Chapter 5

For the next two days, Christy spent her time going to another party and trying to fit back in with her friends. However, she just could not spring back into the life that had once consumed her. She felt as if a part of her were missing. Though she was happy to see her friends, Christy was glad when Wednesday finally arrived.

On Wednesday morning, Christy awoke early, ready to learn more about horses and horsemanship. She would rather do something else, but at this point, anything was better than hearing endless strings of gossip. Her services were needed at the mission, and if that included knowing how to ride a horse, she was determined to do the best she pos­sibly could. Christy put on her riding skirt and went downstairs.

"Good morning, Miss Huddleston, and how did you dream—I mean sleep?" David asked with a cunning grin.

"David! If you don't—"

"David and Christy! If I didn't know better, I'd say that you were brother and sister!" William said with a laugh as he came down the stairs.

"We are Daddy, we are."

"I see. Well, are you ready for a day of riding? I would come, but of course have a case today. Say, Reverend, would you like to come to court and witness some law action?"

"I'd be delighted," David said with a smile.

"Good."

"Daddy, where is Mother?" Christy asked.

"She is still sleeping. Apparently, the party was quite tiring for her last night."

"I see," Christy said. "Well, I guess I'll make some bacon and eggs."

"No, this is your last day here; I'll make breakfast," David said firmly.

"Thank you, David," Christy and her father both said at the same time.

By the time Christy had eaten pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, and grape juice, she was full to the brim. "Thank you, David. I'd best be going. Have fun in the courthouse."

"Have fun riding."

As Christy walked to the bank to get some money for her horse, she could just see herself sailing over the horse's head. She pushed out that thought and continued her walk. After going to the bank, she started for the town stables. When Christy got there, Lance was waiting with two horses: a dappled gray and a bay.

"Hello, Lance. How are you?"

"I'm fine and dandy. Are you ready?" Christy walked around the horses and saw that the gray was wearing a sidesaddle.

"I'm sorry, but I meant to tell you that I want to ride astride. It's not your fault. I'll just go get another saddle," she said as she headed to the tackroom.

Lance just stood there, shaking his head at the amazing person he was going to ride with.

When Christy had the right saddle on the gray she asked his name.

"It's Skeeter."

"That is an unusual name," Christy mused.

"Yes, it is. Ok, now, I know that you have had a bit of riding instruction, so concentrate on what you know and try to do it. All right?"

"Sure." Easier said than done, Christy thought. She straight­ened her back and pushed her heels down. She then shortened the reins a little bit and made sure her seat bones were resting comfortably in the saddle.

"Good. Now, make him walk. And remember to relax," Lance instructed as he rode along beside her.

Christy urged him on, making sure that she stayed relaxed, which was the most important thing. She looked to Lance, who nodded. Christy then put Skeeter into a smooth trot.

"That is good. Sit to it at first, then start to post. Do you know what that is?"

"Yes. David showed me. He has taught me almost everything that I know."

"I see," Lance said thoughtfully as they trotted along. "Christy, are you and David . . . well . . . together?"

"No, at one time we were, but—I am in love with someone else. For a while, David was terribly hurt because of it, but we have repaired our friendship."

"Yes, you seemed at peace last night. But tell me, who are you in love with?"

"Doctor Neil MacNeill," she said, blushing. "He is the doctor in the Cove. It has been almost year since we met, and I just discovered my feelings for him."

Lance felt just a bit saddened at her confession of being in love. He had hoped that he would have been a prospect for her. But, in a sense, Lance was quite happy for her, for they had always been as close as siblings. "I am very happy for you. Does he feel the same for you?"

It was this comment that completely saddened Christy. "I really don't know. I thought he did, but I must have been mistaken."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you sad," Lance said guiltily.

"That's all right. As my mentor and friend, Alice Henderson, says, 'Thee came to Cutter Gap to teach, not to get a husband.' I guess she was right."

"Don't be so sure. Life surprises you quite often."

"That it does, Lance. How am I doing?"

"Great, ready to try a canter?"

"You bet. Let's go!" The two friends took off, laughing joy­ously. Christy sat deep in the saddle and rocked gently with the rhythm of the horse. As they came to a straight clearing in the park, she looked over at Lance and asked him before she lost her nerve, "Can we gallop?"

"Are you up to it?"

"There's only one way to find out!" Christy leaned forward as she had seen the men do and pushed the reins further up on Skeeter's neck. Skeeter's instinct to run took over and he shot out from under Christy. She laughed with delight and leaned into the horse's neck. By the time they had reached the end of the straight, their horses were tired from their run and slowed immediately.

"Wow, Christy! That was some ride. And you say that you needed pointers. You were great."

Christy blushed. "Thank you, Lance. I just wanted to make sure I was doing everything right. I guess I have learned a bit in Cutter Gap."

"I'd say so," Lance said as they dismounted.

"Thanks for taking the time with me. I really appreciate it. Well, shall we go and look for a horse?" Christy asked.

"Let's go." After their horses were put away, they climbed into Lance's father's motorcar and were off. The five-minute trip was un­eventful, and Christy spent the time looking out at the beautiful country­side. However, nothing could compare with the beauty of her moun­tains.

"Well, here we are, Christy. Edelweiss Farm. The finest horses around."

"Great," she replied, admiring the sweeping green pastures that were filled with baby foals.

The owner met them at the barns and introduced himself as Mike McKimby. "I'm pleased to have you here today. I hope you'll be able to find a horse. Tell me, what are you looking for?"

Christy looked at Lance, for she had no idea what she was talk­ing about.

"Well, Mr. McKimby, Christy would probably do best with a gentler horse. The horse would need to be surefooted and strong, for it will be going to the Smoky Mountains."

"Ah, I think I have just the horse for you. She's a five-year-old Arabian mare. Her name's 'Sheik's Bonita'," Mike said, leading them to her stall.

"That is a very interesting name," Christy said. "May I try her out?"

"Of course. Can you saddle her yourself? I need to go fix the arena gate real quick." Mike walked off towards the large circular arena, leaving Christy and Lance with the mare.

"She sure is a pretty thing," Christy mused as she saddled the horse up, admiring her beautiful dark gray color. "Is her dished, dainty face a characteristic of her, uh, breed?" Christy asked, not knowing if "breed" was the right horseman's jargon.

Lance laughed. "Yes, it is. The Arabian is a tough, surefooted horse from the Middle East. Most people believe they came from Saudi Arabia. Arabians are characterized by their dished faces, highly carried tails, and their loyalty, especially the mares. Once she makes friends with you, she will never desert you. I hope she'll be a good one for you, if you decide to get her."

"So do I." Mike, having finished with the gate, offered to take "Bonita" to the arena for Christy.

"Thank you, Mr. McKimby. I'd appreciate that." In the arena, Christy mounted up and began to ride Bonita around the ring. If I buy you, I'll have to think of a different name, Christy told the horse silently. Bonita seemed very calm, but she never seemed like an old plug. Her gaits were smooth and sure. Christy rode over to Lance and Mr. McKimby. "I like her a lot. How is she out in a field?"

"Why don't you find out? For me, she has been quite good. Here, I'll open the gate for you."

"Thank you, Mr. McKimby." Christy rode Bonita out of the gate and into the grassy clearing. Christy paid close attention to Bonita, for she was not in the mood to get thrown. "Well, girl, how about a trot?" Christy put Bonita into a trot, then a canter. Bonita seemed to be doing fine, so Christy let her out a bit more. What speed Bonita had! They flew across the field as one, never missing a step or a turn. Fi­nally, Christy slowed Bonita and brought her back to where Lance and Mr. McKimby were standing. "I like her very much! How much are you asking?"

"I would like $300 for her, $350 including the saddle."

"Oh," Christy replied thoughtfully. She had only withdrawn $320 out of the bank, but she wanted Bonita very much. "Yes," she said determinedly, "I'll take her. Could I get her with the saddle for $320?"

"No, I'm sorry, it's $350," Mr. McKimby said, standing firm.

"All right. Then I'll just take her without the saddle."

"That's fine," Mr. McKimby answered. "Do you have the money with you now?"

"Yes, I do." Christy pulled the bills out her jacket pocket and hesitantly handed them to Mr. McKimby. "Thank you so much. Do you happen to have any cheaper saddles on hand?"

"No, I'm afraid I do not. I'm sorry."

"That is all right. Do you think that you could keep her here until tomorrow? I will be leaving for El Pano on the train tomorrow morning."

"I would even be happy to bring her to the station tomorrow for you, free of charge."

"Thank you, Mr. McKimby. I'd appreciate that very much. Well, I shall see you tomorrow. Thank you once again."

Lance quickly walked over to Christy after she had handed over Bonita to Mr. McKimby and, grasping her arm, said, "Christy, why didn't you ask me? I would have gladly bought the saddle for you."

"Thank you, Lance, but I could not have done that. A saddle is a very expensive thing. I just couldn't do that."

"You could pay me back, you know."

"No, I will not be in debt to anyone."

Lance chuckled, "Is it just me, or have you grown more stub­born since you went to your Cutter Gap?"

"You could say that," Christy smiled.

"You really are a good rider, and Bonita is a wonderful horse. You got quite a deal there; that horse is probably worth more than $500," Lance said as they walked away from the arena.

As Christy climbed into the motorcar, she wondered how David had gotten along with her father that day. She grinned at the thought of her father putting David to work with loads of paperwork. Then she thought of Lance. He had been so generous to her and had helped her so much. How could she repay him?

"Lance, would you be willing to drop me off in the shopping area of Asheville? There are some things that I would like to do."

"Of course. Do you want me to go with you?"

Christy smiled at his brotherly protectiveness. "No, that is all right. I'll be fine."

Once in front of the stores, Christy said, "I don't know how I can thank you, Lance, for helping me while I was here. Would you care to join us for dinner tonight?"

"I'd be delighted. Well, I guess I will let you out here. I'll see you tonight."

Christy leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek and said, "That sounds good. Don't be late now," she put on her treacherly voice and grinned.

"All right, Miss Huddleston."

"Good-bye." As Christy browsed through the stores, she found many things to take home to her friends: a novel for Fairlight, a bunch of hair ribbons for Ruby Mae, a new tie for David, a small wooden carved cross for Miss Alice, and a leather bible for Lance, which she would give to him that night.

After paying for everything with what she had left, Christy headed home, thinking that she needed to get cleaned up after a day of riding. Suddenly, she gasped, thinking of what a sight she must have been strolling the streets of Asheville in her riding skirt. Christy's gasp quickly turned to a smile when she realized how much less appearance mattered to her since she had been living in Cutter Gap.

Once at home, Christy picked out a deep green skirt and a white shirtwaist. She could hardly wait to give her gifts to David and Lance.

"Well, Christy how was your day today? Your appearance sure made the impression that you had a 'good ol' time'," her father teased as she came down the stairs.

"Yes, Daddy, I sure did. I even bought a horse by the name of Bonita. I am going to take her back to Cutter Gap with me. By the way, where is David?"

"You bought a horse! What about the money?"

"Don't worry, I had plenty. She cost $300, but was well worth the purchase. I sure hate to spend that much money, though. But Lance said she was worth much more. Where's David?"

"I sent David to purchase your train tickets. Christy, darling, $300 is a lot of money. I'm not so sure—"

"Daddy, trust me, I made sure everything was all right when I took the money out of my account. Please don't worry. A horse is es­sential in the mountains."

"That is true. It's just my Little Miss is growing up so fast. I'm glad you found a good horse."

"Yes. Oh, I asked Lance to come for dinner tonight. I would like to give him something in return for his taking time with me. I also have something for David."

"That is good. Lance is a good man. He will make a fine hus­band for a woman someday. Speaking of husbands—"

"Oh my, look at the time! I haven't even had lunch today. Would you like anything to eat, Daddy?" Christy asked hastily.

"Sure. Why don't you get a little snack to take out to the gar­den? I need a bit of walking. Will you join me?"

"Of course, you go on ahead, I'll get some food."

Once out in the garden, William motioned for Christy to join him at the pond. "Now Christy, darling, don't say a word until I have finished, all right?"

Knowing that she could not argue with a lawyer very well, Christy curiously agreed, "All right."

"Now, from my last visit to Cutter Gap, I've seen that two men have their eyes on you, and I know David has proposed. What are your feelings for them? I would like to know if I will be getting another son here soon."

Christy blushed deeply and said, "Yes, David proposed. I said no, because . . . because I love Dr. MacNeill!" There, she had said it.

"I suspected that, Christy. How does he feel about you?"

"I honestly don't know, Daddy. I left Cutter Gap to sort my feelings out, but now that I have, I don't know if I can go back and face the heartbreak if he does not care for me," she said, throwing a stone into the pond.

"Little Miss, a father does not miss much. I do believe Dr. MacNeill cares for you very much. I would be proud to call him my son."

"Thank you, Daddy. I will write you and Mother a letter as soon as I get back in Cutter Gap."

"I will miss you very much." They were both silent, enjoying the peacefulness of the pond and each other's company. William broke the silence by proposing an idea. "Would you like it if we spent Christmas with you and your friends in Cutter Gap?"

"Really? I would like that very much! Do you think Mother will agree?"

"Oh, she already has," Julia said, coming out to join the rest of her family.

"Mama, are you sure?"

"Yes, I am. I would very much like to celebrate Christmas with your 'other family'."

"Oh, Mother. You, Daddy, and George are my only true fam­ily. It would be the best Christmas ever!" Christy threw her arms around her mother's neck, nearly knocking her over.

"Now, Christy, what shall we fix for dinner?" Julia asked as she and her family strolled back into the house.

"Well, how about. . . ." Christy and her mother talked animat­edly while they prepared dinner that night. When it was almost ready, David finally walked in.

"David, wherever have you been? I thought you just went for some train tickets." Christy asked, puzzled.

"I was at the library. Come here, I have something I want to give you."

"Oh, David, you didn't have to do that. But I have something for you, also. I'll be right back." Christy excitedly went up to her room to retrieve the new tie she had bought for David. In the parlor, she said to him, "Now, David, if you do not like this, I will understand, but…"

"I'm sure I will like it. Don't worry. But here, open yours first," he said nervously. Christy took the package and began to open it. What she found was so beautiful that she nearly burst into tears.

"David, it is so beautiful. But, this is really too expensive. I cannot except it," she said, staring down into the beautiful aquamarine set of earrings and silver cross pen.

"Don't worry, Christy. I found it a very good price. Do you like it?"

"I love it. I've never seen anything so beautiful. Now here, open yours." When David opened his gift, his face immediately lit up with appreciation.

"Christy, how in the world did you know that I needed this? It is perfect." He once again admired the small bow-tie and gave Christy a hug.

"I just have always thought that you would look good in a tie. Besides, maybe some special girl will take notice of that," she said with a wink.

"It's perfect, thank you so much. May I escort you to dinner?"

"Of course," she replied with a smile. Just as they were sitting down to dinner a disheveled Lance finally arrived. "Where have you been?" Christy asked.

"Oh, nowhere special," he said with a sly grin.

"Lance, it's so nice that you are here. Please, do sit down. We are glad that you could come," Julia said with a smile.

"I'm sorry that I was late. I—I, ah, had something to take care of," he said sheepishly.

"And what did you have to take care of," Christy said with an equally sly grin.

He blushed and said nothing more. To his relief, David said, "Shall we say grace?" Everyone bowed their heads and William ex­pressed his thanks to the Lord.

"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this wonderful day and for the people that we may share our happiness with. We also thank you for Christy, and may she have a safe trip home, to Cutter Gap."

When at last dinner was finished, they all moved into the parlor to discuss the next day's plans. When everyone was seated, both Lance and Christy stood up,

"Lance—"

"Christy—" they both said at the same time and. Lance smiled and nodded. Christy started once again, "Lance, I am so grateful that you took your time to help me with Bonita. I thank you very much, and I have a little gift for you." She handed it to him and he carefully began to open it.

"Oh" he murmured, "it's beautiful. Thank you very much."

"You're quite welcome. I wish you the best of luck as you prepare to enter into ministry."

"I do, also," David said. "If you ever need a place to go, Cutter Gap is always looking for volunteers. We would be happy to have you, but make sure that when you are in seminary school you feel certain that ministry is your calling." David said this with only a hint of wistfulness. Christy reasoned that he must have been thinking about his own experi­ences at seminary school, and why he had become a minister.

"Now Christy, I have something for you. I know you did not want me to get you anything, but…"

"Lance, you didn't—" Christy said worriedly, for if Lance had went ahead and bought her a saddle, she knew she could not accept it, but she didn't want to hurt him. The package was not very big, but Christy had learned that all packages were deceiving of their gifts inside.

"Just open it, Christy. Here." Christy tentatively took the pack­age and began to unwrap it. She gasped at the beauty that was en­closed inside. She lifted the soft, dark brown bridle and turned it over in her hands. It was soft as silk and had lustrous brass studs across the brow band and down the cheek pieces .

"Lance, this is so beautiful. Wherever did you find such a thing?"

"I . . . I made it."

"You made this? It's remarkable!" Christy exclaimed.

"In my spare time, my hobby is leatherworking. I made it about a year ago, but I had no idea what to do with it. You seemed like a very deserving person of this. Do you like it?"

"Oh, Lance, this is one of the best presents that I have ever received. Thank you. I'm sure that Bonita will like this very much."

"It's the least I can do. You have been such a great friend to me over the years. I wish you the best of luck when you return to Cutter Gap."

Return to Cutter Gap. That has a nice ring to it, Christy thought with a beam. "Thank you, Lance. I hope you can come to Cutter Gap one day for a visit."

The rest of the evening was spent talking about times past and what lied ahead. When it was past ten o'clock, Lance reluctantly said good-bye and headed home. "I'll miss you, Christy. And don't worry about Dr. MacNeill, your heart will not go wrong."

Christy blushed. "Thank you, Lance. I hope I will be receiv­ing letters from you."

"So do I. Good-bye, Christy." He strode out the door, thinking how lucky he was to know such a remarkable young woman.

"Well, Mother, Father, David. I shall be turning in. I'll see you all bright and early tomorrow morning."

"Goodnight, Little Miss. Sleep well," William said. Julia and David only mumbled a goodnight, for they were almost asleep in their chairs.

As Christy brushed out her hair, she wondered how Miss Alice would welcome her. Would Miss Alice think of her as a coward for leaving, with intentions of never returning? Surely not. Christy then turned her thoughts to Neil. She wondered how he was doing, and if he missed her at all. Christy smiled and thought, I am acting just like a lovesick schoolgirl.

Her dreams that night were not pleasant. She saw Neil en­twined in another's arms, and when she called to him, he merely moved farther and farther away. When she went distraughtly to Miss Alice to talk to her, Miss Alice angrily said that the mission could not use those who were cowards. Christy turned to her mountain friends, but they were as cold as they had been when she had first come to Cutter Gap. Christy turned her eyes to the mountains, but was met with a coldness that blinded her. . . .

Christy opened her eyes to a bright sun. It had blinded her in her dreams. What a terrible dream, she thought. It was early morning, and time for Christy to pack for her return to Cutter Gap. However, the dream made her hesitate before she got ready. Would it really be like that when she returned?