Chapter 11
The mission house was full of delicious aromas and the clanging of pots and pans. Every inch of the downstairs was spotless, except for the kitchen that is, and it was hard to make it through the rooms with out tripping over someone. Apparently David's announcement the previous Sunday had been met with more enthusiasm then even Christy had anticipated. Members from all over the cove had been showing up sporadically to help clean or offer their services in some way. The Thanksgiving "Jollification" as it had come to be known was creating a stir of excitement around the mission house that was almost tangible. Yes, tonight would be worth all this trouble, Christy was just sure of it.
With so much busy preparation it was no wonder that Christy felt the need to escape. Her morning had been spent teaching the children with Rachel and afterwards she found herself running from one project to another, assisting here and then rearranging there. Now as the afternoon sun beat down on her face, Christy was thankful for a moment's peace away from all the action. With Miss Alice's blessing she had wrapped herself in a warm shawl and slipped away promising to return before the festivities began.
Gently humming an old hymn Christy stared up at the canopy of trees above her as she walked. With autumn waning she was able to see the rays of sun streaming through the leaf bare branches. At her feet were hundreds of leaves in every shade of red, orange, and yellow. She couldn't decide what made her heart more content. Was it the crisp air that filled her lungs, the sound of the crunching leaves below or simply fact that she could actually hear herself think finally?
It had been a few weeks now since Rachel had unbarred her soul to Christy and the lightness in her heart was evident. Rachel's whole demeanor was more peaceful, almost childlike. From the first moment of their acquaintance Christy had been enamored and slightly jealous of Rachel's natural, womanly poise. Now Christy felt ashamed of her selfish feelings as she considered how much weight her friend was trying to bare. It was true that Rachel would always carry herself with a level of sophistication that Christy could only wish to display, but it was at a price. Although outwardly she looked like a woman, she was still just a young girl far from home and looking for acceptance. This thought suddenly puzzled Christy exceedingly. Rachel had attempted to take on the responsibility of an adult relationship only to realize she was in much to deep. Pausing at the top of a rocky ledge, Christy spoke her questions aloud to the Lord.
"This is completely beyond my understanding Lord!" She barely whispered. "How can someone as mature and together as Rachel not know her own heart? She refused to acknowledge the truth that was right in front of her and yet she knew very well that you were trying to open her eyes." Christy sighed to herself, "Poor Rachel! To be loved so dearly and not be able to cherish it." Suddenly the foolishness of the whole situation revealed itself, "Poor Rachel? Poor Rachel? No! Poor Dr. MacNeill!" Her voice found her strength. "To give your heart, to hope and dream of a future only to be rejected. What pain he must feel! What gives Rachel the right to treat a man so carelessly? Her brow furrowed with frustration as Neil MacNeill came to the forefront of her mind. He was hardheaded, infuriating, antagonistic, and somehow made Christy's stomach flutter.
As Christy tripped through the last of the forest foliage, the view opened before her revealing the perfect beauty of mountains. She had no idea what this place was called, but setting out onto the jagged rock ledge her whole body shivered in wonder. From her perch, Christy could see miles of the valley below and even follow parts of the river as it wound through the bare trees.
Her mind wandered again to the back wood's doctor. "His cabin should be somewhere along that bank" her eyes searched for any sign of smoke rising above the treetops. She laughed softly to herself and she shook her head at nothing. "Of course Dr. MacNeill's cabin would be the first thing I search for…" This had begun happening more and more even before her conversation with Rachel. There had been an immediate reaction to him when they first met in the woods that summer. Although she had fought hard to ignore the way she responded to him, it was becoming almost impossible. Every time they had been thrown into each other's company, Christy's defenses went straight up. However, instead of trying to defend herself to him she found herself fighting to make sure he thought well of her. At first she told herself that she simply wanted to make sure he respected her as a peer. Over time though she grew tired of the charade and openly acknowledged she wanted his respect, but also his attention. She had no choice but to face the truth the day she saw him holding Rachel's hand as they entered the school house. The small pain that pierced her heart had made it very clear where his attentions lay and it had nothing to do with Christy Huddleston. Strange though, she couldn't help but wonder if things might have been different. She knew there was something, like a fire between them, that had sparked from the first moment they met. Had it not been for his arguing with Miss Alice, her perception of him could have been so different. A hint of a smile graced her lips as she remembered him rounding the trail, sitting so comfortable in his saddle. What had she noticed first, she wondered? Looking back she could picture so many little details, the wrinkles of his flannel shirt. The way he rolled the sleeves almost up the elbows, but not quite. His eyes, she remembered they were closed at first, now the exhaustion that he must have been feeling was clearly etched across his face. Why hadn't she noticed this before? Suddenly, deep in her memory she saw his eyes blink open and focus. The deep brown that was hidden behind his lashes focused right into her very own soft blue eyes. Christy sank further into their depth until she remembered the slightest turn of his mouth as it began to smile at her, for her, no. Those lips smiled because of her.
Coming back to herself Christy blinked several times as if to force her mind back to the present. With heavy shoulders she lowered herself to sit against the trunk of a nearby tree. She hated having those memories. She hated the fact that she held onto them so dearly instead of banishing them from her head and her heart.
"No Christy Huddleston, you're a fool." She breathed out loud. She knew she was completely alone up on this ridge and only the rocks would hear her. "Nothing would have changed if he hadn't argued with Miss Alice. No matter how we met, he would have met Rachel first." This thought struck Christy suddenly and her eyes flew open wide. "What if I had come to the cove first! Oh Lord! What if…" She couldn't even finish the thought as all that might have happened flashed through her mind.
"Why am I even considering any of this?" She laughed at her own imagination. "Neil MacNeill is still the most frustrating man I have ever met and we are barely acquaintances. There is very little chance of us ever becoming friends much less anything beyond that. Miss Huddleston you are a sad little mess of girl to even think along these lines!" She chastised herself. "Why you have a wonderful friendship growing strong with Reverend Grantland. What would ever make you focus on the irritating Dr. MacNeill when you have the gentlemanly David practically falling at your feet?" Standing and brushing the pine needles off her skirts, Christy decided she preferred this new train of thought. "Yes, David, what a wonderful, handsome, kind man. How could I not have appreciated him before? He is always more than willing to help out during school, not to mention his love of the Lord and devotion to God's people…"
"Devotion to God's people." That phrase resounded loudly in Christy's ears. That was really where her mind should be right now, focusing on being devoted to God's people! Suddenly Christy realized that the afternoon was fading fast and instead of being at the mission helping prepare for the Thanksgiving celebration she was hiding the woods obsessing over…well never mind what she was obsessing over. With a guilty look on her face, Christy turned her eyes back towards to the path that would lead her to the mission. This party had been her idea and yet she was leaving the last minute responsibility in everyone else's hands.
Stepping around the corner of the mission house Christy spotted Rachel and Ruby Mae carrying table linens down the front steps to the lines of tables scattered in the yard. The cold of November had held off just long enough to allow the meal to be held outside instead of in the barn just as they had hoped. Although the random assortment of linens and place settings would have made her mother cringe back home, Christy saw the beauty of their colorful mixture across the tables. No two tables looked alike and each one represented the unique characteristics of the cove.
"Oh good! There you are Christy!" Rachel exclaimed looking up from her last arrangement. "We were just finishing up and I was so hoping you would help me arrange Ruby Mae's hair before our guests begin arriving." Rachel's smile was so genuine and unassuming it made Christy feel even worse for having disappeared earlier.
"I am so sorry that I abandoned you two today" Christy exclaimed. "I lost track of time, but that is no excuse."
"You have already done your fair share of planning and organizing Christy. Besides, Miss Ida has hardly allowed us near the kitchen all day and everything else is almost finished." Rachel then turned to a very excitable Ruby Mae, "The only thing left to do is make ourselves as pretty as these tables."
That was the last straw of Ruby Mae's self control, "Recon' you can make me purty enough that Will Beck'll ask me to dance?" She began to ramble, "He's been right hint'n at it nigh on to a week now but never seems to get the words out o' his mouth. Can't 'magine whats keep'n his tongue, ever'body in the cove already knows I'm aplanning on marry'n 'im!"
"Now Ruby Mae, do you remember the conversation we had about a lady being discreet?" Rachel gently hinted. "While there is nothing wrong with appreciating Will's strong characteristics, it is important to allow him to pursue you, not the other way around. Besides, at sixteen you still have plenty of time to decide who you'll be marrying." Rachel winked at Christy. The two teachers had spent many evenings trying to explain to Ruby Mae the importance of conducting ones self like a lady. Apparently they hadn't had as much progress as they had hoped.
Upstairs in the corner bedroom shared by Christy and Ruby Mae the excitement was tangible and the mess was inexcusable. Every dress, ribbon, and pair of shoes that Christy or Rachel brought to the cove was strewn over the beds, mirror, and side table. While Christy and Rachel had decided days ago which dresses they would wear for the dance all three ladies had gotten wrapped up in the thrill of playing dress up with Ruby Mae. Finally a lovely green skirt was chosen for the young girl that complimented her bright red hair and was paired with a delicate white blouse. Ruby Mae's wild curls were only somewhat tamed, yet even the slightest styling was already giving her face a more womanly appearance. Christy and Rachel each stepped back from their living doll and for the first time in weeks there was complete silence from Ruby Mae. She stood there before the full-length mirror eyes wide and mouth slightly open.
"Is that really me? Cain't be me! There ain't no way I could ever be this purty! Thank ye both, I don't rightly believe I've ever felt so beautiful!" Ruby Mae's humble response was not at all what the women had been expecting and more then the grown up clothes proved how much the young girl was maturing. With a slightly awkward step, she hadn't lost all of her wild ways, Ruby Mae made her way out of the room to show off her new style to the rest of the house, and more importantly to wait for Will Beck.
"Now Christy, its your turn to change into Cinderella" Rachel laughed. "I know you originally planned on wearing your peach skirt, but I think I have something that will make her eyes shine even more than usual." With that Rachel disappeared into her own room and reappeared a moment later with a lovely pale blue dress with a matching belt that would accentuate Christy's already tiny waste. The fabric was made of the softest silk and was obviously not meant for regular use in Cutter Gap.
"Oh Rachel, how beautiful! I'm sure I couldn't wear such a gown. Don't you want to wear it instead?" Christy argued.
"While I do love this dress I have to admit it doesn't flatter me as much as my mother imagined it would. My dark hair contrasts against the color while your cornflower coloring would only look prettier against the soft blue shading. Plus it is a little short for my height, I don't know what mother was thinking when she ordered it for me. Your petite frame is exactly what this dress needs. Now! Lets get you all ready" Rachel smiled and her joy in spoiling Christy was yet another confirmation of Rachel's generous heart.
Christy had to admit that Rachel's choice of gown far out shown her original choice. The light blue fabric had small silver threading randomly throughout the design that caught the light and sparkled delicately in unison with Christy's blue eyes. Although the belt was a tad to tight, it did exactly what it was supposed to and created the most attractive hour-glass shape that made Christy blush with womanly pride. She may not always feel like a "full grow'd woman" but tonight she certainly looked like one. Rachel smiled at her handiwork and was very pleased with how lovely her friend looked tonight. With all of the chaos wreaking havoc on her heart it felt good to focus completely on Christy and allow Christy to have the limelight for the evening.
Voices could be heard gathering outside their bedroom window and it was clear the first families had begun to arrive. Joining the other mission folk downstairs Christy and Rachel were filled with excitement over their first official Thanksgiving celebration. It was obvious as soon as they entered the front parlor of the mission that poor Rev. Grantland didn't know which lovely young woman to stare at. Both had their own unique beauty and both were glowing with true happiness. Finally remembering his manners David stepped forward, "Forgive me ladies, I'm afraid I wasn't prepared for the angelic visions before me" he offer each lady his arm as he continued, "Would you allow me to escort you both out to the join our neighbors."
While he was trying with all his might to sound gentlemanly the poor preacher was a lost cause as his two "angelic visions" burst into laughter at his out of character behavior.
"Oh David! How can we possibly take you seriously?" Christy laughed.
"Now don't tease the poor Reverend, Christy" Rachel admonished in her most stern teacher's voice, then with a slight giggle of her own she added, "Yes, thank you David, we would be honored to have you escort us."
The three young people made a stunning picture as they stepped out of the mission house onto the front steps. Only a handful of families had gathered but amongst them were the Spencers along with Aunt Hattie, the McHones and the Becks. The women folk immediately congregated around Rachel and Christy admiring their clothes and hair. Their questions and curiosity were so different then what Rachel and Christy had grown up with. Instead of being surrounded by so-called friends who would be critical and envious until the next debutant walked through the door these women were sincerely excited by the young teachers' graceful appearance. There was no malice or envy in their desire to touch and admire the cloth and cut of the dress. It was simply the enjoyment of appreciating these beautiful treasures.
More and more families began to arrive and within the hour the whole front yard of the mission was full of husbands, wives, and children talking and laughing loudly. Each member of the cove brought along something to share with the community whether it was food, music, or just a good story. The tables were overflowing with a variety of vittles and more then once Rachel and Christy were surprised with the generous nature of their poverty stricken neighbors. Hunger would most definitely not be an issue this night!
Making her way through the tables and crowd Christy was overwhelmed with the number of friendly faces she saw. There to one side was Creed Allen and Sam Houston, mostly likely up to no good. Following closely behind her was Mountie O'Toole, not saying a word just staying near her favorite teacher. Christy was even shocked to see Bird's Eye Taylor with Lundy helping themselves to a second serving of Fairlight's sweet potato pie. What an amazing turnout and what a blessing from the Lord!
It wasn't to long before the sun's glow was fading into darkness and several ladies rushed to light candles and lanterns to help light the dance floor. Jeb Spencer's fiddle was itching for use and before she knew it Christy was surrounded by the most joyous mountain music. Laughter, music, and friends were everywhere she looked. Even in the most desolate of places it was still so clear that God was in the middle of these woods and His love was perfectly on display in this gathering. Christy danced and danced until her feet were sore and then gladly discarded her "citified" shoes in order to keep dancing barefoot. She danced with the preacher, Ben Pentland, Jeb Spencer, Lil Burl, and even shared a laugh dancing in circles with Rachel. It wasn't until the soft whine of the fiddle slowed to the last dance of the night that David returned to ask for her hand again.
"I know you think I was teasing earlier Christy, but you truly are a vision tonight" he whispered as he held her as close as propriety would allow. "I haven't been able to take my eyes off of you all night, you must have noticed."
"Why David you are surrounded by so much beauty here in the Cutter Gap, I can't believe you are making such a fuss over me," Christy tried to brush off his compliments lightly not quite sure how she felt about his honesty.
"Yes Christy, these mountains are beautiful, but they can't compare to what I have in front of me right now." The gaze in his eyes are hard to misread and Christy was thankful they were surrounded by so many other people. She knew she was playing with fire where David was concerned but she also enjoyed the attention of such a handsome young man.
"Thank you David…" She tried to think of something else to say but was spared the effort by the closing notes of Jeb's waltz. Gently removing herself from David's grasp Christy turned and clapped with the rest of the dancers in appreciation of the night.
Watching as the last families disappeared into the woods Christy lifted her eyes to the heavens and praised her maker for answering all of her prayers for a perfect evening. For once there had been no feuding, no hunger, no hardship, just a night to be thankful for all that these mountains had to offer. There was nothing else she could ask for.
"Well, almost nothing Lord," Christy whispered as she stood alone on the porch steps. Looking out across the moonlit field she realized there was only one thing missing from the evening. Dr. Neil MacNeill had never arrived to claim the dance Christy refused to admit she had been saving just for him.