Chapter 11
Over a month had passed since Miss Alice left for Knoxville. No one had heard from her, and Christy was growing anxious. She hoped to receive word soon.
Meanwhile, Lindsey and Keri had been visiting everyone around the Cove. As people got used to seeing the two young women riding around the Cove from cabin to cabin, they began to at least tolerate, if not accept the two.
Lindsey and Keri also spent a fair amount of time exploring their land in Low Gap. Sometimes they would be gone a week. Upon exploring the dense forest part of their land, they discovered an old, rundown cabin. The cabin itself was in questionable shape, but the lean-to was large and sturdy, for the horses of course.
In no time at all, Lindsey, Keri, Dream, Sassy, and Charlie all settled down in their temporary home, finally in a place to call their own.
David, Neil, and Christy could also be seen together quite often. David and Christy gently helped Neil along in his faith, and the whole Cove and its surrounding areas took notice that their doctor, who they greatly respected, had found happiness and peace in religion. The congregation in the church grew slowly, but surely.
After school let out for the harvest, Christy spent the cooler Indian summer days taking long walks around the Cove. She sometimes went with Keri and Lindsey, but most often went with Neil or Fairlight.
One warm Monday morning, Christy and Neil were strolling through the meadow near the mission. David watched from inside the schoolhouse. He had been repairing the windows when he heard hoof beats approaching the mission. David knew it was Neil.
David had kept his promise to Christy; remaining good friends with her and respecting her choice. At first, it had been hard. Sure, he had put on a good, friendly front for Christy, but every night at least one tear escaped from his reserve. Time had healed David though, for when he looked out the window, and saw Neil and Christy, the hurt he had come to expect did not surface. Instead, a joy stole through him. A joy for Neil's faith, and a joy for Christy; that the last barrier between her and Neil had been broken. He chuckled.
Christy had professed her love for the good doctor to David while in Asheville, but had not yet expressed her feelings to Neil. David sent a silent prayer of thanks to God, for healing him, and then continued with his work.
As Christy walked through the tall brome grass, speaking to Neil and admiring the beauty around her, she noticed that Neil had a faraway look on his face. Concluding that he was not listening to what she was saying, Christy said nonchalantly,
". . . and then I told David I would marry him, and. . . ." This comment brought Neil back to his senses.
"You what?"
"I'm just teasing. If you would have been paying attention, you would have been saved of this shock," she said in her treacherly tone. Christy then turned serious. "What is on your mind, Neil?"
"I was thinking about Margaret." He paused, searching for words. "Yes, I've forgiven her, but does she know that? Her days are limited. I would feel horrible if she died without knowing how I felt towards her," he stooped down to pick a few small flowers.
"And how do you feel towards her?" Christy tried to casually ask.
Neil thought on this a moment. "When I think about her, I get a feeling of sadness and compassion inside me. I am sad for our horrible marriage, but I do not hate her. I feel a kind of brotherly concern stir in me when I think about what she has been through."
Through a shaky smile, Christy said, "Neil MacNeill, you are truly amazing. The bible tells us to 'love thine enemy,' yet I have not seen many people who can do that, myself included. But you found it in your heart a Christian love towards Margaret."
"Twas not easy, though, Christy. I have been reading my bible a lot. It seems the more I read it, the more I want of it," he reached down to pick more flowers.
"'Thirst of the Word', Neil."
"I just wish I understood all of it," he said, running his fingers through his hair.
"Oh, Neil. We will never be able to understand all of it. There is one verse about that. . . . Oh, yes: For we now see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then shall I know just as I also am known. That means that right now, we see God partially, but one day we will see Him fully. Pray to understand Him and His Word."
Neil nodded, and slipped back into deep thought. Christy was just about to ask him if he was all right when he said, "Christy, I need to talk to Margaret. Do you know how I can reach her?"
Christy shook her head. "No, I don't. I haven't heard from Miss Alice, and I am worried. What if something happened to her, or Margaret?"
"If something had happened, we would have heard by now. They are all right, I'm sure." Neil picked more flowers, along with a long stem of grass. "But, did Alice leave you with an address, or anything?"
Again, Christy shook her head. "No."
"If Alice knows she's going to be gone much longer, she'll call, or send a letter, don't you think?" Neil asked, trying to reassure Christy.
"Yes, I suppose so," Christy said, not convinced.
Placing a comforting hand on Christy's shoulder, Neil said, "Christy, don't worry. They are fine. Here, these will brighten your day." He handed her the small bouquet of flowers that he had been picking.
"Thank you, Neil."
Back at the mission, after saying good-bye to Neil, Christy finished her work. After that had been completed, Christy retrieved the piano books she had received from her mother and sat down at the piano.
Since Lindsey and Keri were out riding, David was working on the schoolhouse, Fairlight was out gathering food, and Ruby Mae had gone to the Spencer's for Fairlight, Christy felt safe that no one would hear the many mistakes she knew she would make.
She pulled out the "Pieces are Fun" book and turned to the first page. As Christy started to play the chords, cadences, and scales, her long ago instruction started to come back. Though Christy knew she made several mistakes, the piano music was a sweet sound to her ears.
Deciding that she had had enough of technique playing, and that her fingers were stretched, Christy pulled out the Beethoven book. She opened the book, which fell to the fourth page. It was entitled the "Moonlight Sonata." The song didn't look too hard, so, setting the book back on the music stand, Christy began to slowly play. It was harder than she expected.
David had finished the schoolhouse repairs, and as he neared the mission, he heard strains of piano music flowing through the windows. Fairlight, who had been picking late greens, also heard the music as she returned to the mission. Who could that be? They both wondered as they met at the stairway.
Fairlight and David entered the house and quietly walked near the parlor door, and found a very determined Christy playing the piano.
David smiled. Though Christy made so many mistakes that the theme of the song could barely be heard, David listened with joy. Christy's inner music made up for the mistakes she made on the exterior.
Fairlight stood in awe. She had heard Miss Ida play before she had gotten married and left the Cove, but the song that Christy was playing was unlike anything Fairlight had ever heard before.
Just as quietly as he came, David left, filled with joy as he gathered more supplies to continue the mission repairs. Fairlight retreated to the kitchen to chop and prepare her greens.
Christy had not noticed David or Fairlight, and had continued playing. After awhile, she had accomplished playing the first eight measures quite well. Now that the haunting melody could clearly be followed, the song was vaguely familiar. Christy could not remember where she had heard it before.
She kept playing. Then, the realization of where she had heard the song before hit her. Christy's fingers froze, and an ugly clash of notes could be heard as her fingers fell heavily on the keys.
Theodore S. Harland had played the song when Christy had first been introduced to Margaret! Christy clearly remembered that introduction.
Christy had walked down the stairs that morning to find Mr. Harland playing. "A vision of loveliness," he had said when he saw her.
Then Miss Alice had entered and introduced her to Margaret. Christy remembered when Margaret had shown obvious "friendliness" towards Mr. Harland as she sat down next to him at the piano, and the look of disbelief on Miss Alice's face.
It was when Margaret turned her back to Miss Alice and Christy that Mr. Harland had proceeded to play the secondary movement of the "Moonlight Sonata."
Christy shuddered at the memory and at the words spoken. Suddenly, she realized that she had been sitting at the piano motionless for several moments. The clattering of a pan made her jump. Fairlight! Had Fairlight heard her playing? Christy put up her books and headed to the kitchen. Fairlight looked up when she entered.
"Miss Christy, that song you were playin' was plumb mesmerizin'."
Christy nodded. "It was. If only I could play it well. I make too many mistakes."
"I think you play hit just fine. Yer mistakes will only make ya better."
"I suppose so."
"Christy," Fairlight said as she put her greens aside, "I don't know how to rightly put this," she paused for several moments. "There here have been rumors goin' around . . . 'bout you and the doc."
Christy's head shot up. "There has been?"
Fairlight nodded. "Everybody's sayin' that you two are a courtin'."
"What! How did they get a silly idea like that?"
"Christy, whenever people see you takin' a walk, yer with Neil."
"I am not! I go with you and Keri and—"
Fairlight sighed, and pulled her friend to the table to sit down. "You've admitted to yerself how ya feel fer Neil. Ain't it 'bout time he knew, too? The both of ya ain't gonna be around forever."
Christy blushed. "But what if, what if he feels differently?"
Fairlight smiled. "He won't, not now, not ever."
"How can you be so sure?" Christy asked negatively.
"Me and Neil grew up tagether; we're like kin. I can read what's inside him 'bout better than anyone. Don't yew worry. I told ya ta follow yer heart once, didn't I? Keep followin' hit."
A few days later, Christy stood in her room staring at her reflection in the mirror. She turned to face Fairlight, who was with her. "How do I look?"
"Yew look as purty as an angel. Betcha Neil will think so, too."
Christy turned back to the mirror. Today was the day. She was going to tell Neil her true feelings. The light blue satin summer lawn dress flowed about her ankles and set Christy's face aglow. She had even left her hair down and worn the earrings and pin that David had given her in Asheville. "All right, I'm ready."
"Good. Yer basket of food is on the table."
"Thank you, Fairlight."
"All right! And don't you be a kissin' him too much!"
Christy grabbed the basket and quickly headed out the door. Her face was no longer aglow; it was a burning flame!
Christy's emotions a mixture of excitement and fear, she started for Neil's cabin. As she walked, Christy found herself lost in the beautiful fall colors of the forest. She stooped down to pick up a bright orange leaf, and marveled at its vibrancy.
Meanwhile, at his cabin, Neil was just stepping out of the river from a bath and into his clothes when he heard a voice calling out down the path from his cabin. He listened carefully. Yes, it was Christy. Hurriedly, Neil buttoned up his pants, put on his shoes, threw on his shirt and started up to his cabin.
Coming up behind her, and noticing how nicely she was dressed, Neil asked,
"Miss Huddleston, what brings you here today?" She jumped and spun around, almost hitting him with the basket.
"Neil! You scared me! I, ah . . . I thought you might like some company, and ah," she quickly added, "some good food."
Neil chuckled. Something sure had her flustered. "What? Are you saying that I cannot cook myself a good meal?"
Christy smiled, "I don't doubt that you can cook, Dr. MacNeill, I just doubt that you can cook a complete and wholesome meal."
"Well, when you put it that way, I guess you are right. But why else did you come here today? Is there someone new at the mission who wants to become a doctor?"
"Noo . . . I . . . ahh. . . ." she looked away.
"Christy, is there something you need to talk to me about?" Neil asked with concern.
Gathering up her courage, she looked up at him and said, "Yes, Neil, there is. But could we eat first?"
Neil was puzzled. "Of course."
Through the meal, Christy forgot about her nervousness and just enjoyed Neil's company. They talked of the detailed plans Neil had for his money, and of the children.
Both pleasantly stuffed, Neil said, "Thank you very much for the lunch, Christy."
"You should thank Fairlight, she made it," Christy smiled.
Neil chuckled. "Well, you can tell her she did a very good job. Now, is there something you wanted to tell me?" Christy's intentions of coming to his cabin that day had bothered Neil a bit throughout their meal. He was quite curious.
Christy's smile disappeared. "Ah . . . yes, I do. Let's go down by the river."
"Neil, do you remember when I wanted to send Rob Allen to college?" Christy asked as they were walking by the river.
"Ah, yes. I also remember quite well the religious debate David, you, and I had."
Christy smiled at the memory. "I remember I came to your cabin to ask you to help, and the argument we had. When I said that my coming here 'doesn't hold me back, it pushes me forward,' " she paused, "you said, 'into the unknown.' "
"I do remember that argument." They had stopped at Neil's fishing spot.
"Neil, that 'unknown' was you. I didn't like you at first; in fact, I resented you. But that resentment grew to tolerance, that tolerance to respect, that respect to friendship, that friendship to, to love," she said softly.
Had Neil heard her right?
"Neil, I love you! I love you more than I thought I could ever love anyone!" she exclaimed, tears in her eyes.
He had heard her right! In one step, Neil enclosed Christy in a tight hug. "Oh, Christy, lass, do you know how long I have waited to hear you say that? I love you, too. So much."
They embraced beside the river that had brought each of them wonderful memories, and sorrows. Finally, Neil said,
"Come on, I'll ride you back to the mission. They will be starting to worry about you." Stepping back from their embrace, Neil gently leaned down and gave Christy the softest of kisses; their first kiss.
Christy was speechless. David's kisses had been . . . well, pleasant kisses, nothing more, but Neil's were . . . they spoke volumes; of his respect and love for Christy, of his desire to be with her and protect her.
Suddenly, Christy remembered the last comment Fairlight had made to her, and pulled away from Neil, blushing.
Seeing her red face, Neil asked worriedly, "Is something wrong, Christy? Have I done anything?"
"Oh, no! That was…wonderful," she said, reassuring him.
"Then why the red face?" Neil asked, slightly amused.
"I . . . ah, I was just remembering something Fairlight told me."
"And what might that be?"
Smiling, and still blushing, Christy whispered what had been said in his ear. Neil laughed uproariously.
"I suppose she is right. I'll go saddle up Charlie."
"Neil," Christy said as they were riding back, "this has to be the happiest day of my life."
"I could make it happier," he said nervously over his shoulder.
Christy was taken aback. What could he mean? "Is that so?"
"Christy, I'm asking your permission to court you."
"Oh, Neil. Yes, you may!" Christy shouted.
"I'm glad that you are so happy, Miss Huddleston," he teased.
Christy didn't know what to say. She couldn't stop smiling. Only in her dreams had she been this happy. A certain dream, and part-reality came to mind: the cave. She laughed inwardly.
"Christy?" Neil asked. "Are you going back to your home for Thanksgiving?"
"This is my home."
Neil smiled. "I mean to your family."
"Yes, I suppose so. Since they are coming here for Christmas."
"They are?" Neil asked, surprised, and worried. How would they feel about Neil and Christy, together?
Christy sensed his worry and hugged him tighter. "Yes, but don't worry. They will approve of us. Remember, I am as stubborn as you when it comes to getting my way."
"Your way?" he asked with a smile.
"You are my way," Christy said softly.
All too soon they were at the mission. Christy and Neil's glowing faces were all Fairlight needed to know when she stepped out of the mission kitchen.
"Miss Christy, Doc MacNeill. Did ye have a good lunch?" she asked with a smile.
"The best ever, Fairlight. Christy tells me I have you to thank for that."
"Weren't nothin'. I figgered Christy had other," Fairlight looked mischievously at Christy, "things to tend to instead of makin' up a basket of food."
"Well, thank you, Fairlight. Christy, I'll see you tomorrow at church."
"Yes, of course. Good-bye, Neil."
Fairlight smiled at the wistful look on the schoolteacher's face. "Christy, I hate ta interrupt yer dreams, but you got some letters."
At the word "letters," Christy pulled out of her trance. "Thank you, Fairlight. Where are they?"
"Thay're in on the table."
Christy walked quickly to the table. Would there be a letter from Miss Alice? Ruby Mae, who was washing dishes, said as her teacher walked in,
"Howdy, Miss Christy. Did ya have a good visit with the doc?"
Christy looked up. "Hello, Ruby Mae. I did have a good visit."
"Are ya gonna go courtin' 'gin?" Christy's face must have turned red when she glanced up, for Ruby Mae shouted, "Lordy, Miss Christy! Are ya gonna get hitched? This is purely the most excitin' thing ever! Mrs. Spencer! Mrs. Spencer…"
Christy didn't bother to try to get in a word edgewise. She was more concerned about the letters. Now, where were they? She searched the table for them, and was just about to give up when she saw three white items shadowed by the flowers that Neil had given her a few days ago.
Christy grabbed them and sat down. The first one was from her parents. She smiled as she read that her brother had a black eye from a recent fight. Over a girl, no less. Then Christy's eyes widened at what she read next:
. . . and why don't you bring Dr. MacNeill with you to celebrate Thanksgiving? He has no one to celebrate with, and besides, I'm sure your father will want to talk to him. . . .
Bring Neil with her? Christy liked the idea, but would Neil accept? Christy sighed and opened the next letter. It was from Miss Alice! It read:
Dearest Christy,
How is everything at the mission? I am terribly sorry to have been gone this long.
This past month has been wonderful for Margaret and I. She has landed the lead role in a local play and is quite a good actress. Margaret's tuberculosis is also doing quite well; there are no complications. Her main treatment plan is a little more than two months long. One month has passed, and I would like to remain with her for the remaining treatment. Margaret is planning to stay in Knoxville for quite sometime and will be able to keep to her long-term treatment plan.
We plan to celebrate Thanksgiving together, and then I should be back. We have so much to be thankful for. Please, give everyone my regards and have David send me his report for the surrounding missions and schools. God keep thee.
Alice Henderson
Miss Alice not coming home for another month? How would they manage? But Christy was so happy for Miss Alice and Margaret. They were finally becoming a real family.
The next letter in Christy's hand was from her church in Asheville:
Dear Mission at Cutter Gap,
An anonymous donation of money was sent to us and with it, a note asking that we forward the money to you. May this money bless your mission and your work.
Sincerely,
The Asheville Presbyterian Church
Enclosed was $500! Christy was breathless. Who had sent the money to her church? She was overjoyed, but who would be this generous?
Christy quickly gathered up her letters and went down to David's bunkhouse, where he was working on his sermon. "David? David, come quick!"
David's heavy footsteps could be heard as he ran to the door. "What is it?" he asked worriedly
"David, read this letter," Christy said excitedly as she handed him the letter with the money. When David saw the check, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"Who—What—Where—"
"I have no idea, David. Isn't it wonderful? What are we going to do with it?"
"Oh, Christy. This is amazing! There are so many things to be done. . . ." They talked for quite sometime, until another idea popped in Christy's head.
"David, I have something I need to tend to."
"Anything I can help with?"
Christy shook her head. "No. Where should we keep the check?"
"I have a safe under my bed," David offered.
"Thank you, David. I will see you at supper," she said as she gave him the check.
Christy retreated to her room and placed the letters on her dresser. How she wished Neil was there, so that she could discuss her ideas with him. Well, she would see him tomorrow at church. . . .