In my versions, Fairlight hasn't died...Christy has just came from David's bunkhouse. Tears were still streaming down her face. She had never wanted to hurt David, but she couldn't marry a man she didn't love. This is my version of what happened between this night and the wedding.
As Christy entered the mission house, Miss Alice looked up in surprise, taking in the young woman's tear-stained face. "Christy, is thee alright?" She asked with a voice full of concern. Christy looked at Miss Alice. She started to open her mouth to tell her everything, but all that came out was a choked sob. She turned and ran up the stairs to her room.
Alice started to go after her but just as she stood up and pushed her chair in, David entered, looking very angry. He threw a letter onto the table, looked at Alice and said, "That's my resignation. All of my belongings will be packed by tomorrow evening and I will be gone." Then he left without another word as Alice stood there stunned. What was going on? Deciding to talk to Christy first, she headed up the stairs.
Christy was laying on her bed and sobbing into her pillow when she heard a small knock at the door. "Come in." She said, barely above a whisper. Since she knew it was Miss Alice, she didn't bother looking up. She took and deep breath and started to explain everything. "When Neil and I were riding, I was so thrilled that my best friend was finally back home. We got off our horses and had a little conversation and then he confessed that he loved me. I started to smile and then remembered David and I got very defensive. I ran. He caught up to me and then lightening struck and the horses ran off. He led me to a cabin, so we could stay safe and dry. He kissed me while I was there. I wanted to give in but I pulled away and slapped him. That wouldn't have been fair to David. I ran again, fell and rolled down a hill, twisting my ankle. Then after we got back to the cabin, we talked again, but soon, I had a fever. I heard him praying. I realized he really did love me. I wanted to tell him that I truly did love him too, but I couldn't talk." She gasped and started crying again. Alice sat beside her and tried to soothe her.
"Christy, it seems to me that thee is finally learning to listen to thy heart. I don't understand why thee is crying though. Surely thee got to talk to Neil before he dropped you off this morning." Christy swallowed a couple times to hold back her tears and turned to Miss Alice.
"Oh Miss Alice, I wish I could have. I tried to tell him but he walked away. When he was carrying me back to the mission, I felt so comfortable in his arms and I started to drift asleep. I woke up when David called my name. David took me form Neil, and then stumbled. Neil ran up to catch me and I realized I needed to walk. I couldn't let either carry me. I knew I loved Neil, but I was engaged to David. I just gave David back his ring. I know he hates me. But I would rather him hate me now, than hate me later and us get divorced. I never got to speak to Neil, and now I fear it is too late. He doesn't know how I feel."
Alice pulled Christy's shoulders to get her to look at her. "Christy, I know for a fact that the doctor doesn't leave for three more days. Thee has more than enough time to go to him and confess thy love. Go tomorrow morning, bright and early. But for now, rest. Sleep on these new feelings." Alice patted Christy's shoulder and stood up to leave.
"Miss Alice?"
Alice turned. "Yes?"
"Thank you. Talking to you always helps a lot."
"Thee is very welcome Christy. Now sleep and I shall see thee in the morning." Alice left the room and Christy rolled over, only to fall into a fitful sleep.
