Different Path Chapter 4:
Simon was almost a month when drama happened in the Cove once again. A meeting was called after church. Adelaide had finally felt well enough to attend again and was rocking the baby in the back of the church, when Uncle Bogg stood.
"I think it is high time we talk to about the problem with Miz Addie and the Doc" he announced. "Now the babe is finally here and Miz Addie back to herself, it be time the Doc marry her"
Adelaide had to bite back her groan. Doctor Ferrand was here and this meeting could only mean trouble for her.
"Now, Uncle Bogg, we can't talk this over without the Doc here to defend himself" David spoke up. "And we need to be mindful of Adelaide's feelings"
"No disrespect to Miz Addie" Tom McHone spoke, "We are obliged to everythin she has done for the cove and our families. She is a right fine nurse and she has been a good friend to my Opal and to me"
"And she and the Doc saved my boy's life, but her spendin the night with the Doc is not proper-like or Christian-like" Bob Allen spoke up.
"Not sayin that Miz Addie isn't a fine Christian woman" Bogg said, "if it be anybody's fault, it be the Doc's"
"That's right" there were murmurs through the crowd and Adelaide was aghast at how they seemed to just put the blame on Neil. When does that ever happen?
"The Doc ain't believe in no God" Mary Allen spoke up.
Adelaide bit her lip as Simon started to fuss more and her jiggle him, "May I speak or is this a private conversation?" she said from the back of the room.
"Of course ye can speak, Miz Addie" Uncle Bogg declared. Everyone turned around to look at her.
Adelaide's blush heightened at the attention and there was quiet in the room until she cleared her throat and spoke.
"Doctor MacNeill and I both tried to explain this, but I'll try to again- that storm was terrible. We all here remember how bad that storm was. It lasted for days and it was dangerous. I was out in it alone and he saved my life by finding me and bringing me back to his cabin. I'm truly grateful to him. The only reason I'm standing here today is because of him. I was 39 weeks pregnant- there was no impropriety"
"I ain't sayin you sinned, Miz Addie. It's the look of sin. That's what the good book tells us" Bogg told her and Adelaide could see Ferrand at of the corner of her eye look more and more angry, still he did not move to say anything or stop the discussion. This was bad for her.
"But Doctor MacNeill can't be held to the same standards that you hold me too" Adelaide countered, "since he is an unbeliever. Blame me over him. I went into that storm, pregnant, it was a foolish thing to do, but you can't force Doctor MacNeill to marry me because of my mistake. He's a good man and an excellent doctor and he is one of you. Don't fault him on my behalf. I take responsibility for it"
"Ben Pentland said ye were awfully comfortable with the Doc in his cabin" somebody spoke up from behind her back. "that it was quite natural like"
"I just cooked him breakfast. He had cooked the morning before. Were we supposed to starve or just freeze?"
"But ye relationship is not proper-like to begin with how much ye travel with him" Bogg said. "It's time to make it proper-like"
"Truth be told, he needs a woman. He's needed one for years" one of the men spoke up.
"And we see the way the Doc looks at ye" Mary offered. "It be a good match"
"He needs some encouragement, Miz Addie, this is a right fine way to get him married again" Bogg said.
"The Doc doesn't look at me any differently then he looks at Miss Alice and she travels with him as part of her job and ya'll have no objection to that" Adelaide said, exasperated.
Ruby Mae snorted and Adelaide turned to glare at her and she straightened right up.
"Ye have the babe" Mary said, "It's not proper for ye to live here unmarried with a young'un"
"I'm a widow" Adelaide reminded them. "Simon is a completely legitimate child"
"That not be what Mary meant, Miz Addie" Fairlight came to stand beside her, "Now, look here, the Doc and Miz Addie will decide what they will do with all of this. Miz Addie is still recoverin from this here babe"
Jeb stood too, "Miz Addie is lookin peaked, I think, don't ye think, Uncle Bogg?"
"This is the first week Miz Addie has made it back to church, she's been so ill after the young'un" Opal offered. "Granny can tell ya'll"
"I can that" Granny nodded, "Miz Addie needs to be restin not up here gettin all worked up about the Doc"
Uncle Bogg frowned, "Are ye feeling well, Miz Addie?"
"No" Adelaide shook her head, "I'm not"
"I think thee needs to rest" Alice spoke up. "David"
"I think that is enough" David said
"We are just tryin to help her and the Doc" Bogg muttered, "They need to get married"
"Them workin together is just a recipe to encourage sin" Bob Allen said.
"Come on, Miz Addie" Jeb guided her out the door and down the steps.
"What have I done, Mr. Spencer?" Adelaide said, softly.
"Nothin, Miz Addie, it's just them here way around here. Ye and the Doc marryin would solve a whole heap of trouble, especially if ye want to continue to help him with the doctoring"
"I don't want him forced to marry me" she glanced at Fairlight, who was holding Simon. Opal walking next to her sister.
"Don't ye worry about that" Fairlight said, "I've known Neil MacNeill all my life and he has never been forced into doin somethin that he doesn't want to do. If he offers to marry you, is because he is awantin to"
"Fairlight" Adelaide stepped closer to her, her tone low, "We know that he loves my sister"
Opal turned to her, "I wouldn't worry about that either"
"Why not?" she demanded.
Fairlight shook her head slightly and Opal just muttered, "Miz Christy is done and married that's all. The Doc is smart. He has moved on"
"Not the way he felt about Christy...and we all know I'm a poor substitute for my sister" she said.
Fairlight and Opal exchanged another look, but didn't say another word.
"They did what?" Neil's eyes were wide. "They have no right to ambush her like that, man, none at all!"
"I didn't tell ye to get all angry" Jeb said, "I'm tellin ye because I figured ye have the right to know what happened considerin it was about ye and all"
"How is she?"
"She's fine, Doc" Jeb said, "Miz Addie is a right strong woman"
"But she feels these things deeply" Neil countered, "they need to stop with this nonsense. Nothin happened! I would never take advantage of her, even if she wasn't about to pop with the babe. Blast it, I'm so sick of this!"
"I reckon it is annoyin, but it is the look of that matter, Doc"
"What does that mean?" he asked, incredulously.
"Puttin those nights aside, ye and Miz Addie work awfully closely together. The Cove is worried that it is a recipe for sin"
He rolled his eyes, "It is no such thing"
"It doesn't matter if you think it isn't. It's how it looks to everyone else. If ye want Miz Addie to stay on as your nurse, then ye need to marry her, Neil, it's as simple as that" Jeb said, not mincing words.
He paused, "The Cove doesn't have a problem with Alice and I"
"It ain't the same thing. She was your wife's mama...and Miz Addie is young and she's a pretty thing"
"I can't argue with you there. Adelaide is attractive"
"To you?" Jeb grinned.
"Extremely" Neil sighed. "Even carryin the babe, she was to me and in more ways than just the one"
"The Cove sees it, Doc. I think that's why they are pushin so hardlike"
"I know" he said, "I don't hide it very well"
"Miz Addie doesn't see it" Jeb told him, frankly.
"I know that" Neil said, "and it will spook her if she does. She's still mourning her husband"
"What will you do?"
"What I want to do" Neil said, looking resolute. "For a moment when she was delivering the babe, I thought she wasn't goin to make it. I want her here"
"As your woman?"
"Yes" Neil nodded and Jeb grinned widely.
"Is that so?"
"I would have ended up trying to court her eventually anyway. I'll give her the choice. I can't just let her go back to Asheville forever without offering her a chance here...especially since I want her to stay"
"What do you think she'll do?"
"Don't really know" Neil shrugged, "I reckon we'll find out"
"She is a spirited thang, Doc. Ye will have your hands full"
Neil chuckled, "She isn't anymore spirited than the Cove woman, she just chooses her battles differently"
"Ye think she'll let you lead?" Jeb asked, frankly.
"Oh, she will" Neil nodded, "maybe give me hell and high water about it, but we'll find our way if we marry"
"Wish you luck, Doc" Jeb patted his shoulder, affectionately.
"Thanks, Jeb"
"Just what are you implying?" Adelaide's voice was calm, but everyone in the room could tell she was beyond angry.
"The whole cove is abuzz with this scandal" Doctor Ferrand said, "asking when you are going to marry Doctor MacNeill"
Adelaide rocked Simon in her arms.
"It isn't a scandal" Adelaide insisted.
"If the Cove makes it out to be a scandal, a scandal it is" he replied, crossing his arms. "You and him were both unmarried and spent several nights together in his cabin"
Adelaide glanced at her sister and brother in law who just shook their heads, wearily. She knew that David and Christy were both employed at the mission and that this was her battle to fight alone. She was also technically employed by the mission as well, though instead of a salary, they paid her in room and board for her nursing services. Yet, even that wasn't enough to persuade her to keep silent especially when Doctor Ferrand was being so unreasonable. They had met on two other occasions and Adelaide, being warned by Christy about how difficult he could be, managed to spend a lot of time away from the mission on those occasions- with Opal or Neil, but now there was no escaping.
"There was a blizzard" Adelaide retorted, calmly, "and Dr. MacNeill saved my life that day. I was 39 weeks pregnant and miserable. There was no impropriety"
"That doesn't matter in their eyes or mine as well" Jacob retorted, "you compromised yourself and this mission"
"Jacob, I think thee is greatly misreading the situation" Alice said, quietly.
Adelaide handed the baby off to Alice and then balled her hands.
"I don't appreciate the implications or the judgment from you" she said, crossly. "I have never compromised myself and for you to imply otherwise is absolutely absurd"
"You would do well to remember that you are employed here and this is my mission" Ferrand retorted.
"Oh silly me" Adelaide said, hotly, "I thought it was the Lord's mission. We can just leave Him out of it, Dr. Ferrand if you'd like"
David fought a smile, but Adelaide caught the look anyway and it encouraged her.
"Adelaide" Alice rocked Simon. "Why doesn't thee take a minute?"
"Miss Alice" Adelaide turned to her, "I love you to pieces, but I don't need a minute. Maybe Dr. Ferrand should take a time-out"
Christy's eyes widened. There were moments when she simply adored her sister and this was one of them- Doctor Ferrand had always been quite the frustrating man to work for. She had never seen her sister quite fired up like this, but her pregnancy and aftermath had caused her to be quite forthcoming in her opinions...or maybe it was spending so much time with Neil or maybe just the freedom of being away from society's confines. Regardless, Adelaide was in rare form.
"You are here under our good graces" Ferrand's voice was low. "How dare you speak to me like that?"
"I've been bullied for the past several years by men like you" Adelaide said, her voice low, "I'm not the type to sit here and allow anyone to say ludicrous things to me without defending myself. I'm here serving the people of this Cove, who don't think I did anything wrong either- they are just using it as a way to get their doctor married again because they care for him and they want him happy. It really is quite sweet of them"
"Be that as it may, you brought disgrace to this mission and we no longer need your services" Jacob said.
"Is that so?"
"It is" He retorted adamantly.
"You claim to have the upper moral hand, but the way you are acting, is not a testimony to what we are supposed to believe. Maybe that's why it had been so hard for you to break through here. These people need genuine faith, without the sting of condemnation. That is what they will respond to"
"Make your plans, Mrs. Napier. You would do well to focus on your son from here on out"
Adelaide just shook her head at him and walked out the door, shutting it firmly behind her. She walked across the yard to go sit in the gazebo, the day unseasonably warm. She was lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear Charlie or Neil approach.
"Jeb told me about the meeting" Neil hitched Charlie and walked towards the gazebo.
"That's not the worst of it" Adelaide told him.
"What happened now?" Neil asked her as he sat next to her. "Where's the lad?"
"Alice has him, I think" Adelaide said, "She'll get me if he needs me. Neil, Dr. Ferrand is here and he is not happy" she said, honestly.
"That man is a piece of work"
"Indeed" Adelaide sighed. "Technically, I do work for the mission. I mean, they don't pay me besides room and board, but there is a working relationship there"
"Aye, I know"
She turned to him. "I have to go home, Neil"
"What?" Neil looked to her in surprise, "Why?"
"I brought disgrace upon the mission. I'm no longer needed or wanted here"
Neil rose abruptly, "I'm going to have a word with him. You are needed here and you surely are wanted, a lot more than that man"
Adelaide's hand shot up and grabbed his arm, "What are you going to say? We spent the night together. It's the Cove that is hounding us, he's just joining in"
"This is beyond ridiculous, Adelaide" Neil retorted, "And for him to imply that you are somehow wanton or committed some egregious sin, that is not acceptable. He shouldn't be allowed to talk to you like that"
She smiled, "That's sweet, Neil, but I don't need you defending my honor. I already gave him a piece of my mind"
"Did you?" Neil cracked a smile.
"Oh yes" Adelaide chuckled, "I don't think anyone has ever stood up to that man. I think I called him a bully and implied that he wasn't acting very Christ-like, which is why he hasn't broken through here" She looked at him, knowingly, "Nobody appreciates hypocrisy"
"Strong words, lass" Neil said, approvingly, "It's about time someone took him to task"
"I had nothing to lose at that point" she said, "Come sit next to me"
He sat down again next to her. They were silent for a few minutes before he turned again to her.
"What are you thinking?" he asked. "You are so pensive"
"Do you think our working relationship is inappropriate?"
"I don't, do you?"
"No" she shook her head, swiftly. "Do you think it appears inappropriate though to others?"
"Maybe" Neil said, quietly.
"I don't see how me being your nurse is any different than Miss Alice. It's infuriating"
"Well, at first I had the very same thought, but on that point" Neil looked at her, evenly, "Jeb pulled me around to their perspective"
"Meaning?"
"Alice was my mother in law, Adelaide. Clearly, there is not much temptation there. And you are young and a beautiful woman..."
"I just had a baby"
"True" Neil said, slowly.
"So, clearly, there shouldn't be any temptation there" Adelaide pointed out.
"That doesn't change how pretty you are, lass" Neil replied, easily, "it is different, whether it should be or not"
She chewed on her lip, contemplating his words, "but I like being your nurse and your friend, especially"
"I like it too" Neil said. He put his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it, "Do you want to leave the Cove?" he asked, quietly.
"No" Adelaide shook her head adamantly.
"It's such a challenging life though" he commented, searching her face. "Don't you miss your home?"
"At times" She admitted, "but I don't feel like I belong in Asheville anymore"
"Where do you think you belong?" he asked.
"I'm not sure" Adelaide looked down. "I don't know how to figure out life without Simon. I'm trying" she looked up at him, "I'm truly am, but feel lost at times. Staying here in the Cove these past few months has given me a purpose"
He nodded, "But with the babe, you will have to ease back on your nursing duties"
"Not too much though" Adelaide said, sharply.
"You have to be practical, Adelaide" Neil retorted. "You don't want a wee one around illnesses and he is tied to you for a few months"
"Are you saying that I am no help here?" she asked, quietly.
"No, not at all" Neil told her, "you can help with surgeries and research and make quick sick visits. That would all be a tremendous help"
"Okay" she sighed.
"Surely, you knew it would have to be different now"
"I know" she twisted her hands. "It would be non-existent in Asheville"
He looked at her- he could sense her anxiety about forging a direction for herself.
"After Margaret, I just wanted to stay in my cabin for months. I had to force myself forward"
"Yes, but you are different. You are a man. You have a career to distract you" She studied her hands before looking up at him, "and besides all that, I still want things out of life"
"What type of things?" he asked.
"I know I told you after I delivered that I was done having children, but I want a family for Simon" Adelaide said, quietly. "Beyond my parents and sister. He needs to grow up with a father to look up to and brothers and sisters. If I go home, I will wait the appropriate amount of time and marry whoever will take me to try to give Simon that happy upbringing. I know it's naïve to think that he'll accept Simon as his own, but I can create that family for him if I have more children"
"Adelaide" Neil frowned, "Even with Simon's money, you feel the need to hurry?"
Adelaide shrugged, "Especially with that. Do you know how many men will be coming calling simply because of that?" she said, bleakly.
"I think the real question is do you want to marry anyone in Asheville, lass?" he asked.
She shook her head, slowly, "No, there is not a person in my circles that I can think will be a good match"
"It's fine focusing on Simon now, but you need to decide what you want for yourself as well. What do you want?"
She closed her eyes tightly, "It's not about me anymore, it's about Simon"
"It's about both of you, Adelaide"
"Okay" she conceded, opening her eyes, "I want to continue to be a nurse"
"You are a fine one, you should want that" He nodded, "And..." he prompted.
She looked at him, "I want a place to call home"
"Would you like to stay in the Cove?" his voice was quiet.
"Yes, I do" she looked straight ahead.
"Why?"
"I...I feel freer here than I ever felt in Asheville. I feel like I can be me here...not somebody I'm supposed to be"
"Adelaide"
"Yes?"
"I think you and I should consider getting married"
She stilled and then turned to him, "But we can't get married" she squeaked.
"Why not?" he asked, calmly. "It's mutually beneficial to both of us"
"How is it beneficial to you?" Adelaide asked.
"You are an amazingly skilled and talented nurse Adelaide" Neil said, "and putting all that aside, to be completely honest with you, it's a lonely life out here"
"I know it is" Adelaide said.
"I like having you around" he told her, honestly. "And I would miss you if you left. Those days and nights we were snowed in- I wouldn't trade them for anything even if it is causing us problems now. It made me realize how much I'm missing"
"They were special for me as well" she agreed, her voice quiet. "But do you want a marriage with me? I don't want you to feel forced into anything here"
"I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't want to be married to you" he told her, "And I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think I could make you happy though I have to warn you, I'm not an easy man to live with"
She smiled at him, "You aren't an easy man to work with either, but I've handled that quite well"
"You have indeed, lass" Neil chuckled.
"I'm not easy, either, at times" she admitted.
"Aye, I know" he nodded, solemnly.
"Neil" Adelaide's eyes were wide, "You weren't supposed to agree with that"
He laughed loudly and then turned serious, "Think about it, Adelaide. You parents already gave us permission to do what we saw fit. It's really your decision"
She bit her lip and sat with him, her thoughts racing. She looked ahead and then turned to look at him and then back out at the water and then back at him. This pattern repeated four times, much to Neil's amusement, before he decided he should step in.
"Do you have questions for me?" Neil asked. "Don't make a decision without all the knowledge you need to make a good one"
She turned back to him, pulling her focus to him. "I already feel I know you well" Adelaide said.
"It would be a change in our relationship" Neil countered, "And marriage is for life. Ask your questions. I know you have them- I can tell by the way you keep looking at me" he told her, smiling.
He had caught her internal struggles. She knew she was transparent at times. She blushed, "Maybe"
"Go ahead then"
"I gathered from our conversations before..." she took a breath, "that you and Margaret fought quite a lot"
"Aye, that is true. I won't deny that"
"I know you have a temper, but I don't want our marriage to be that constant battle"
"I was young and immature" Neil told her. "I'm still hot-headed, that's for sure...which by the way" Neil looked at her, evenly, "you have a wee bit of a temper too, lassie"
"Yes, that is true" Adelaide looked embarrassed.
"I like your spirit, Adelaide. It draws me to you. That part of you shouldn't be something you are ashamed of"
She bit her lip. "I'm used to getting my way"
Neil threw back his head and laughed, "Well now, that will probably be different for you because I almost guarantee you won't every time...and, unless I missing my mark, I don't think you truly want to every time"
"Perhaps not" Adelaide gave him a small smile, "but there might be some rough seas there for a while between us"
"Maybe" Neil shrugged, "I believe we will find peace between us. It may take a few fights though, but I'm willing to give to find our way if you are too"
"Simon and I" Adelaide twisted her hands, "we never really fought"
"Because he let you get your way most days, lass?" Neil smiled.
"Something like that" she murmured.
Neil laughed, "You just have to remember that all married couples have blow ups and it's how you handle the aftermath that matters"
She nodded, "How did you handle the aftermath with Margaret?"
"Running off to an emergency or drowning myself in Moonshine"
"Neil" Adelaide shook her head, wearily.
"Look at me, Adelaide"
She turned her head towards him and met his eyes.
"I learned a lot and I know how you feel about drinking to excess. I promise you that's not the way I will handle it now"
"I believe you" Adelaide said, "What would you expect of me?"
"It's a different life out here" Neil reminded her, "you have to be prepared for lonely days and nights and a lot of hard work"
"I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty" Adelaide reminded him.
"No, I know that" Neil said, "I'll help you though when I can and show you the way of things around here" he paused, "or you can ask Opal or Fairlight about womanfolk things as well to help you with those things. That would be a challenge at times for you"
"It would" Adelaide conceded, "but as long as you are willing to be patient with me while I learn..."
"I will be" Neil nodded. "What else?"
Adelaide fell silent for a few moments and he could tell that she was wrestling with her words. Finally she spoke, "What kind of marriage do you want us to have?" her color heightened, but only slightly.
"Real in every sense" Neil told her, looking at her blushed face. "If you are my wife, I want you to be my wife"
He could sense the change right away.
"From the beginning?" she willed her voice to remain even, to not let him know how nervous that made her feel.
He looked at her, his gaze steady, and she met his eyes, "Aye" he paused, "does that make you anxious?"
She took a breath, "Yes"
He offered his hand and she took it, him threading their fingers together. "It's not something to fear"
"I know" She swallowed hard.
"Would you want to wait?" his tone was even and non-judgmental but that made Adelaide even more conflicted.
Adelaide struggled for a few moments, "I don't know. Do you not want to wait?"
He chuckled, "I'm a man, Adelaide" he told her, squeezing her hand. "And you are a woman ...of course, I don't want to wait"
"Of course, that was being silly" She bit her lip, but allowed the feel of his hand to comfort her. There was something so soothing holding Neil's hand- strong, yet tender, just like how he was with her. "I don't know what I should say"
"Say how you feel"
"I don't really know how I feel about it" she said.
"I know it's probably hard for you to think on" his voice was kind, "But here's the thing: delaying intimacy between us would only frustrate me and cause you to be even more apprehensive about it. I would think it would be best to work through it right away"
"That seems wise" she conceded, softly. "If I am your wife, Neil, I'll be your wife"
"I don't want you to worry about it though" his voice was low. "We'll take our time with it" He squeezed her hand.
She nodded and then shifted. "Neil" Her voice was dry, "do you think one day we could love each other?"
"Of course" he said, his voice low. "I don't think we'll have a loveless marriage at all. Love grows. Passion grows...Will you give us a chance?"
"Yes" she said.
"Good"
Her stomach stirred as he leaned over and was about to kiss her, when they were interrupted by the wail of her screaming son as Alice came across the yard.
Adelaide jumped up, dropping his hand and took Simon from her, "Sorry, Miss Alice"
"No, I was more coming to check on thee" Alice said, "but I see thee is well taken care of at the moment"
"Alice, Adelaide and I are talking to David. We are getting married"
She reached out to smooth down the baby's hair. "We'll love having thee stay in the Cove, Adelaide" she said, softly, "Jacob is a proud and stubborn man. He doesn't know thee like we do or see what a positive impact thee makes here just by being thyself. And he doesn't see what a marvelous gift God as given thee for healing. Thee is a fine nurse and thy skill is needed here"
"I quite agree" Neil nodded, solemnly.
"When will thee marry?"
Neil looked at Adelaide, who responded for him, "It's your choice, Neil"
He hesitated and Adelaide looked to him, curiously. "What is it?"
"Can I be blunt?" he asked.
"When are you not?" she asked, teasingly.
"Fine, do ye feel recovered from the babe enough for us to marry?" he asked, not mincing his words.
She blushed and Alice looked amused. "I felt well today, but church and all this drama has left me a little sore and weary" she admitted.
"But in general?"
"Better, but not completely" she told him, honestly. "Neil, this is not something we should probably talk about this openly"
"It is" he retorted, evenly, "as I am both your future husband and your doctor, I want to make sure that you are okay for us to get married and that we aren't doing anything to jeopardize your recovery. Don't be so squirmy about. Both sex and havin babies are a way of life and certainly not anything to be ashamed of"
"Miss Alice, tell him" Adelaide looked to her mentor for help.
She held up her hands, "Don't involve me, Adelaide" she said, "I'm not getting in the middle of this argument"
"Where is Christy when I need her?" she looked around as Simon began to fuss again.
Neil threw back his head and laughed, "Oh, lass...just answer the question"
She sighed, "Two more weeks would probably be sufficient to completely recover from Simon's delivery given how much I feel better with each passing day"
"I concur" He looked to Alice, "We'll marry after then"
"Good. She can stay at the mission those weeks. Jacob can't stop Adelaide from visiting her sister"
Neil chuckled, "Very true"
"And that will give the Cove time to plan"
"Plan what?" Adelaide asked, bouncing Simon who started to scream.
He reached over to pat Simon's back, "They put us together, it's going to be a right fun jollification" He winked at her.
"Oh goodness" Adelaide laughed.
Neil had been called away the very next day. Alice reported that there were several influenza cases in Lefty Branch. The woman of the Cove took to planning her wedding to the Doc, the celebration taking place at the Doc's cabin. Neil sent word that he would be back in time for the wedding, the final cases wrapping up. Adelaide knew he would come when he could- she was well aware of how it was to live with a doctor.
Adelaide was kept busy by trying to organize and pack her and Simon's things. Opal and Fairlight were helping her take in the lavender dress she wore for Christy's wedding. Even though she was midway through her pregnancy, it was the closest dress that fit her now six weeks after the baby. It was a fact that made her quite a bit anxious, considering what was to come next, but Opal and Fairlight did their best to ease her tension and reassure her.
Another source of anxiety was her sister's reaction to her upcoming nuptials. That conversation was one that Adelaide kept replaying in her head, breaking her heart over and over again.
"You can't marry him" Christy shook her head at her, "Why would you even agree to it?"
"Christy" Adelaide sat down on her bed, reaching over to rock Simon, who was resting in his cradle. "He is a good man"
"But you don't love him" Christy protested, "And you haven't had your proper time of mourning"
"Both of that is true" Adelaide said, "but if I am to stay here, this is the life I'm going to lead"
"Why don't you go home?" Christy said, "Go to Asheville. Marry Edward Shaw"
She swallowed hard, "Ed hasn't asked me to marry him. Neil has. Plus, Neil is going to allow me to continue with being a nurse. Edward would never allow his wife to work...neither would the men in Asheville that I could marry" She paused, "I know this is hard for you to accept, but Neil and I..." she stopped again, trying to choose her words, "we are close. It's a leap, but it's not a huge leap"
"You can't marry someone you don't love"
"Christy" her voice was low, "you know that's not true...you just suggested I marry Ed and I certainly don't love him...people marry for practicality purposes all the time"
"But...are you going to" Christy paused, "be intimate with him?"
Adelaide titled her head, "That's really none of your business"
"I'm just saying" Christy shifted, "It was special between you and Simon. You told me that. And it was because you loved him- you said that it was an expression of your love...and you are right, it is, but you don't love Doctor MacNeill"
Adelaide sighed, "Then call it a duty"
"Do you really think Doctor MacNeill wants you to" Christy paused, "do that with him out of duty...and how can you want to do that?"
"Christy" Adelaide's temper was hanging on by a thread, "Sissy, woman make love to their husbands all the time out of duty. Hang it, there were times I made love to Simon out of duty, especially at first, even when I did love him with my whole heart. You can't tell me that it is different for you and David"
Christy blushed, "maybe we shouldn't be talking about this"
"Perhaps not" Adelaide countered. "I'm already feeling nervous about it and you aren't helping"
"Maybe that should tell you that you are acting wrongly"
"No" Adelaide shook her head, "My nerves have nothing to do with who Neil is. He is the type of man that I should marry"
"He..." Christy crossed her arms, "He isn't a believer. You aren't supposed to do that. What would Simon have said?"
Adelaide's stomach twisted, but she managed to keep her voice gentle, "You made your decision based on that. I have to make my decision based on other factors. Simon respected and trusted Neil as he did me. I don't think he would object. In a lot of ways, Neil and I make sense"
"You should have never grown so close to him" Christy's eyes flood with tears. "You knew"
"Christy, you are married to David" she ran her hands over her face, "and you are happy with him. Let Neil be happy. If you care for him, you'll let him be happy"
"It's one thing for him to be happy with someone I don't know...it's another for him to be happy with you. You're my sister"
"I understand that" Adelaide's eyes become teary. "What do you want me to do? Do you want me to call off the wedding?"
"No" Christy rose. "Neil will be a good father to Simon. He is a good man- you are right about that. Simon needs a good man to be his father and Neil will be the best" her lip trembled, "I talked to David this morning. He thinks I should go home for a few days"
Adelaide looked at her, surprised, "When?"
"Now"
She couldn't hide to hurt she felt at that announcement that her sister would leave for Asheville and miss her wedding. "Of course, sissy" she murmured, "if that is what you need"
"With the school closed due to the illnesses, it's a good time to get away"
"Yes" Adelaide acknowledged. "That is true"
Christy's face grew white as she twisted her ring, "I can't watch him say vows to you. I'm sorry"
"Oh, Christy" Adelaide's throat was dry, "I didn't know you were still struggling"
"I didn't know" Christy whispered, "I married David and didn't look back, but then you and Neil...and I don't know. I just need time away to think about all of this. And pray"
"I'll pray for you too" Adelaide offered, standing as well, going over to give her a hug, "I love you"
"I love you too" Christy pulled away, "I'll see you when I return. I can bring back your dresses for you that mother altered"
"Thank you" she wiped her eyes, "I'll miss you"
"I'll miss you too, sissy"
Christy left her and Adelaide buried her hands and cried.
David came up and sat on the porch swing next to her as she rocked Simon.
"Did Christy get on the train alright?" Adelaide looked down at the baby.
"Yes, she did" David said, "I told her to call when she arrived in Asheville safely"
"Good" Adelaide unswaddled and then reswaddled the baby, balancing him on her lap.
"Can I hold him?" David asked.
"Of course" Adelaide smiled at her brother in law, "He's your nephew"
David took him in his arms, "How are you?"
"Worried about my sister" she said, softly.
"Well, now" David smiled at the baby, "You are a good sister, Adelaide"
"I don't feel like a very good one right about now" she confessed.
David looked over at her, "I knew about her feelings for MacNeill when I married her. We are happy in spite of them. She'll come to terms with your marriage to Doc and we'll move on. She just needs some space from the situation" He handed the baby back to her when he started to fuss.
"Does she feel like I'm betraying her?" Adelaide's voice was small as she snuggled Simon against her chest.
"A bit" David admitted, "but you aren't and she'll realize that in due time"
She nodded and rubbed Simon's back.
"I think that it is more that she made this decision based on a faith that you share with her, yet when you were confronted with the same decision, you chose differently" he said. "It makes her objections seem invalid"
"You understand my sister quite well" Adelaide said, softly.
"I'm learning, Adelaide, that's for sure" David replied, "But she's my wife and I love her. And we are happy together. She just has to sort through this and I believe she will"
"David" her voice was pained, "may I ask you something as my minister?"
"Of course, Addie" He said, easily, "What's going on?"
Adelaide took a breath, "Christy had concerns about Neil being agnostic. I know the Bible warns against it, but...here are other things to consider too"
"Like staying in the Cove and forging a life for you and your son" David nodded, "God isn't going to punish you for marrying an unbeliever, but that doesn't mean that his lack of faith won't affect your marriage in significant ways, which is why God warns against it in the first place"
"That makes sense" she continued to rub Simon's back, methodically. "I know he is pretty opinionated about his beliefs, but he has always respected mine"
"That's half the battle" David said. "You never know what God might do"
"That would be a miracle, wouldn't it?"
David elbowed her affectionately as a brother would a sister. "You do know that God is in the business of miracles"
Adelaide laughed, her face lighting up, "He is indeed"
On the eve of her wedding, she handed Simon off to Miss Alice and walked to the graveyard. She knelt down next to Simon's grave.
"I really do think I made the right decision, love" Adelaide said, brushing off the dirt from the headstone. "At least I hope I did. I know you thought highly of Neil and I do too. I still love you, Simon, I don't think I'll ever stop. I wish you were still here and I still ache for you, but this is something I still think I need to do for me and for our son. You told me not to be ordinary, and well, I think staying here isn't the ordinary path. I hope you agree. I really do miss you. Making all these decision without you is so hard- just living without you is hard"
Tears pooled in her eyes as she clutched the wedding ring which she wore still around her neck. When she was expecting, it no longer fit, so she put it on a chain and around her neck, wanting to still wear it. She still had Simon's clothes in her drawer- not knowing quite what to do with them- the grief she felt letting go of those things were still very powerful. She fumbled with the clasp and the necklace fell into her palm. She clutched it and took a breath.
"Goodbye Simon" she whispered and stood. Without looking back, she walked out of the graveyard and nearly walked into Neil. He had been waiting for her.
"Neil" Adelaide still clutched her wedding ring, "you are back" She looked at him, almost guiltily, but his gaze was steady.
"Hello, lass" he said, quietly, "Alice said you had gone for a walk. I thought I might find you here"
"How did you know I would be here?" she asked, amazed at how well he always seemed to understand her.
"It's what I would have done if my grief was fresher like yours" he said. "Are you alright?" he inquired, his voice kind.
"I think so" she nodded.
"What's in your hand?" he asked, his eyes wandering to her fisted hand.
"Oh, it's just" she bit her lip and opened up her palm to show him. "it's my wedding ring"
He nodded. "I see"
She took a breath. "Can you do be a favor?"
"Anything, lass, you know that" Neil responded, easily.
"Simon's clothes are still in my top dresser drawer. Can you just take them...and...this" she took his palm and gave him her wedding ring, "It still hurts and I just can't bring myself..." she paused, "I'm sorry..."
"Say no more. I can take care of it for you" Neil said, "what do you want done?"
"Give the clothes for the Spring clothing drive" Adelaide said, "And I don't know about the ring"
"We'll save it for the lad. One day he might want to give it to his wife" Neil said, "if that is alright with you"
"Are you sure you don't mind?" she asked. "I know you have been busy and it's..."
"Of course I don't mind" he interrupted her, before she could go on, "I'm becoming your husband tomorrow, Adelaide, it's my job to provide for your needs and regardless of that, I want to help you with this"
"Thank you" she said, relieved. She knew she couldn't take Simon's clothes with them- his medical bag was one thing that had a practical purpose, but his clothes? There was no way she could take that to her new husband's house.
Neil slipped the chain and ring into his pocket and reached for her hand, taking it in his. He squeezed it once, comfortingly, before saying, "Let's go sit in the gazebo for a while so we can talk. Alice said she is fine with the lad for a while"
"I'd like that" They settled in the gazebo, Neil still holding her hand.
"Speaking of rings..." he let go of her hand for a minute to fumble around in his other pocket.
"I don't need..." she began to protest.
"Aye, you do" Neil interjected. "Now, it's not as fancy as your rings that Simon gave you, but it is special to me and I wanted you to have it tomorrow. Can we make sure it fits?"
She gave him back her hand and he put the ring on, "I thought it would"
It was a simple band and it fit well.
"It's special to you" Adelaide said, tilting her head inquiringly, his hand still holding hers.
"Aye" he nodded, "It was my mother's"
"Neil" Adelaide's throat was dry. She didn't quite know what to say. He was giving her his mother's ring, the gesture touched her more than she could ever express. "Are you sure you want me to wear this?"
"Absolutely" Neil said adamantly, sliding it back off.
"But didn't you give it to Margaret?" she questioned, curiously.
He shook his head, "Margaret's tastes were different" he said, lightly, "but I knew the sentimental nature would be appreciated by you"
"I'm really honored" Adelaide said, quietly. "I feel undeserving for you to give me something that clearly means so much to you"
"You are going to be my wife, Adelaide" Neil said, "You are special to me too. It seems right giving you this ring to symbolize our marriage"
"Thank you"
He nodded, placing it back in his pocket.
"I feel like I haven't seen you in weeks"
"I'm sorry, Adelaide" he told her, "I know my absence makes this seem rushed between us, but I'm afraid that's the life I'm offering you"
Adelaide smiled, "I know that you are gone a lot, it's not a surprise. May I still help you with your doctoring though?"
"Aye" Neil nodded, "I still want you to. We have to work it around the babe's schedule, but having you at my cabin should make it easier"
"Good" she said, "Tell me about your cases"
"There were a handful of cases in Lefty Branch" he told her. "One death- a little boy" he couldn't hide his pained expression.
"I'm sorry, Neil" she responded, softly, "It's always hardest when it is a child"
"Aye, we were fortunate it was just those cases and the one death. I was worried we were clear on our way to an epidemic"
"I'm very thankful that wasn't the case"
"I am as well. How's the lad?" Neil asked.
"Smiling up a storm these days" she said, "he looks so precious when he does"
"I can't wait to see that" he told her. "I've missed the two of you"
"I missed you too" she murmured and they fell quiet, still hand in hand.
Finally, Neil broke the silence, "Did you let Alice examine you?"
"Yes" she titled her head, "Per your orders, Doctor MacNeill"
"Ah, did ye get that message, lass?" Neil chuckled, unable to help himself. He could tell she was trying to decide whether to look put out or just let it go.
"I did and while, I was tempted to argue with you about it, I didn't want Miss Alice to get stuck in the middle especially with things so stressful for the both of you" she told him.
"That was quite noble of you" he teased.
"I thought so too" she answered, smiling. "though truth be told, it was probably a wise idea for a follow up after the delivery I had" she said.
"And?"
"You ordered it, didn't you ask after it?" Adelaide asked.
"Of course, I did" Neil answered easily, "but Alice said to ask you...something about confidentiality, which was also pretty annoying considering I'm your doctor, but she thought I was asking more as a soon to be husband, so she referred me back to you"
"Good for her" she laughed, "Everything is fine"
"Do you feel recovered?" he asked, noticing her blush.
She nodded, "Yes, finally"
"Good" he said, "are you ready for us..." he paused, " to get married tomorrow?" the look he was giving her made her blush. She knew exactly what he was getting at.
"Are you asking me if I am ready to have..." she swallowed hard and her blush increased, significantly, "um..." she searched for a delicate word.
"Speechless, Adelaide?" Neil laughed, heartedly. "That is a rare sight indeed" His look turned mischievous at the sight of her blush, which was quite red. He let go of her hand and reached to rub her cheek with his fingers, "there is that tell tale color of yours. I'm making you completely uncomfortable"
"Yes" She swallowed again, "but to answer your question...tomorrow is still hard for me to wrap my mind around, actually"
He nodded, "I understand" he placed his cool palm against her cheek, the color receding, "much better. How's this? Are you ready for us to be spending a whole lot of time together?"
"I am, I happen to like spending time with you" She gave him a sassy look.
"Do you now?" he chuckled under his breath.
"I do. I suppose the real question is are you ready for a woman and babe to invade your space?"
"Tis no invasion, lass. And I am more than ready"
She grinned and they fell silent.
"Are you upset your parents won't be here?" he asked, his voice kind.
She turned to him, startled. "I..." she frowned, looking away quickly, staring out at the water, "they were just here for Simon's birth and they stayed a long time. I understand their reasoning"
"That's not what I asked"
"Hum" she shrugged, "You know my parents and I don't typically see eye to eye on things" she retorted grimly.
"Is there a reason your sister is in Asheville?" Neil asked, turning her head towards him.
She refused to look at him and looked back on the water.
"With you closing the school because of the epidemic, it seemed like a good time to visit her friends"
"Adelaide" he chided, turning her head back to him, applying a steady pressure so she would not turn away again, "Come now, I can tell something is wrong here"
She sighed, looking at him. "She's a bit upset right now. She'll get over it"
"Over what?"
"You know what over, Neil" Adelaide told him, her voice low. "Please don't make me explain it"
"She chose Grantland" Neil was aghast. "I asked her not to"
"Did you?"
"More or less" he retorted, "she married another man"
"Yes" Adelaide murmured, "but she cared a lot for you and the thought of you marrying her sister is a bit much for her to handle"
Neil frowned, "I don't see how she has the right to make you feel badly about it"
"Oh Neil" Adelaide shook her head, wearily, "She loved you and I know she did"
"Did she tell you that?" Neil's look made Adelaide cringe inside because it was confirmation that Neil's feelings for her sister were still quite real.
"She didn't have to. This is something sacred between sisters. And she has always been used to getting her way. Mother and Father will make her feel better. They always take her side anyway"
"Which is something I'll never understand" Neil admitted.
Tears filled her eyes, "Curse of being the firstborn I suppose and Christy being the baby" she paused, "I think when Amelia died, it caused them almost to baby Christy more because she had become the little one in the family again. And" she shrugged, "I was always independent"
"you don't talk about your sister ever, Adelaide" Neil said. "Christy told me about her ages ago, but you never mentioned her"
"Her death is why I wanted to become a doctor, Neil"
"A doctor?" he looked at her, surprised.
She covered her mouth at her error, "I meant nurse"
"I don't think you did" Neil retorted, evenly, "I think you meant a doctor"
She bit her lip. "I..." she shrugged, "My parents would have never allowed it, but even if I am a woman, I'm entitled have dreams"
He nodded, "I would never take that away from you"
"Can we talk about something else?" she asked, "besides my family or my wayward dreams?"
"For now" he said, quietly, "but part of us getting married is that I want to know you, Adelaide. I can tell there is a lot to learn about what's in your heart"
"I feel like you know me so well"
"Well" Neil smiled at her, "I do know you. You have shared a lot of you with me, but there is so much more to know"
She titled her head, "That goes both ways, Neil"
"Mountain men aren't typically open people" Neil retorted.
"That sounds like an excuse to me, Doctor" Adelaide countered. "And not a very good one at that"
He chuckled, "You aren't going to let me get away with much, are ye woman?"
She laughed, "Probably not"
He leaned over to kiss her cheek, "Tomorrow, Adelaide"
"Tomorrow" she murmured.
They sat in comfortable silence before Neil said,
"Let's go, lass, I want to find the lad and become reacquainted"
She smiled at him and he reached to pull her up and they walked back to the mission together to find Simon.