Title: They Will Know Us By Our Kin
Author: HeatherLass
Summary: What if a stranger came to visit…but turned out to be not who was expected? Can't say more now, it will spoil the secret!
Disclaimer: Yup, all the Christy characters are property of the Marshell/LeSourd (did I get that right?) estate, etc, etc, etc. The naturalist character is of my own creation but with some real life folk singer. Can't say who, since that would ruin some surprises. But likely, a not-well known folk singer. So yeah.
Author's Note: Hmm…so to make life simple, Margaret's fate is that of in the book. Sorry, to those who like her, that's how it is. She'd just be in the way here. A lot of the TV stuff did happen though, like Dan Scott is there and Theodore Harland did visit (sans Margaret) to everyone's annoyance. Not sure if the typhoid epidemic will get called into question yet. But we can definitely say both David and Neil have an eye on Christy. And Ruby Mae isn't married and is still at the mission. But Ida's not.
Prologue: The Letter
Christy sat on the steps of the mission daydreaming into the spring afternoon. School was out for the spring planting holiday and lesson plans for next month were done. Since her parents had decided to visit relatives in Charlottesville, there was no visit home to plan until summer holiday, months away.
"Christy, Christy. Christy!" Miss Alice's voice jerked Christy's mind back into reality.
"I'm sorry, Miss Alice, I was daydreaming. It's such a lovely day."
"That it tis, that it tis, Christy. I would like an opportunity with thee, if thou can spare a few minutes."
"Of course, is something wrong?"
"No, not at all. Shall we walk?" She cocked her head toward the open window where Ruby Mae was visible baking inside.
"Of course." They started down the steps but as they did, Ruby Mae pocked her head out.
"Aye heard that, Miss Alice. Whatever yall are gabbing about, I'll git it outa ya yet." At that, her hands flew to her mouth. "Oh lands, my tongue! I'm rightful sorry, Miss Alice! I just meant that, weel, you know. Secrets cain't stay that way long in this here cove."
"I know Ruby Mae, and I shall tell thee later. Does that suit thee?" Miss Alice smiled. Next to her, Christy was trying unsuccessfully to quell her laugher.
"Promise?"
"Promise, I'll even shake on it if thee wish." In the cove, a handshake meant a person's word was bound.
"Tain't necessary, Miss Alice, yer word is as good as shiny gold." Ruby Mae pulled her head back in and went back to baking. In a fit of despair that winter, Christy and David had begged Fairlight and Opal to help Ruby Mae with her cooking skills and Ruby Mae found she had a skill for pie making. She was now determined to cook Rob Allen the perfect pie. Maybe then, she hoped, he would finally see her as a woman in love with him and not as a foolish girl with a schoolyard crush.
Miss Alice and Christy walked toward the gazebo and turned toward the lake path.
"I received a letter yesterday from Dr. Ferrand," Miss Alice began.
"Oh!" Christy's eyes grew wide.
"Do not worry child, it is not to complain about thee. In fact he does credit thee well."
"Me!" Christy squeaked.
"Yes, thou. Which brings me to my point. He goes on to say that a young traveling naturalist of his acquaintance, a Mr. O'Toole I believe, whishes to study the Great Smokies and in particular, Cutter Gap."
"A naturalist!"
"Apparently Mr. O'Toole was very impressed by thy speech to Asheville's Good Works Society and is yearning to see the Cove for himself."
"Hmm, may I ask what you think of the idea Miss Alice?"
"In the light of the infamous Mr. Harland, I was not at first inclined to acquiesce. But Dr. Ferrand has proclaimed this person to be of sound nature and character, having done other studies in other areas and apparently fit in with locals quite well. And this person would be willing to help thee with thy natural science courses. If you wish it, of course. And Dr. Ferrand says he will take no action until he has heard from us."
"Are you saying you like the idea, Miss Alice?
"Yes, I do believe it will be beneficial both to the children and the people of Cutter Gap. To preserve the knowledge of it's beauty for posterity. And you, Christy?"
"I am eager. I confess, that while Dr. MacNeill is wonderful with the children when it comes to chemistry and anatomy, they are sadly lacking in a study of the plants and animals they see everyday. And there is only so much I can teach them. Was there anything else mentioned?"
"Only that Mr. O'Toole would be perfectly happy to not trouble us into meeting at the station. He wishes to take his wagon all the way from Knoxville, stopping as he goes."
"Knoxville, how far! Surely he can afford a train ticket."
"Yes, but from what I gather, the man has set up a moving research station and living quarters in a covered wagon and travels from location to location. Says he prefers that to strangers moving his equipment."
"That would make sense, I suppose." Oh dear! We don't have more than one book about flowers and the animal encyclopedia set!"
"I believe Mr. O'Toole said, let me see, ah yes. He specifically state it would be an honor if he would be allowed to donate some old books and equipment that he and his collegues no longer were in need of."
"How exciting! I can hardly wait to tell the children. Clara and Zady Spencer will be especially pleased. You know how they soak up every bit of what Fairlight tells them about herbs and such."
"And I know Creed loves learning about animals." Alice smiled, "although I believe that has more to do with his fascination of putting beetles into Becky Holt's hair." The two women laughed at the thought and continued their walk, talking about the progress of the Sewing Circle and plans for the coming school term."
Author's Note: It sounds weird, I know but it will get better. And Mr. O'Toole is not who you expect, is all I will say. Please review once I've got Chapter 1 up! (hopefully during the next weekend)