"Mother, can you help me? I cannot find a necklace to go with this dress," Christy called out the next evening from her room.
"Of course, I have the perfect thing. Hold on," Julia replied from down the hall.
Christy turned and looked in the mirror, admiring the beautiful dress that twirled around her. She had piled up her hair in braids, just like Miss Alice, on the very top of her head, with curls cascading down the sides of her face.
"Ah, here we go. Oh, Christy, you look stunning. I am so glad that you decided to go tonight. Here, let me put this on you." Julia drew the five jewel sapphire necklace around Christy's neck and hooked it. "There we go. Are you ready?"
Christy nodded, "Yes, I suppose so. Tonight should be quite fun. Only there will be violins that replace Jeb Spencer's dulcimer for music."
"And other young men instead of Neil, only he can't be replaced," Julia finished.
Christy sighed, "Mother, I—"
"I will have none of that now. I said yesterday that we would finish this conversation and I intend to keep my word, so spit it out. As much as you would like me to believe that this is your home, and as much as I want it to be, your heart is elsewhere. You cannot deny it forever. So, tell me," Julia softly stipulated, pulling her daughter to sit beside her on the bed.
Dazed by her mother's words, Christy began to cry. "Oh Mother, when Fairlight asked me who I told me deepest thoughts to and made me realize that I loved Neil, I wanted to shout out to the world. I knew that I couldn't have him, because he was married. It broke my heart so badly. I did not think that I could bear it. Cutter Gap is my home, but I just can't go back. I can't love a married man! I'm surprised you have not shunned me."
"Christy, dear, from what you have told me, it seems as if your feelings for Neil developed before you knew Margaret existed. Do not curse yourself for this. Love will find a way."
"Oh Mother, even though Margaret has sent annulment papers to Neil, I just can't go back and face him. I know I have hurt David clear to his soul, and I just cannot bear causing him pain every day that I see him. I just simply cannot!" Christy allowed her mother to hold her while all of her tears washed her soul of the burdens she had been holding. Christy didn't think she had the strength to do what was right, but bible verses started playing through her mind: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Christy said a silent prayer, Dear God, please take my burdens from me and allow me to face what I must. Let it be your will. Amen. And with that prayer, Christy knew that she had to go home. She knew that she had to make things right, and no matter how ugly they got, God would be with her.
"I am going home, Mother," was all Christy said.
"Christy," William knocked on her door, "you have a very special visitor here to see you. You had better come down this instant."
Looking at her mother in surprise, Christy wondered who it could be. Just for a second, she allowed herself to think it was Neil, but he didn't even know where she was. Could it be Lance? Most likely, she reasoned. Christy straightened her dress and fixed her hair and then descended the stairs. She was shocked and unprepared for what, rather who, stood at the bottom of the stairs
"David? What in the world are you doing here? I thought—I mean—How did you know I was here?"
"A visitor at the mission told me you were here. I just knew I had to come and make things right," he said uncertainly.
"A visitor?"
"Yes, she is very interesting. I'll tell you about her later," he paused. "Christy, I'm so glad to see you."
"I am glad to see you, too. As you can see," she said, beckoning blushingly to her fancy outfit, "I am about ready to attend a party. Would you like to go with me? I would certainly be happy to have a friend from home," Christy said, looking at her mother and stressing the word 'home', "accompany me there."
"As friends, Christy?" David asked with quiet determination.
Surprised, Christy said, "Yes, David, as friends."
Julia, standing with her husband, looked proudly at her daughter. How she wished that she would marry the Reverend! But Julia knew what a wonder the heart was, and smiled. "Well, William," she whispered, "Christy will be leaving us once again."
"Yes, but she misses her home." They smiled at each other and William said to David and Christy, "Shall we go?"
"Yes, let's," Christy said, looking forward to an evening of dancing. Whispering to David, she said, "Can we talk when we get back?"
"Of course, Christy, I have so much to say."
"As do I."
At the Livingston's lavish house, Christy was greeted by Lance, who swept her into his arms the moment she got down from the carriage. Christy noticed that not one trace of jealously could be read on David's face, and she was glad. When Lance released her, David stepped up and extended his hand.
"I don't believe that we have met. My name's David Grantland. I am the minister from Cutter Gap. Christy and I live and work at the mission there."
Lance shook hands with David, "Name's Lance Livingston. I've known Christy since we were born! Good to have her back for good in her real home."
David looked at Christy in surprise. She mouthed, "Tell you later." He nodded and turned back to Lance. "Well, shall we escort this young lady in?"
Lance looked at David dubiously, and said, "Certainly." Much to Christy's astonishment, they both took one of her arms and led her into the house. Christy giggled and looked at the two men who were having a time embarrassing her. David knew he was going to like Lance.
"Looks like Christy will have three men to choose from," William said jokingly.
"William! That is not even funny!" Julia chuckled and allowed her husband to escort her inside.
William looked at Julia with happiness. He was so glad that his wife had finally found peace about her daughter.
Inside the Livingston's home, Christy looked around with awe. She had not been in the house for a long time, and it seemed more beautiful than ever. David and Lance escorted her over to Lance's father, where he greeted her with a hearty smile,
"Christy, how good to see you! How are things back at your mission?"
"They are great. It's been a good visit home, but I miss it."
"'Tis good. Enjoy the night!" At that moment, the orchestra struck up a classical tune, and before anyone else could ask, David bowed to Christy and asked, "May I have this dance?"
"Of course, Reverend." Christy curtsied and then was pulled into the whirling nature of the dance. A bit into the dance David asked,
"Christy, I thought you were only going a retreat home. Lance said you are staying, is that true?" He looked questioningly into her eyes.
"No, David. I left the mission thinking that I would never come back. I thought that I wouldn't be able to face you, or Neil. But God has once again shown me that I am meant to be in Cutter Gap, no matter what has happened or what may happen in the future." Because of the tears welling up in her eyes, David only said,
"I am glad that you will be going back." A few moments later the dance ended, and the next one began. Lance walked out onto the floor and asked,
"Christy? May I have the honor of this dance?"
"Of course," she said as they began to dance.
"Christy, I am so very glad to have you back here. I've missed you. Did you miss me?" he asked hopefully.
"Lance—I—I'm not here to stay. God has showed me that my place is in Cutter Gap. I will be returning in a few days. In reply to your question, I have missed you yourself, and our friendship, but I have not missed Asheville."
"Oh, I see," he paused. "Well, I am glad that you have found your place. I have found mine, also. I want to become a minister. Do you think David would be willing to talk to me?"
"Yes, Lance, I'm sure that he would." Pausing a moment, considering, she asked, "Can I ask you a favor?" For added convincing, Christy teasingly batted her eyelashes up at him.
Lance laughed, "Certainly."
"Well, you see, back in Cutter Gap, a horse is almost the most valuable thing there is, and I would like to go back to Cutter Gap with some better skills. I would also like to buy a horse to take back. Would you be willing to help me?"
"I'd be delighted, Christy! That would be fun. How about we meet at the stables in a couple of days. Would Wednesday be all right? I'll give you some pointers and then we can look for a horse. I know of a wonderful horse ranch just about a mile out of town. We could take my father's motorcar, if you'd like."
"I would like that very much. Thank you." The rest of the night, David and Lance talked about what becoming a minister meant and Christy talked with a few of her friends. As the last dance was being played, a waltz, she wished Neil were there. Her unhappy thoughts were interrupted by David, who said knowingly,
"Christy, I know that I am no substitute when it comes to Dr. MacNeill and his dancing, but would you dance this waltz with me?"
Blushing, Christy accepted. At the end of the dance, tears were streaming down her face and she said,
"I can't wait to go home, David, but will you stay at our house tonight? There are so many things we have to talk about."
"Yes, I will. I just want you to know Christy, I cherish our friendship so very much. I hope you will agree with me."
"Oh, I do, David!" she said as they headed back to Christy's home.
Dan Scott, after having spent a day in his cave, returned to his home and had been relentlessly working on it ever since. He had been trying to gather up the courage to go apologize to Bird's-Eye during the past few days, but had only become more and more doubtful. But as he finished the outline of his house, Dan knew it was now or never, so he put aside his work and headed to the Taylor's home. On the way, he shot an especially large rabbit and decided to take it with him. Maybe Bird's-Eye will like this for supper tonight, he reasoned. As Dan neared the Taylors' home, he called out,
"Bird's-Eye Taylor? I've come to talk to you." Bird's-Eye emerged from behind his cabin, shotgun in hand.
"Whada you want?" he asked, coming down the rise to meet Dan.
"I've just come to say I was sorry for accusing you."
"Don't want no 'pologies from no black 'un. Get out," Bird's-Eye said, raising his gun.
"Please, Mr. Taylor. I was very wrong and I wouldn't blame you if you shot me right hear and now, but I just want you to know that I'm very sorry, more than you'll ever know," Dan said, standing his ground.
"Waal, I should shoot ya, but seein' you can't defend yerself, you bein' just a poor black 'un, I ain't gonna," he said mockingly. Dan chose to ignore this and said shakingly,
"While I was walking over here, I shot this rabbit, and since I don't need it, I thought you might want it.
"Yep, heard ya shoot it. Sounded like it was on my land."
"Guess so. Since I, ah, shot it on your land, guess it's yours," Dan said, offering him the rabbit. As Bird's-Eye took it, Dan turned and walked away as quickly and calmly as he could.
Bird's-Eye stood there for a long while and watched Dan leave, thinking about how he didn't seem so different than the mission folks. And they were white.
Back at the Huddleston's home, Christy changed out of her elegant dress and met David in the parlor. She didn't know how to start so she simply said,
"David, I—I love Neil MacNeill. I have loved him for a long time, but I have been sightless to it. It was Fairlight who opened my eyes. I have been foolish not to see it. And it was my foolishness that hurt you. I am so, so sorry David. I cannot marry you. It would not be fair. I only hope that you will find someone to love you as you ought to be loved."
"I am sorry, too, Christy. I tried to blind myself from the love I saw that you and Neil had. I was jealous and befuddled as to what you would see in him. I hurt myself more than you did by doing that to myself. I kept pressuring you, trying to make you love me. I am sorry for doing that to you. I would be honored if you still considered my your brother and your friend."
"Of course, David. I have your ring in my room. Let me go get it." When she returned, she handed him the box and said, "I know you will find someone one day who returns your love."
"I hope so." There was a moment of silence before David said, "Ah, yes. About our newest mission visitor. Her name is Keri Loving. She is looking to start a horse ranch in the mountains, and her horse cast a shoe while she was passing through. Luckily, she was near Dr. MacNeill's and he rode her to the mission. As it turns out, she is advanced in science and is teaching the children a bit."
"I can't wait to meet her."
"Yes, she is nice. Also, Miss Alice received a letter from Margaret. She is going to Knoxville with Margaret, probably as soon as you return."
"I know. Margaret and I met on the train." They talked awhile longer, and when Christy felt her eyelids drooping, she said, "I am so glad we have been able to work this out. Well, it is late, so I'll see you in the morning. Lance and I are going to go look for a horse for me on Wednesday. I am going to buy it and bring it back to the mission."
"Christy! A horse is expensive. How are you going to pay for it?"
"I have some money in the bank. The mission needs another horse, David. You know that as well as I."
"Yes, but still. It is a lot of money!"
"David, it is with my money that I want to use to buy my horse. Don't worry! Good night."
"Sleep well, and don't dream too much about Neil."
"David Grantland! Why, I—"
"Goodnight, Christy."