Love's Unexpected Journey
A/N: First of all, I'm a HUGE Christy/Neil fan. I first read Christy in 5th grade (many years ago) and there was NO competition in my mind. Felt the same way about the series, though my friends were all about David, I was firmly in Neil's corner.
But I also love writing stories with twists to contemplate the what-ifs. I also love inserting a plausible OC into the story to see how an addition of a new character would shake up the fold, while trying to stay true to the spirit of the book/tv show. This is one of those stories. I got the idea while looking at old clips of the TV show and Christy talking about her sister that died. So, I got to thinking what-if Christy did have a sister? How would that change the story and I went on from there. I took elements from both the book/tv show and used it interchangeably.
So be warned: this is not a Christy/Neil story as much as I adore them. I have a good chunk of this story already written and I hope some people will give it a chance, even if it doesn't involve their favorite couple. But if not, I have just enjoyed writing it and thought I would take a chance and post it. The first chapter is a bit longer as it establishes the characters—Thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: These beautiful characters belong to Catherine Marshall. Don't own at all…
Chapter 1:
Christy Huddleston rushed out the door at the sound of the carriage pulling up the dirt road to the mission.
"Mother, I'm so glad you are here!" she exclaimed as the carriage came to a halt and the driver helped Julia Huddleston down. As always, she was the epitome of grace and propriety, looking just as stunning in her dark red traveling dress as Christy remembered her.
"Darling" she gave Christy a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Christy turned to the other woman getting down from the carriage. "Christy" her smile was bright even though in her eyes, she could tell that she was worried, by the way she absently twisted her dark brown hair, which was piled up on top of her head, save a small bit on the sides that hung down and the shadow over her light blue eyes- the same wide eyes that mirrored her own. Even with their three year age difference, people often mistook them for twins, save the difference in hair color- her sister's darker than her own.
"Adelaide" Christy turned to her sister and ran into her arms. "I've missed you so much. Thank God you've come"
"Of course I came" She hugged her tightly, clinging to her, before she pulled away. "How's Daddy doing?"
"Not good" Christy confided, in a whisper. "I'm worried. He can't move or talk"
"That's not uncommon for stroke victims" she responded to her with a frown. "Mother bought Dr. Grant here. She insisted upon it" her voice quiet.
Julia cleared her throat at what she perceived as her daughters conspiratorial whispering. Goodness knows she was used to it, but it could be viewed as rude if they kept up their side conversation. "Dr. Grant, you remember my daughter, Christy?"
"Of course" Dr. Grant responded. "Nice to see you again, Christy"
The door opened and Miss Alice stepped onto the porch. Christy stepped up to make introductions, introducing her family to her mentor. Adelaide noticed a flicker of surprise which came over Miss Alice's face when she was introduced, but she dismissed it, thinking she was imagining things as she was weary from their journey.
"Miss Henderson" Julia asked in a smooth voice, "if you wouldn't mind taking Dr. Grant to examine my husband?"
"I want to come too" Adelaide insisted, her voice strong as she smoothed down the wrinkles in her blue traveling dress.
"I don't know how appropriate that is, dear" Julia told her, her eyes warning her.
Addie tried not to groan as she exchanged a glance with her sister, who was sympathetic. "I am a nurse, mother"
"Yes, but do allow Dr. Grant to do his job first" Julia reminded her. "without you hovering over him"
Adelaide took a breath. "Very well. But I want to see Daddy right after"
"Of course. I know you want to see your father as soon as possible" Dr. Grant nodded.
The others left Christy and Adelaide alone on the porch.
"You must be so exhausted" Christy put her arm around her sister's waist. "Let's come inside and have something to drink"
"I don't trust Dr. Grant" she whispered. "He's just of a different philosophy than Simon or myself"
"Simon couldn't come?" Christy asked as she reached for two glasses and poured water into them.
"He had a big surgery today that couldn't be delayed. And a meeting for his research grant tomorrow. He is coming the day after next. But for stroke victims, there is no time to waste" She twisted her wedding ring. "I really need his back up with dealing with mother. She still treats me as if I am five"
Christy laughed, handing her a glass. "Oh yes, I know all about that"
"The thing is I know what Dr. Grant is going to say. He will say that he is untreatable. He is already scheduled to return on the evening train. If he thought there was any hope, he wouldn't have booked the first train back."
She sat down at the table and gestured for Addie to sit too. "We should really talk to Dr. MacNeill about it. He had to check on patients up the way, but he will be back tomorrow"
Adelaide nodded. "I agree. From what you have written, I can tell you respect him and his work, but mother won't"
Christy sighed. "I know"
The two caught up until the heard the door shutting and the carriage pulling away. Julia Huddleston entered the kitchen, weariness and worry evident across her lovely features.
Christy pulled out a chair. "Here mother, sit down" Julia thanked her and sat, which Christy got her a glass of water.
"What did Dr. Grant say?" Adelaide asked.
"There is nothing to be done" Julia sighed. "He will be back in a few days and then we can possibly move him. But he will spend the rest of his days as an invalid"
"Mother, I simply do not believe that is true" Addie told her. "The current research-"
"Adelaide, you are a nurse" Julia reminded her, stopping her. "Not a doctor"
"But Simon—"
"When your husband comes, we will consult his opinion, of course" Julia retorted, firmly.
"But Addie was telling me there is no time to waste" Christy added. "In the meantime, we should talk to Dr. MacNeill and see what he says. I'm sure he can help"
"Christy" Julia chided. "I know you think so highly of your doctor, but he is a country doctor"
"Mother" Addie tried to keep her voice calm. "Christy says he went to one of the finest schools in Scotland as well as completed his post-graduate work at Jefferson College in Philadelphia, which as we know is an excellent program. She has also told us about his research on trachoma, which sounds promising and intriguing. Simon and I are both eager to meet him"
"No" Julia stood. "I will not have my daughters team up on me. Not now and not about this. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to go lie down"
"Can I at least see, Daddy?" Adelaide asked.
"Of course you can" Julia retorted. "But as his daughter, not as his nurse. Understood?"
"Completely" Addie retorted and resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her mother.
Adelaide woke up the next morning, feeling refreshed. She opened the doors to her balcony and breathed in the crisp November mountain air and her heart danced at the beautiful sight in front of her. It was stunning- no wonder the mountains had captured her sisters' heart and grasped it so firmly. She could hear children's voices prattling across the way- school must be in session. Christy had invited her the night before to meet the children and she was quite eager to do so, but first she had to check on her father. The joy left her as she entered the oppressed room and saw her father lying in bed. She knew he was alert because she could tell by his eyes and the way they followed her. She wished she could do something to help, but her mother refused to allow her to interfere in his treatment.
"I'm so sorry, Daddy" she whispered. "Simon will be here tomorrow. He can work on mother"
William Huddleston's fingers twitched and she knew his message. "Be patient. Be loving. Keep trying" While her mother and her often had a strained relationship once she reached adulthood and chose to become a nurse, her father was often the mediator, mindful of both is wife's and his eldest daughter's feelings.
"I'll try my best, Daddy" A kiss to the forehead and she went downstairs.
"Morning, Mrs. Napier" David Grantland was sitting at the table, drinking coffee and rose when she came into the room.
She smiled at the kind preacher- the one who was so clearly taken with her sister. "Call me, Adelaide, please. Or Addie if you prefer. I've been married a year, but I still can't get used to such a formal title. My husband teases me about it all the time"
"Very well, Adelaide, only if you call me David" he smiled back. "There is still porridge on the stove and coffee as well"
"Thank you" She helped herself and then sat down at the table with him. "Did Miss Alice leave?"
"She left early this morning" David nodded. "She should be back later today. Your mother is still sleeping?"
"Yes" Addie replied. "She was exhausted, naturally"
"Christy asked me to tell you to join her at the school when you are ready. I can take you there"
"I'm looking forward to meeting these children she peppers me with stories about" she grinned. "I feel like I know them already"
"She is so good with the children" David commented, sipping the coffee. "We are lucky to have her"
There was a knock on the door and David rose, "Excuse me"
"Opal?" David let her in. "What happened?"
"We were on our ways to the school and Isaak here fell and smashed his hand open. Cut it right good. I think it might need a stitch or two. Doc is nowhere to be found. Miz Alice here?"
"I'm afraid not" David told her as Opal entered with a squirming boy at her side. "How are you doing Isaak?"
"Stings something fierce, preacher" he told him, seriously.
Adelaide rose. David glanced at her. "Oh, I'm sorry. Opal McHone, Adelaide Napier"
"You're Miz Christy's sister?" Opal asked her, her eyes friendly. "She had told me right much about you during our reading lessons"
"It's such a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. McHone" Adelaide smiled, warmly. "What happened to your son's hand?"
"Smashed it hard against a rock. Ripped right through it"
She glanced at David, unsure of how to proceed. "I would completely understand, us barely being acquainted, if you would prefer to wait, but I could look at it, if you'd like"
"Miz Christy said you're a nurse over Asheville way, right?" Opal asked.
"I am" Adelaide replied, nodding. "Stitched up many a people in the past years"
"Well, I reckon that would be alrights, seeing you are Miz Christy's sister and all" Opal replied, slowly. "But we'd have to have a fair swap for your service"
"Absolutely, I agree" Addie nodded. "I have just the thing in mind. Christy was telling me that you are the person to ask about home remedies and herbs. I really want to learn more so I can help the people I work with back in Asheville. Could you help me?"
Opal looked pleased that Christy had told her sister about her remedies and that Adelaide, with all her book learning, wanted her help. "I can shorely do that Miz.." Opal paused.
"Call me Addie" Adelaide replied. Opal smiled at her and nudged Isaak forward. She turned to David and asked him about supplies. David came back with the necessary supplies.
Adelaide worked quickly and professionally, making small talk with Isaak, putting him instantly at ease with her. They were done in no time, his hand only requiring a few stitches.
As she was putting the bandage on it, the door creaked open.
"Well, what do we have here?" A voice boomed.
Adelaide looked up and for a moment, her eyes locked with the man she instantly recognized as Neil MacNeill from Christy's letters. The shock was palatable in his eyes. Was it from seeing her stitching up young Isaak or from something else? He soon covered it up, yet it wasn't missed by Addie.
She stood. "You must be Dr. MacNeill. I hope you don't mind but Isaak here needed a few stitches and seeing how you and Miss Alice were both gone, Mrs. McHone was kind enough to allow me to help"
"Did she now?" Neil glanced at Opal. "Morning, Opal"
"Howdy, Doc" Opal nodded. "Miz Addie did a right fine job, I think"
"I guess we'll see about that" Neil retorted he walked over to where Isaak was sitting at the kitchen table. Adelaide moved out of his way to allow him to sit at the chair she was occupying. She bundled up the used supplies, tossing them in the trash, before washing her hands thoroughly and drying them on a towel she found. Doctor MacNeill still hadn't said anything and she was wondering what was going through his mind as he pulled back the bandages, studied the stitches thoroughly, flexed his hand back and forth all while talking to Isaak about fishing.
She looked to Opal, but she waved a hand. "That just the Doc's way, Miz Addie" she whispered. "Thank you for helping my boy"
She smiled at her gratefully. Neil looked up. "Well, I do think Miss Addie did a fine job. They will have to come out in a few days. Won't even scar, I don't think."
"I actually told him that already" Adelaide replied, sweetly and Neil met her eyes, amused. "You did?"
"I did indeed" She extended her hand. "I'm Adelaide Napier- Christy's sister. So nice to meet you, Doctor MacNeill. Christy has told me so much about you"
"Oh now I'm sunk" Neil grinned at her, sheepishly as he shook her hand and she laughed. "Not hardly"
Neil turned to Isaak, handing him a candy from his bag. "Off to your lessons, lad" he patted him on the shoulder. "Thank Miss Addie for helping you"
"Thank you, Miz Addie" Isaak replied. "Will I see ya later at school? Miz Christy said yesterday you would visit"
"Absolutely, Isaak. I wouldn't miss it" Adelaide smiled at the boy. "And you are very welcome"
"I'll see him over. Will the day after next be alright for me to show you the herbs?" Opal asked.
"That will be perfect, Mrs. McHone" she replied. "It was so nice meeting you"
"Call me by my front name, Opal" she replied. "Good day, Doc"
"See ya, Opal" he responded as she shut the door. David Grantland cleared his throat and Neil noticed his presence for the first time.
"How in the blue blazes did she get Opal to allow her to treat Isaak?" he asked David, astonished.
"Maybe because she is Christy's sister and Opal likes Christy?" David shrugged.
"Because I'm an outsider?" Adelaide asked. "I honestly didn't expect her to let me, but I felt I should offer. Is it a problem I helped?"
"No" Neil responded. "I'm just trying to figure out how it happened. The cove generally doesn't take so warmly to outsiders, but perhaps David is right- you are Miss Huddleston's sister and they know about your father. Maybe she just liked your way"
"Now the whole cove will know how you came to the rescue and stitched up poor Isaak" David laughed. "Opal is not a bad friend for you to make" He picked up his coffee cup. "I think I will leave the two of you alone. I know Adelaide wants to talk with you, Doc. When you are ready to go to the school house, I can take you over"
"I can take her over, Grantland" Neil replied. "I don't want to hold up your plans this morning"
"That's fine. Coffee is still warm on the stove if you'd like some" David told him before he went into the other room. Neil helped himself to a cup and offered to pour more into her cup.
"Thanks" she told him and began to drank her coffee as Neil sat beside her at the table.
"I'm not sure how to approach this, seeing how we just met, but I suppose being blunt is the best course" Adelaide placed her coffee cup down on the table. "Christy said you usually don't mind that approach"
Neil threw back his head and laughed. "She did, did she? No, not usually"
She grinned. "She speaks really highly of you, Doctor MacNeill. My husband and I have been looking forward to meeting you for some time"
"She talks well of you too" Neil told her. "And of your husband. I would love to discuss some of my research with him, especially. Why am I sensing a problem though?"
"My mother" she bit her lip. "is quite set in holding to Dr. Grant's opinion that my father will spend his life as an invalid. I tell her it isn't true. Simon will tell her it isn't true tomorrow and maybe with him, she will see that a different treatment might be in order. She actually had forbid me to ask you about it, but I figured if I am twenty-two and married, she really can't forbid me to do anything at this point"
"Your mother doesn't wish me to treat your father?" Neil asked, his eyes on her. "Country doctor?" he asked, knowingly.
"Don't take it personally, Doctor MacNeill. My mother is just stubborn. Christy and I are both working to change her mind. I just know there is no time to waste. The sooner we can begin to rebuild those connections in his brain- the better. If it makes you feel better, mother has forbid me from being his nurse" She took another sip of coffee. "She is just set in her ways. But I know that this isn't a death sentence for him. I know he can have his life back. Or at least we have to try- my father has always been so active."
"I completely concur" Neil agreed. He pulled out a bunch of papers from his bag. "Here are some exercises I found that might help"
She looked through the papers, contemplatively. "I think these will" she nodded. She pointed to one specifically, "I remember reading this a while back, but I couldn't put my hand on the paper, we were in such a hurry to leave. Simon was going to hunt it out and bring it. I'm glad you have this"
"Christy did tell me you were well read for a woma-" Neil's voice trailed off as Addie inclined her head.
"It isn't readily accepted in our social circles, but Simon has never treated my opinion as any less because I am a woman or the fact that I am a nurse, not a doctor" She told him. "Others aren't so kind"
"Oh, it doesn't bother me if that is what you are getting at" Neil retorted. "I value your sister's opinion on things even if she has no idea what I am talking about"
Adelaide laughed. "She has written me quite a few more medical questions since she has met you. Now I understand more why"
"Dr. Napier is coming on the morning train, tomorrow?" Neil asked.
"Yes, but what to do in the meantime?" Adelaide responded. "I won't accept this decision" She shook her head adamantly, determination etched over her features.
Neil laughed at her and then quickly clarified when her look turned surprised as not to offend, "I'm sorry Mrs. Napier, you look just like your sister when she sets her mind to something. I see it is a family trait"
"Indeed" Addie responded, somewhat sheepishly.
"I'm sorry" Julia Huddleston interrupted their conversation and Adelaide quickly moved to hand back Neil his papers.
"Good morning, mother" Addie rose gracefully. "Did you have a good night's sleep?"
"I did" she replied. "Thank you dear. Have you checked on your father this morning?"
"Yes ma'am" Addie replied. "More of the same, I'm afraid, yet I know he is comprehending, mother. I can see it in his eyes"
"Are you sure it's not wishful thinking, Adelaide?" Julia asked, gently. "Dr. Grant was quite insistent in his diagnosis"
Adelaide frowned. "I think I better refrain from expressing what I think of that one, mother, seeing that Dr. MacNeill only just met me"
Julia turned to the doctor. "Oh, I'm sorry Dr. MacNeill. Where are my manners? Things are so trying right now, I'm forgetting myself"
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Huddleston" Neil replied. "I'm sorry about your husband"
"Thank you" Julia responded. "I trust Adelaide has bent your ear already about her opinions on the matter" she looked at her daughter, knowingly, "and I hope you don't get offended, it's just I trust Dr. Grant explicitly"
Neil nodded. "I understand" he turned to Addie. "Are you ready to go to the schoolhouse?"
"That would provide a welcome distraction" she brightened. "Mother, why don't you join us? Christy wants us to meet the children"
"I think I would enjoy it" Julia responded. "Let me just go see your father for a moment and retrieve my coat. Would you like me to get yours from your room?"
"Please" she responded, rather gleefully and Julia left them alone.
Neil looked at her oddly. "I see you have an idea in your head"
"You are perceptive. Another Huddleston family trait?" Adelaide asked and Neil nodded.
"Mind if I ask what?" Neil asked.
"Well, Christy says the children hero-worship you, Doctor" she grinned. "And I think mother seeing it will do wonders. It may be just what we need"
Adelaide's plan was on target. Julia, seeing the devotion the children had for the doctor and how he healed various ailments, she asked him to confer on her husband's case, much to her daughters' delight.
Addie assisted Neil as he coached William through exercises that afternoon and then returned the following afternoon, riding up with Simon, having gone to El Pano to retrieve him from the train station.
"Simon!" Adelaide ran out to greet her husband. She threw a shawl around her when she he was coming, but she was without her coat and the weather was cold. The men dismounted and Simon threw his arms around his wife, hugging her, delighted by her reaction.
"Well, I gather you missed me, Addie-girl" he laughed at her. "Two days too long to be away?"
"Absolutely" she confided, with a grin, kissing him on the cheek. "I need your back up with mother"
"I see" Simon reached for his bag. "Neil here was telling me you were doing just fine on your own, convincing your mother"
"Oh" she looked embarrassed. "I hope I haven't been too forward with my faults, Doctor MacNeill" she said, softly.
Neil laughed. "Not at all. I said it in the most respectful way, I assure you"
"And you two had time to catch up on Daddy's case on the journey over?" she asked.
"Yes and Trachoma research and a whole lot of other things" Simon told her. "Now, lets come inside, Mrs. Napier, you are shivering and I don't want you to catch a cold"
"Yes, doctor" she grinned. "I can't wait for you two to see Daddy. We did exercises this morning and the improvement from yesterday to today is noticeable"
"Undoubtedly due to his drill sergeant of a daughter this morning" Simon teased. "All sweetly done in your gentle and wonderful way"
"Stop teasing me, Simon" Adelaide chided, blushing.
"Sorry, I've just missed you" he kissed her head. "I can't help myself"
Neil cleared his throat. "If you two love-birds are done, I think we have a patient to check on"
"Sorry, Dr. MacNeill" she grabbed Simon's hand. "Let's go"
Neil and Simon both declared that William was on his way to recovery. They spent two more weeks working on his recovery- Adelaide taking over the majority of his care with Neil and Simon checking in. Simon had decided to stay during that time, allowing one of his friends to fill in for him at his practice. In that time, Adelaide was also being tutored by Opal McHone on various herbal treatments and they had formed a bond, much to everyone's surprise and delight. Simon and Adelaide also developed a friendship with Neil over their shared love of medicine and research and Neil founded it refreshing to be able to bounce ideas around with them at night. Simon also joined him some on his daytrips around the cove, helping him where he could. At the end of the two weeks, the Huddlestons and Napiers said a tearful goodbye to Christy and also arranged for Neil to visit the in the next months, to further develop his research. In the meantime, they exchanged letters back and forth.
Neil made good on his promise to tear himself away from his practice- Alice promising to fill in for him and visit the Napiers to further develop his research, with the materials from the lending library at the University where Simon worked.
Adelaide greeted him that the door. "Doctor MacNeill, we are so glad you are here" She reached out and squeezed his hand. "Come on in. Let me show you to your room and then I have tea ready. Simon will be home soon"
"Don't you think it is time to call me Neil?" Neil asked.
"Absolutely" Addie replied. "If you call me by my-what was the charming way Opal put it?"
Neil laughed at her. "By your front name?"
She grinned. "that's it!" She climbed up the stairs, looking over her shoulder. "Call me Adelaide or Addie"
"Which do you prefer?" Neil asked.
"Well, mother insists on calling me Adelaide. Daddy calls me Addie. Christy and Simon a mixture of the two- I like both. Here we go" Adelaide pushed open the door. "I hope this is ok. Make yourself at home, please"
"I will" Neil replied. "Thank you, Adelaide"
"I'll see you downstairs whenever you get a chance. I made scones" Adelaide told him. "And I didn't burn them, which is always good"
Neil laughed at her and Adelaide left him alone to get settled. Twenty minutes later, he joined her downstairs.
"I have mail for you" Neil handed her two letters.
Adelaide's face lit up and then asked him politely, "would you like some tea?"
"Yes please" Neil replied and then he smirked at her. "Go ahead and read your letters, Addie. You look like a child waiting to open their gifts on Christmas morn"
"Thank you" Adelaide poured tea and handed it to him, along with the plate of scones before tearing open the first letter.
"From Opal" she smiled widely, as she read it. "Her writing has so improved"
"It was a brilliant idea of your sister to have you become penpals" Neil told her. "Opal was right pleased when she handed me the letter to give you"
"I'm so glad she thought of it" Adelaide told her. "And I'm learning a lot from her as well. She is so giving"
"She is special" Neil replied. "like most people in the Cove"
Addie tore open the second letter. "And this one is from sissy—" She dropped the letter on her lap.
"Christy is engaged to David? When did that happen?" she asked Neil, astonished and then seeing a shadow pass over his features, she quickly folded up the letter.
"Neil—" she took a breath, trying to temper her reaction. "I'm sorry"
"I won't pretend that I don't know what you are talking about" Neil shrugged. "It's her choice. She chooses Grantland and in a lot of ways, it's a wise choice. They share a faith, I can't possibly share. And for Christy, it's a deal breaker"
"Still-" she poured herself a cup of tea. "for what it is worth, I know she does think the world of you"
"It's just not enough" Neil took a bite of his scone. "Let's change the subject"
"Fair enough" Adelaide took another sip of her tea. "Did I overstep?"
"No" Neil shook his head. "I just don't really feel like talking about it"
"I understand" she reached for a scone. She placed it on her plate. "I forgot, I found this article for you the other day, I thought you might enjoy. Where did I place it?" she stood up and then paused. "Mother would entirely scold me for not conducting a proper tea right now" she sat back down.
"Don't be so formal on my account" Neil told her. "I like a more relaxed setting anyway" He looked at her curiously, "what does your mother think of you working while you are married?"
"She hates it" Adelaide admitted. "She wants me to be the proper doctor's wife and plan teas and parties to further Simon's career. But that will never be me and Simon doesn't want it that way anyway"
"I don't want what?" Simon came up behind his wife and gave her a kiss on the head. "Good to see you, Neil"
"Likewise" Neil replied. He rose to shake his out stretched hand.
"For me be a proper lady" Adelaide sighed. "like mother wants me to be"
Simon laughed. "We can't have that around here. It would be too boring all the time. I like you just the way you are- even if you aren't the best housewife"
"Thank you for that" Adelaide replied. "But I did make you your favorite scones today" She handed him a plate. "not burnt at all, thank you very much"
Simon laughed. "That's my Addie-girl" He took a bite of the scone. "Delicious"
Adelaide rolled her eyes at him.
Later that night, they were getting ready for bed. Adelaide was brushing out her hair and Simon was changing. "Christy and David are engaged"
"Really?" Simon asked. "That's great news. Why are you frowning?"
"I think my sister is in love with Neil and I know he cares for her"
"You have to stay out of it, Addie" Simon told her, firmly. "You can't say anything to her"
"I know that" Adelaide put down her brush and turned to him. "It's because he isn't a believer"
"That seems like a really good reason to me" Simon reminded her. "Marriage without faith as a foundation isn't going to be solid. You know that"
"I do" Adelaide sighed. "And now we just have to support them both through it. I really do think Neil is upset about it"
"I'm sure he is" Simon replied. "But it is none of your business, Addie-girl" He paused. "Do you not think Christy will be happy with David?"
She thought for a minute. "No, I think she probably will"
"Then definitely don't interfere" Simon told her. "Everything will work itself out on its own"
"I hope you're right" Adelaide murmured.
"In the meantime" Simon came up behind her and kissed her neck. "I do believe I need to give my wife a proper thank you for the scones"
Adelaide smiled. "Oh really? I like your thank yous, Simon"
"Indeed" He turned her around and kissed her. "Come to bed, my dear wife"
Addie leaned forward to kiss him. "Gladly"
Neil sat in Simon's office at his private practice when Simon came in, stacking a chart on his desk.
"I have a bit of a break before I have to go lecture at the university" Simon told him. "Afterwards, I can help you with what you need at the library. Are those helpful at all?"
"Some" Neil replied as he continued to take notes. "I'm making a list of further sources quoted in these"
"Good idea" Simon sat down as well.
Neil looked up. "You have a big practice going here. I didn't realize how extensive it was"
Simon nodded. "It has kind of taken off all the sudden. Adelaide keeps things running smoothly though. We make a good team. I think half our clients just come because they like Addie's way better than my doctoring. And she is my first choice to operate with- hands down"
"She does seem to stay busy" Neil mentioned. "Do you let her handle much on her own?"
"Actually, the children seem to prefer her especially for stitches and things of that nature" Simon told him. "I encourage it- it helps me from getting bogged down. And then there are her visits to the free clinic. She handles all of that volunteering on her own. Her parents have a fit, but since she is my wife now, there isn't much they can do except Julia hounding me about it with every visit"
"Has she always worked for you?" Neil asked, curious.
"No" Simon smiled. "That's a funny story. I was lecturing two years back and she had snuck into the lecture. I had spotted her early on, but she was so intensely listening that she distracted me. And it certainly didn't help that she is so unassumingly beautiful. That was the hardest lecture I had to get through. She was newly out of nursing school, having interned at a maternity ward. I saw her the next night at a social function and introduced myself. She knew that she had been caught and apologized. She was really quite embarrassed by it, which I thought was even more charming. I asked her out that night and then stole her away for my newly formed practice. We dated and worked together a year before we married, but we always tell Julia and William that we met that night"
"I won't breathe a word" Neil laughed. "It sounds like something Christy would do though. She has that same spunk and natural inquisitiveness that sometimes gets her into trouble"
Simon nodded. "Those two are so much alike, yet Christy has innocence and naivety to her that Adelaide has lost with nursing. And Christy is sweeter, between you and me."
Neil raised an eyebrow and Simon quickly clarified, "I like it better that way too. Addie keeps me on my toes, but in a good way. Her parents try to stifle her and I have to actively fight for her. She needs more than just to stay home and have my children. I never thought I would be so in favor of woman's rights, until I met a woman like Adelaide. There is specialness to her. And I love her, so I made the decision early on to try to foster that no matter how my colleagues goad me. And it's working to my advantage. My practice is growing" Simon looked at the clock. "It's a win win. We should head out" He reached for his coat. "By the way, the Huddlestons are coming for dinner tonight. You'll see what I mean tonight"
Neil reached for his own coat and they headed out. "Does Mrs. Huddleston treat Christy the way she treats Addie?" He asked curiously. "She did let her come teach"
"Well, Adelaide assisted Christy with that one" Simon told him. "Added more tension between Adelaide and her parents, but Addie loves Christy and knew this what she felt God wanted her to do. Christy has always been the darling of the family. It's natural her being the baby and all"
"Christy is special" Neil told him. "I've seen that from the beginning. She's quite a woman"
Simon looked his way. "I see"
"Did Addie talk to you?" Neil turned to him, knowingly.
"Yes, and I have told her to mind her own business" Simon replied. "That should hold her for a few days until you are back in Cutter Gap"
"I appreciate that" Neil responded. "Some things not even a well meaning big sister can fix"
"Dinner is delicious, Addie" William told her. "You are becoming quite the cook"
Adelaide smiled, her face flushing slightly. "Thank you, daddy. That means a lot to me"
"You're welcome, sweetheart" he replied. "So sorry Simon was called away, so he can't enjoy this"
"He is sorry to miss it" Adelaide responded. "I'll save him a plate thought. It just comes with being a doctor's wife"
"Yes and we both know you usually like to go with him" Julia's voice wasn't unkind, but it wasn't approving nonetheless. Neil glanced at Adelaide, whose flush increased a bit.
"Neil" William noticed Adelaide's reaction was well. "Are you finding the library helpful to your research?"
"I am, William" Neil responded, quickly. "Adelaide and Simon are both being quite helpful"
"I'm sure" Julia responded, smoothly. "By the way Adelaide, dear, did you know that Susan is getting married?"
"Oh really" Adelaide asked as she passed William more roast. "To whom?"
"A newspaper executive" Julia looked at her daughter. "You might remember him- Stanley Evans"
"Of course I remember, Stanley, mother" Addie replied, patiently, but Neil noticed her blush increased tenfold. "And I'm happy for both him and Susan"
"They already say that they have hired three cooks—"
"Who needs three cooks?" Adelaide asked, shocked.
"Well, you could perhaps hire one" Julia suggested. "I know a few names. You could certainly afford one"
"I like having our privacy" Adelaide exchanged a look at William. "I love it just being Simon and myself and I'm doing just fine balancing everything. But thank you for the suggestion"
William again steered the conversation, but it was clear that there was a tension between Adelaide and her mother. Julia asked after folks in the cove and Neil was happy to try to ease the discomfort by peppering them with stories about the children. He was beginning to see what Simon meant about having to run interference constantly. And he began to understand where the Huddleston daughters got their stubbornness from. Adelaide was quiet through the rest of dinner, listening but not contributing to the conversation.
After dessert, Julia and William went home, Julia claiming a headache.
"I'm sorry you don't feel well, mother" Adelaide told her, sincerely as she kissed her goodbye.
"Thank you darling" Julia replied. "Why don't you come to tea tomorrow? I'm sorry if I were a bit abrupt with you during dinner"
She nodded, accepting her apology and headed back to the dining room.
"Let me help you with the dishes" Neil offered.
"That's sweet, but I couldn't possibly-"
"I insist, Adelaide. You look exhausted and we can get it done so much quicker together. Doctor's orders" Neil said, in a tone that suggested finality.
"Thank you" Adelaide began to gather up the dishes and washed, while Neil rinsed and dried.
"My mother means well" Adelaide told him quietly, as they worked. "I'm sure you picked up on the tension there. I'm sorry if that was awkward. Usually, she would never presume to do so in front of company, she must be comfortable with you"
"I didn't think she didn't mean well" Neil replied. "And no need to apologize"
"It's just" Adelaide handed him a dish. "Mother and I were always so close growing up-"
"What happened?" Neil asked, curiously.
"Stanley Evans. We dated when a few years back. He was in love with me and I liked him well enough, but I felt like I was too young to marry. I just wanted more out of life, so I refused him and enrolled in nursing school. Mother has never quite forgiven me for choosing my career over Stanley. I guess it was too much for her to take hearing of Stanley's engagement" She sighed. "Don't get me wrong. She loves Simon to pieces and it has all worked out in the end, but she saw it as a betrayal to her in some bizarre way"
"You and Simon seem made for each other" Neil told her, honestly. "Would you have been happy?"
She shook her head slowly. "We live comfortably. We choose this way of life. We could have what they have, but we never really liked society. Mother has never understood this. She'll come around one day. In the meantime, I just have to be patient" She looked up at him. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to involve you"
"Nah" Neil shook his head. "I don't mind"
"Thanks for listening" Adelaide said, quietly as they finished up the last dish.
"You're welcome" Neil replied. "By the way, Adelaide, as a completely outside observer, I would say that you absolutely chose right for yourself. For what it's worth-"
"That means a lot. Thank you, Neil" she dried her hands. "Do you need anything?"
"I'm going to stay up and do some more reading, but you should go to bed" Neil insisted.
"Simon should be home soon"
"Get some rest, Addie" Neil told her.
"Yes, doctor" Adelaide smiled at him and left him.
Neil wandered to the study to do his research, engrossed in his reading until Simon came in, startling him.
"Where's Addie?" Simon asked as he balanced his plate of leftovers and sat down.
"She went to bed. She's looking a bit peaked, I think" Neil told him, honestly. "She needed an early night"
"Her parents left early" Simon said. "Dinner went okay?"
Neil looked up from his reading. "I see what you mean about Addie and her mother"
Simon stifled a groan. "That bad?"
"Well, there was no yelling" Neil told him.
"Of course not" Simon responded. "They are ladies, they don't yell…well, I take that back. Adelaide does, but she is special"
"You are a lucky man, friend" Neil told him, honestly.
Simon smiled. "I am that" They talked over what Neil was reading, before Simon retired to bed.
He climbed into bed and pulled Adelaide close to him.
"Simon? Surgery go okay?" Addie's voice was groggy, but she turned into him, burying her head in his chest.
"Missed you, Addie-girl" Simon told her honestly. "Stella was alright, but a shabby replacement for my beautiful, intelligent wife"
Adelaide laughed. "I'm sure she did fine"
Simon rubbed her back. "Neil said dinner was kind of rough. What happened?"
"Stanley Evans is engaged" Adelaide snuggled deeper into him. "Brought back memories for mother, I think"
Simon let out a breath. "I'm sure. You alright?"
"Of course" Adelaide pulled herself up, reaching for his face, pulling it towards her, kissing him. "I chose you. I love you. And I think God every day for you. I wouldn't change a thing. Mother will get over it again in a day or two" She kissed him again, allowing him to feel how much she did care.
"I love you too, Addie-girl. You still tired?"
"Not really" Adelaide replied and Simon deepened their kiss and eased her gently on her back, before sliding her nightgown off, determined to show her just how right her choice was.
Neil stayed a week with the Napiers. With their help, he furthered his trachoma study and started to explore ways to save the eye-sight in late progression of the illness. They promised to visit Cutter Gap in April to bring new supplies and the results of their research into his new technique. In the meantime, they continued the letter exchange of ideas, Adelaide often contributing greatly though she insisted not telling Neil when it was her ideas.
In April, they returned to Cutter Gap. Adelaide was also going to use the time to help Christy plan her wedding set for late August. As Julia insisted, there was much to do in that regards. The sisters loved spending time together- Adelaide often joining her in the school house with the children or accompanying Simon and Neil on their visits. Opal and her took several walks as well, renewing their friendship.
"There is something about this place" Simon squeezed her hand as he walked with her to the place Opal showed her and helped her gather herbs.
"I feel it too" Adelaide admitted. "So hard, yet so beautiful at the same"
"There is so much here- poverty,sickness, feuding, but the resilience of the people astounds me"
Addie nodded. "I think that's why Christy fell in love with it."
"Can you stop a second?" Simon asked as he pulled her down to sit with him on a nearby pile of rocks.
"What is it, Simon?" Adelaide asked, her face creasing in worry. "You are so serious"
Simon swallowed. "How important is that big practice at home that we worked so hard to build?"
Adelaide stilled. "I'm not sure what you mean-"
"How important is it to you?" Simon asked, his eyes studying her expression.
She bit her lip. "Not as important as you, certainly" she assured him. "What's on your mind?"
"We have never loved society, Adelaide, and much of our practice is built upon that" Simon squeezed her hand. "I feel like God wants more out of us and I feel connected to this place- a peace here that I have never felt in Asheville"
"And Neil could use your help-" Adelaide looked out at the mountains before them.
"He's an excellent doctor, but he is spread too thin" Simon paused. "And he needs both of us- not just me. Miss Alice has said that the mission was thinking of hiring on a nurse, but a doctor would be so much better. I could travel between here and Asheville. I'll give up the practice, but still guest lecture at the university. It would be the best of both worlds"
She turned to look back at him. "You are excited about this, aren't you?" she smiled at his enthusiasm.
"What do you say Addie-girl?" Simon asked. "Life would be harder, simpler, but at the same time, I believe more rewarding. Should we at least pray about it?"
Adelaide gripped his hand. "Of course. But no matter what God tells us, I would follow you to the ends of the earth, Simon Napier. Just so you know"
Simon grinned. "I know. And I love you even more for it" He helped her rise and swung her in his arms, kissing her, passionately, both of them incredibly hopeful for their future together.