to keep it elevated.

Neil stoked the fire and sat on his mattress.  "I'm
sorry there's no pillow for you."  He began to pull
off his riding boots.  "If the pain wakes you, call
for me.  Throw your shoe if I'm snoring too loudly." 
He laughed at Christy's surprised stare, but then
became sober.  She thought he would kiss her once
more, but he leaned back against the bed frame. 
"Sweet dreams, Christy.  Remember me in your prayers."

Christy lay down, pulling her cape over herself.  "I
always do."

 * * *

Christy awoke to the early morning chorus of birds
outside.  The previous evening's events slowly came
into her mind, bringing a smile to her lips.  She
sleepily opened her eye a slit in time to see Dr.
MacNeill tiptoe past, boots in hand.  There was a
quiet rustling at the table behind her, and then the
careful creak of the door.  Though she intended to
rise, she drifted back to sleep almost immediately.

"Christy."  She heard his deep voice in her dream. 
Her eyes opened on the doctor, crouching beside the
mattress.

Christy blinked a few times.  "Is it morning?"  The
cabin was still dim.

He nodded.  "About an hour to sunrise.  Time to get
you home.  How do you feel?" he asked, observing her
closely.

She took a few deep breaths before answering.  "Okay,
I think."

"Let me help you get up.  You'll be a bit sore, but
otherwise all right."  Christy knew her hair was
disheveled and her clothes rumpled, but to her relief
Neil didn't seem to notice.  She leaned on him as he
gently raised her to her feet.  He drew the chair
close and then thoughtfully left her to prepare in
privacy.  "I'll be nearby if you need me."

She was indeed sore, and even a little stiff in her
muscles and joints, but nothing could deflate her
buoyant spirits that morning -- not the muddy yard and
dripping trees, nor the damp mist that filled the
woods, nor the ancient outhouse, nor the chipped and
rusty washbasin Neil filled with icy spring water, nor
her empty stomach.  Christy's happiness expanded each
moment as she repeated to herself that Neil cared for
her!  Whenever she managed to catch his eye she saw
the same joy there, too.

When they were ready to leave, he helped Christy to
the clearing where Charlie was grazing.  She
approached the saddle, but instead of preparing to
mount, she turned to him and smiled softly.  "Ever
since I fell the other day," she said, laying her hand
on his arm, "everything was going wrong for me --
except for you.  I'm beginning to realize how much
I've come to depend on you."

"I can't tell you how much it means to hear you say
that," he said, resting one hand on her shoulder. 
"But you don't fool me.  You're no weakling, Miss
Huddleston.  In fact, it's I who needs you."

Christy lightly caressed his clean-shaven cheek and
gazed happily into his eyes.  With a wink he caught
her waist and gently lifted her to a sidesaddle
position in front of the saddle.  In a few moments
they were riding through the gray mist.

Neil promised to cook a hearty breakfast when they
reached the Mission house.  "And you should take a hot
bath, and spend the day in the easy chair with your
leg up," he said with all seriousness.  "I mean it."

Christy nodded her understanding.  It would be
wonderful to feel clean and dry.  For now, though, she
was perfectly content to lean against Neil's strong
chest, with his arm supporting her.  As the horse
jogged along the trail they chatted effortlessly,
comfortably.  Sometimes they were quiet, simply
listening to the early morning sounds of the forest. 
Neither could believe how quickly they reached the
Mission.

They climbed the hill to the school, but instead of
continuing to the house, Neil stopped the horse and
dismounted.  Christy willingly leaned into his
outstretched arms.  His eyes shone with pleasure as he
gently lifted her down.  Her hand slipped into his,
and they looked across to the mountains.

The school was still in shadow, but the mist was
clearing and the sky above was cloudless.  Neil and
Christy beheld the high smoky peaks to their west
glowing in the first rays of the rising sun.  Even the
distant fog looked golden.

"Oh, Neil," she exclaimed softly as the mountains they
loved were transformed by the light.  "Isn't it
beautiful!"

"'Tis."  His eyes remained on the hills for a few
moments, and then he transferred his gaze to Christy's
face.  "It's always beautiful, but to share it with
you makes it very special.  I'd love to see many more
sunrises with you."  He took her into his arms.

Christy nestled close.  "And many sunsets, too.  And
all the time in between," she added mischievously. 
"Or am I being impatient again?"

Neil kissed her temple tenderly.  "Probably."  He
kissed both her cheeks.  "But just now that sounds
very reasonable."  The sun peeked above the eastern
ridge, sparkling in all the raindrops left in the
trees and the grass.  She thought he'd never looked
more handsome than now, with the sunlight all around
them.

Christy's lips sought Neil's eagerly.  When she drew
back and leaned her head on his shoulder, she felt a
strong bond of communion and trust.  They stood
silently for a few minutes, watching the last strands
of mist disappear in the warmth of the sun.  A
wonderful new day had begun.


THE END