Christmas and New Years passed. The winter term began. Alice assured Christy almost daily that no one would see any difference in her body. So long as she could avoid the self-conscious caress of her belly that seemed a natural response to the new, firm roundness there, she might be able to hide it for another month, six weeks even.

She didn't see Neil. Alice mentioned his whereabouts on occasion. He was avoiding the mission but no one mentioned his conspicuous absence in Christy's presence.


(NB: Please excuse the liberties I have taken with the seasons/timeline from the tv series.)

It was a beautiful winters day, sunny but very cold. So Christy was confused by George O'Teale's behaviour when he slumped down on his desk all hot and bothered.

"What's the matter George? Maths tiring you out?"

"Don't feel good, teacher."

She touched her fingertips to his forehead and minutes later sent John Spencer to run for the Doctor.

Neil's eyes were wide and grave when he stood in the doorway, looking down the aisle at her cradling George in her arms. He examined the boy, sending the other children outside.

"What's wrong with him?" Christy handed the doctor a wet rag.

Rob Allen stepped up to the door. "Doc MacNeil," he groaned and then collapsed.

Christy and Neil rushed to him.

"What's going on?" She cried.

"Find Fairlight. Have her gather the children outside the school. Keep them calm and check them quietly for symptoms."

"What is it?" She demanded.

The doctor undid Rob's collar. "He's got no rash. Yet."

"Rash?" Panic rose in her voice.

"Find a white cloth and run it up the flag pole. I'm declaring a quarantine."

"Scarlett Fever?"

"I don't know. But until I find out no one leaves this mission."

She got up but he grabbed her hand to keep her from going.

"Keep your distance, Christy. Have Fairlight check the children. I don't want you near this."

"But Neil,"

"Do as I say."

She did. Fairlight was clearly confused by Christy's handing off the care of the children, but asked no questions.

Christy stayed out of the school house, away from Rob and George. She sat on the lawn with some of the children and played a hand game, till Neil came outside and signalled her over.

"I said to stay away." He scolded.

"I am."

"Just because they have no symptoms doesn't mean they don't have this illness. I don't know for certain what it is yet."

"So what am I supposed to do?"

He took her arm and led her away from the people, toward the mission house. "I know this is frustrating and you want to help, but I don't know what we're dealing with and I can't risk it."

"But it's fine for you, and for Fairlight."

Fairlight approached them. "Is everything all right?"

Christy nodded and walked toward her.

"Christy!" Neil turned.

"It's Little Burl." Fairlight interrupted whatever argument they were clearly having.

Neil put his hand on Christy's arm then ran up to the school.

"What's wrong?" Fairlight asked Christy, wondering why she wasn't following him.

"Nothing. You should go. He might need your help."

Fairlight looked confused but nodded. "I'll go now. But as soon as I'm done you're going to tell me what's going on." Fairlight waited for Christy's agreement.

She nodded. "Go."


Fairlight found her in the kitchen making cornbread. "What are you doing?"

"The only thing I can think of to help." Christy opened the oven and slid the dish in.

"I don't understand." Fairlight stepped closer.

"Neil's worried that it might be something..." Christy sighed, there was no avoiding the straight answer now. "He's worried whatever it is might be more dangerous for me. Because I'm pregnant."

"Oh," Fairlight mouthed, eyes wide, then she smiled and hugged Christy.

Christy was surprised by her response but hugged her back.

"That's wonderful – and that will fix everything. No point play-acting like yer not married now. I knew something had to happen to make everything right and this is just the thing."

Christy hadn't thought of it like that. She smiled, "I guess."

"You are going to go home to him, aint you?"

Christy nodded uncertainly. "Just not yet."

"That don't make no sense."

"He's still married."

"He's married to you, Christy. You're getting hung up on a bit of paper. That baby needs his papa, and his papa needs you."

Ruby Mae ran into the house. "Mrs Spencer – Doc be wanting you."

Fairlight nodded and followed the girl out.

Christy wished she could accept Fairlight's words. She took the tray of fresh hot cornbread up to the children then left again. The least she could do is give Neil one less thing to worry about by keeping herself, and the baby, out of danger.

She made more food, cleaned and tidied, then hung around on the porch, waiting for news. At dusk the children went inside to school. Fairlight and some of the older students raided the missions supply of linen and blankets to set up their camp in the school. Christy watched helpless, asking for news and getting only a name, "Mountie O'Teale."

She sighed and sat down in the empty parlour, feeling utterly helpless.

"T'aint like teacher to up and give up just like that." Ruby Mae said as she walked away from the mission. Christy heard her and groaned. She couldn't hear Fairlight's reply.

She fell asleep on the sofa and woke when someone came into the house later that night. She sat up and saw Neil standing in the hall.

"Everything alright?" She asked.

"Oh, there you are." He sighed and stepped into the room but remained distant. "Thank you for staying away – I know how hard that must be."

She nodded and stood up. "Is there anything I can do?"

"You should rest."

She looked at him, waiting for an update on the children, but afraid to ask.

"There's nothing we can do now, but wait. It's still just the four of them with the fever."

"Do you know what it is?"

"I can't be certain, but..." He nodded.

She walked toward him and he backed away. She stopped. "I'll go up to bed. Wake me if..." She knew there was no point asking. He wouldn't wake her. He wouldn't go near her. She sighed.

"Say your prayers, Christy."

On her nod he turned and left.