Chapter 12
"That was a good sermon," Neil commented as he and Christy took a stroll after the service the next day. "I particularly liked the verse: 'Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?' "
Christy nodded, "Malachi 2:10. Miss Alice recited that for Fairlight during one of her reading lessons."
"David delivered it well," Neil said.
"He did. I think his intentions were for everyone to see that in God's eyes, we are all equal."
Neil nodded, "Dan Scott."
"Yes. He hasn't been to a service yet," Christy said sadly.
"If David keeps indirectly showing them that we are all equal, they will come around."
"It just breaks my heart to see him treated like that." Christy nodded her head towards the gazebo. "Let's go sit there."
"But people have started to warm up to Dan. Jeb and Fairlight, the Allens."
"Yes, progress is being made, but ever so slowly."
Neil took her hand. "Everything will be all right. Now, you said you had something to discuss with me?"
Christy nodded. "But, first off, we need to get my parents' permission for you to court me. Why don't you call them?"
"Ah . . . I don't know…"
"Neil, you have nothing to worry about. My parents look favorably upon you, because of what you did for my Father."
"Is that the only reason they respect me?"
"Of course not. They respect you for your sacrifices to these people, what you have done for them, and what you've done for me," Christy said softly. "You have helped me grow in so many ways. My mother has seen that, she knows."
Neil smiled down at her, "Lass, you have no idea what you've done for me."
"Oh, I might," Christy said teasingly. "But, yesterday, an idea came to me. I got a letter from Miss Alice, and my parents."
"You did?" Neil asked anxiously as they sat down under the gazebo.
"Yes. Miss Alice said that Margaret was in remission and doing fine. She also said that she would not be back to Cutter Gap until after Thanksgiving.
"My parents' letter said they were expecting me for Thanksgiving. They invited you to come with me, Neil."
"Me?" Neil was surprised.
"Yes. Don't look so astonished! I told you, they respect and admire you very much. Besides, even if they hadn't invited you, I would have. Please, come with me. I really want you to."
Neil was shocked, and delighted at Christy and her parents' offer. Did he really deserve to have someone like her?
"Well, I guess that I gladly accept."
Christy's face lit up. "Good! But that's not my idea that I wanted to discuss with you. You see, Margaret's treatment will end before Thanksgiving, but Miss Alice wants to celebrate with her. What if Miss Alice and Margaret joined all of us? Then you would be able to talk to Margaret." She waited apprehensively for Neil's response.
Though Neil had wanted to talk to Margaret, this was asking a lot of him. Neil closed his eyes and said a silent prayer before responding, "It will be hard, Christy, but it has to be done. I will do it. God will guide me."
"Oh, Neil. I am so proud of you. I will write my parents, and Miss Alice." Christy flung her arms around him, never wanting to let go.
Back at the mission, Christy dialed her home in Asheville and then handed the telephone receiver to Neil. As it rang, she mouthed to him, "I love you."
He smiled and waited tensely for someone to answer. Christy then headed to the kitchen to ensue that Ruby Mae didn't interrupt Neil.
"Ruby Mae, are you fixing lunch today?"
"Yes'm. Mrs. Spencer showed me how ta make chicken an' onion casserole."
Christy smiled. "And she is the best teacher. That sounds wonderful. By the way, did Fairlight go home after the service?"
"Shore did."
Christy was relieved. Sunday was Fairlight's day off. Christy knew Fairlight would live at the mission if needed, but her husband and children needed her more.
"Christy," Neil said, stepping into the kitchen, "you're father wants to talk to you."
Walking over to him and dropping her voice, Christy asked, "What did they say?"
"Why don't you find out for yourself?" he smiled. As Christy walked to the telephone, she could hear Ruby Mae questioning Neil,
"You and Miss Christy gonna go a' courting and. . . ."
Christy chuckled and picked up the receiver.
"Hello, Daddy? Yes, I'm doing fine. Really? Oh, thank you!" Christy and Neil had her parents' approval to court! "Yes, of course. You don't know how happy I am! Well, yes, I suppose you do. Yes, Neil is quite the gentleman. I have a favor to ask." Christy took a deep breath and plunged in,
"You see, Miss Alice has been with Margaret in Knoxville during Margaret's tuberculosis treatment. Miss Alice won't be coming back to Cutter Gap until after Thanksgiving. I would like to invite both Miss Alice and Margaret to celebrate with us." There was a long pause. "Yes, Neil has agreed. In fact, he is in favor of it because he wants to talk to Margaret. It's really important to him. Yes. Oh, thank you! Yes, I will contact Miss Alice as soon as I can. All right. I love you, too. Good-bye."
Christy couldn't believe it. Her parents had agreed to let her and Neil court, and had liked the idea of Miss Alice and Margaret spending Thanksgiving with them.
Christy half-jogged back to the kitchen in excitement. "Oh, Neil, they agreed to let Miss Alice and Margaret celebrate with us!"
Neil was relieved. But could he trust that Margaret was a new person when he saw her again? After how he had been treated, could he face her? And, vice versa.
"Miss Alice and Miss Margaret are celebratin' somethin'?" Ruby Mae asked from the counter.
Christy had forgotten that Ruby Mae was there. "Yes, Ruby Mae, they are celebrating Thanksgiving." She motioned to the door and headed outside.
"You're parents agreed, Christy, but have you written to Alice about this?" Neil asked as they gazed out at the mountains from the deck.
"No, I plan to do that today."
"Christy, do you think she will accept?"
"Yes, I think Miss Alice will agree it is a wonderful idea."
"I mean Margaret."
Christy didn't answer this right away. Would the old Margaret reappear and refuse to talk to Neil? No, Christy honestly believed Margaret had changed. "Yes, I think she will come."
"Christy, I don't know if I can trust her. I don't want to be just thrown around and mocked," Neil said in doubt.
"Neil," Christy said, taking his hand, "you feel that you and Margaret should talk, right?"
He nodded.
"If it is God's will, it will happen. I've found that whenever in doubt, pray."
Neil smiled and pulled Christy close. "Thank you, lass." Then they both heard footsteps and broke away from each other. It was David.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Doctor, Christy, was I interrupting?"
"No, not at all," Christy smiled.
"So, Reverend, where are you headed for Thanksgiving?" Neil asked.
"Back home, to Boston. I just talked to Keri and Lindsey, too. They have decided to stay here," David said.
Christy was shocked. "They are staying here, alone?"
"Oh, no. The McHones invited them to spend Thanksgiving over there."
"Really? I'm happy to hear that," Christy said. Suddenly, another problem hit Christy: Ruby Mae.
"David, where is Ruby Mae spending Thanksgiving."
David's face fell, "Nowhere."
"Christy, why don't we take Ruby Mae with us when we leave?" Neil suggested.
Christy hesitated. She didn't want to have to put up with Ruby Mae's incessant chatter and tagging along. Then Christy thought how she would feel if she had no family.
"That is a good idea, Neil. I'm sure my mother and father won't mind."
David grinned, "I wish you luck. It should be interesting."
"I just hope I don't regret it," Christy said.
Neil looked at her admiringly and winked. "You won't, I'll make sure."
David chuckled, "Won't you join us for lunch, Doctor?"
"Certainly, thank you." He offered Christy his arm. "May I escort you to lunch, Miss Huddleston?"
"Of course." As they entered the kitchen, they were greeted by an enticing smell. Thank goodness for Fairlight's cooking instruction, Christy thought.
"Ruby Mae, that smells wonderful," David said.
She blushed, "Thank ye, Preacher."
"Ruby Mae, Doctor MacNeill and I are going to my home in Asheville for Thanksgiving. Miss Alice and Margaret will be joining us," Christy said to the redhead.
Ruby Mae looked back at Christy quizzically. "Uhh . . . that's right nice," she said, turning back to her casserole.
"Ruby Mae, would you like to come with us?"
Ruby Mae dropped the fork she was holding in shock.
"Really, Miss Christy? Ya mean I could go with ye and see all them fancified stores with them purty dresses—"
"Yes, Ruby Mae," Christy interrupted.
Ruby Mae ran from the counter and grabbed Christy in a hug. Neil and David chuckled. "Oh, I won't be no trouble at all! I'll even holp ye 'round the house and—"
"Ruby Mae," Neil broke in, "I am hungry as a bear, and can't wait to try your casserole. Is it ready yet?"
"Shore is, Doc. Come an' set down. I got it all ready," Ruby Mae answered, forgetting about her trip to Asheville for only a moment.
"Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful Sunday day that you have given us. Thank you for this wonderful, wholesome food that Ruby Mae has prepared for us. Let each one of us find joy in this day, and each other," David prayed.
"Amen," everyone murmured.
David took the first bite of Ruby Mae's anticipated casserole. "Ruby Mae, this is the best thing you have ever cooked."
"Thank ye. Mrs. Spencer told me how ta make it."
Throughout the rest of the meal, they discussed the crops of the Cove and what was happening in the surrounding areas, with Ruby Mae's occasional addition of Cove gossip.
Suddenly Christy piped in, "David, where are Lindsey and Keri? They could have joined us for lunch."
"They are at the Spencers'."
"Looks like people are starting to accept them," Neil said.
"Yes, I hope that when they start building that people will want to help." Christy looked at her clean plate and said to Ruby Mae, "Ruby Mae, that was excellent. Thank you very much."
"Yer welcome," Ruby Mae said shyly.
"Yes, thank you," Neil said as he stood up. "Well, I'd best be going. Good sermon, Reverend."
"Thank you, Doctor. I expect I will be seeing you again very soon," David teased.
"I suppose so," Neil said, gazing at Christy. Christy followed him out the door and to his horse.
"I'll write Miss Alice right now. Don't worry, it will all work out."
"Thank you, Christy." Neil leaned down and kissed her, only to hear giggling in the background. "Ruby Mae," he growled softly.
Christy laughed. "Good-bye, Neil. I love you."
"I love you, too, lass."
Up in her room, Christy sat down with paper and pen and wrote Miss Alice:
Dear Miss Alice,
I was so delighted to receive your letter. So much has happened since you left. Keri traveled to Asheville to buy the land in Low Gap and returned with a deed, as well as a friend: Lindsey Ramsey, an old friend of Lindsey's who is going to stay and help her with the horses. Come spring, they plan to construct their buildings, and are temporarily living in a cabin they discovered on their land.
We also received a large donation sent by an anonymous donor to my church in Asheville. They then sent the money to us. We received $500! David is keeping it in a safe under his bed.
But perhaps the happiest thing that has happened is that Neil has been saved. He was caught in a dangerous situation that caused him to turn to God, and a miracle took place. With the help of Aunt Hattie, Neil was saved. Neil and I have also professed our feelings to each other. We have gotten my parents' permission to court and will be happily doing so soon.
I am eternally glad that you and Margaret are having a wonderful time together, and that she is in remission. I am also happy to know that you are planning to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Neil, Ruby Mae, and I will be going to my home in Asheville, and I would like to invite you and Margaret to join us. Neil feels that he should talk to Margaret as soon as he can. My parents would be glad to have you. Please, respond quickly. I know Neil will be waiting anxiously, as will I. God be with you.
Christy Huddleston
As Christy folded and sealed the letter, she hoped beyond hope that Miss Alice would receive the letter in time and Margaret would agree to come, and talk to Neil.
As the days to Thanksgiving narrowed, Neil and Christy spent them in happy courtship. They frequently went to Neil's cave and spent hours talking and exploring every inch of it. Neil and Christy also went on many walks and rides while the weather was still warm.
The days only started to get cold during the last few weeks before Neil, Christy, and Ruby Mae were to leave. It was on these cold days that Neil and Christy "courted" inside. Sometimes they read, listened (and danced) to music, or planned for things to come.
One especially cold day, only three days before they were to leave for Asheville, Christy sat at the piano playing the "Moonlight Sonata." During the cold days, Christy had practiced the song and had become quite accomplished in playing it. The fact that Mr. Harland had played the very same song that fateful day so long ago no longer tormented Christy.
As she struck the final notes (which by now had been memorized) Christy glanced out the window to see snow falling in huge, fat flakes. She smiled. The song sure fits this day.
A knock on the door startled Christy and caused her to miss a note. She opened the door to find a certain doctor coated in snowflakes.
"Hello, lass," Neil said.
Christy put on a straight face. "Good afternoon, Dr. MacNeill, and what can I do for you today?"
"Well. . . ." Neil said, causing Christy to blush.
"Neil, aren't you cold?" she asked, adverting her eyes from his.
"I hadn't noticed."
Christy smiled. "Come, have a cup of tea by the fire with me."
"Certainly."
"Neil," Christy asked as they sat down with the steaming cups, "are we going to make it to El Pano?"
Neil nodded as he took a sip. "Yes, 'tis only a light snowfall, at the moment."
"Good," Christy breathed.
"By the way, where are David and Fairlight?" Neil inquired.
"David left yesterday for Boston, and I sent Fairlight home, since it's now only Ruby Mae and I."
"Miss Christy," Ruby Mae said as she popped in the doorway, "I got a letter that come for ya 'bout nigh a week ago. I kinda fergot ta give it ta ye."
Christy was just about to yell at Ruby Mae when she thought of what might have happened if the letter had been forgotten altogether.
Christy took a deep breath. "Thank you, Ruby Mae. Now why don't you go and finish your packing for our trip."
"Shore," and then she disappeared to her room.
Neil waited anxiously as Christy opened the letter. "It's from Miss Alice," she said. Then she started to read the letter aloud:
" 'Dearest Christy,
Margaret and I would be overjoyed to celebrate with you, your family, and Neil. And, of course, Ruby Mae. We will be arriving at the Asheville station the afternoon before Thanksgiving. I hope we will be able to meet there.
Christy, thou art like a daughter to me, and Neil a son. I am happy beyond words about Neil's newfound faith, and about thy love for each other.
I am sorry this was so short; we will have much to discuss when we meet. God Bless.
Alice Henderson'."
"Oh, thank You, Lord," Neil said. "I am so glad they agreed. The fact that Margaret alone agreed shows me that she is making a sincere effort to try and sort things out."
Christy went over to Neil and hugged him. Words could not express how happy she was for him. Neil had changed so much. And she had never loved him more for it. They broke their embrace and gazed outside. It was no longer snowing.
"Lass, let's go for a little ride, just up to the hill overlooking the mission."
"That sounds wonderful, Neil."
Minutes later, they sat atop Charlie overlooking the mission. Everything was thinly coated in a beautiful silver white.
As Neil rested his chin upon Christy's head, his eyes were drawn like a magnet to the rolling peaks. Apparently, the storm had taken to the distant mountains and had turned their smoky blue to gray.
Christy was also looking at the mountains. "Isn't it beautiful? The snow that mists the mountains reminds me of our ride in the fog that one day."
Neil nodded. "And some ride it was. The fog didn't fade you out Christy, it just illuminated your beauty all the more."
Christy inhaled sharply. What a beautiful thing he had said to her. No matter how many times he wooed her in his poetic way, the rush of love she felt for him only got stronger.
For many beautiful moments, the two lovers were lost in the mountains.
The morning dimness caused Christy to trip over her bag as she shifted out of bed. She fell with a thud, only to have a bodacious redhead pop into her room and say,
"Lordy, Teacher! Are ya hurt?"
"No, Ruby Mae. Would you mind fixing us something warm to eat before we leave?"
"Shore. It'll be ready in no time a'tall.
Christy groaned and struggled to get up. Today was the day they left for Asheville, and what a way to start it.
She silently got dressed and picked up her bag to set next to Ruby Mae's. Apparently, Ruby Mae had been up for quite sometime. Christy headed to the kitchen and was greeted by the smell of burnt bacon and coffee.
Christy sat down. "Ruby Mae, are you sure you have all your things packed and ready?"
"Yes'm. I checked ever'thing over three whole times."
Christy nodded, suppressing a grin. A moment later, the wonderful coffee appeared in front of her accompanied by some charred bacon. Ruby Mae sat down across from Christy with her own food.
"Sorry hit's burnt," she said guiltily.
"Oh, no. It's fine."
Ruby Mae glanced around the table. "Shore is lonely, with the Preacher and Mrs. Spencer bein' gone an' all."
"It is. But that will all change once we are in Asheville."
"I cain't hardly wait! Tell me, what are them—"
"Good morning, ladies," Neil said as he entered the kitchen. Christy jumped.
"Neil, you scared me! I didn't hear you come in."
"Well, maybe this will un-scare you," he said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. Ruby Mae giggled.
"Neil. . . ." Christy hissed.
He chuckled. "Are we all ready to leave?"
"I believe so," Christy said.
"The horses are outside. Do you think you can ride Prince, Ruby Mae?" Neil asked.
"Shore. Me an' Prince gits along right good."
"That's fine. We'd best be leavin' now, though," Neil said, anxious to start out.
"Neil, don't you want anything warm to eat before we leave? It looks to be pretty cold out there," Christy said as she stood up and looked out at the window, where miniature snowflakes could be seen falling to the ground.
"I'll be fine," he winked.
Christy smiled as she picked up her bag. "Well, all right."
As they rode through the brisk air, Christy turned her thoughts to Dan Scott. Neil told her he would be spending the holiday with Aunt Hattie, but Christy wished Dan had been invited by another family to celebrate with them, as Lindsey and Keri had. Christy knew how long it had taken her to be accepted by at least a few of the mountain families. She couldn't imagine how hard it was for Dan. Christy's thoughts were interrupted by Ruby Mae's voice,
"Miss Christy, Miss Christy!"
"What's wrong Ruby Mae?" Christy asked with alarm as she brought herself back to reality.
"I jest noticed somethin'. Lookee here: yer a ridin' in the back, me in the middle, an' the doc in the front."
Christy was puzzled. "Yes . . . and what did you notice?"
"Wall, yer horse is Bonnie, mine is Prince, and Doc MacNeill's is Charlie. Ya see? Bonnie Prince Charlie!"
Christy smiled, "Ruby Mae, you are amazing. I never realized that."
Neil chuckled. "That is a very good observation."
The rest of the way to El Pano, Ruby Mae talked frenziedly. As they boarded the train, Christy felt like curling up in a ball and disappearing. Neil noticed this with concern as he sat down beside her.
"Christy, you look pale. Are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine. But, please, remind me next time to bring cotton to put in my ears."
Neil grinned. "That Ruby Mae is a talker. When she was born, I'd never heard such a holler."
"Did ye say my name?" Ruby Mae asked as she sat down across from Neil and Christy.
"I was just telling Dr. MacNeill how much I thought you would enjoy the Asheville stores," Christy said.
Ruby Mae looked out the window dreamily. "It jest plumb mesmerizes me. . . ."
For a while, Ruby Mae avidly chatted about what a wonder the train was. But after an hour, she quieted down and nodded off.
Neil smiled. "Looks like you won't be needing the cotton right now."
"At least for a few seconds." Christy paused, gazing at some boxes in the back of the car. "Neil, have you used any of your money?"
Neil winced. "Actually, I have forgotten about it. Just the other day, I had to send a patient away without any medicine because I was almost out, and knew I couldn't afford to order more for quite sometime."
Christy laughed. "I also forgot about the mission having. . . ." Suddenly, she remembered that in having forgot the mission had money to spend, she had also forgotten to tell Neil the wonderful news.
"What did you forget, Christy?"
"Well, you remember the day we declared our love for each other?"
Neil took Christy's hand in his. "How could I ever forget?"
"When I got back to the mission, I had three letters. Two of those were from Miss Alice and my parents, but the other one was from my church in Asheville. Someone had anonymously sent money to my church, asking that it be forwarded to the mission."
"Really?" Neil answered nonchalantly. "With $500, you could sure do a lot," he said absently, oblivious to the fact that he had given himself away.
"Wait . . . Neil, how did you know how much money the mission received?" Christy asked curiously.
"I ah . . . I just took a lucky guess," Neil stumbled, just then realizing what he had said.
"Neil, did someone tell you about this? Does anyone else know?" Christy asked, a bit worriedly. If anyone knew about the money, jealously that involved bloodshed would quickly surface.
"Oh, no. No one else knows."
"Then how did you know?"
"Like I said, a lucky guess."
Ruby Mae stirred in her sleep, and Christy lowered her voice, "Did you have anything to do with this? Did you donate the money?"
"What! Of course not. Why do you think that?"
"Neil, you told me the exact amounts you were placing in the bank, and you left $500 out. You hesitated when you said that it would be sent to you. Why would you need $500 for yourself when there is nowhere to spend it? It doesn't make sense."
Neil laughed at her determined expression. "All, right, Miss Huddleston, you caught me. I did donate the money."
"But why did you not want anyone to know you had donated it?" Christy asked.
"If people knew that I had donated that much money to the mission, they would become suspicious, and that would result in raids of my cabin, along with my laboratory. People would probably think that my laboratory was piled high with silver and gold," he laughed.
"So you anonymously donated it so no one would know," Christy finished.
"Right. Christy, did you tell anyone else about the money?"
"No, I didn't. I kind of figured you wanted it kept secret."
Neil heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank you, lass."
Christy turned her head to the window and her eyes to the gorgeous scenery. The sun had set the hundreds of bare trees that were coated with ice to sparkling. It took Christy's breath away. Where the trees were positioned didn't matter. As long as the sun was able to reach them, they could shine.
Neil was also gazing out the window. He whispered to Christy, "You are like those trees, lass. No matter where you are placed, the sun can shine on you and make you shimmer."