Disclaimer: I don't own Christy.

Part 3

April 1911

"Rachel, not that we're unhappy to see thee, but what led thee to us?" Miss Alice asked out of concern.

"You might as well know that I'm running from an arranged marriage. The moment Uncle Herbert heard of my intentions to become a missionary, he arranged for me to marry a man and left me with little choice in the matter," Rachel said when she let out a sigh.

"You ran from your fiance?" Dr. MacNeill asked out of concern.

"Yes, Neil, I ran from a man I don't love. Aunt Alice told me of the work she'd done here in Cutter Gap, and now here I am. Uncle Herbert knew of my desire to be a missionary, much like my parents. He hated my father for taking his sister, my mother to Africa that way and dying there. They tried to get me to hate Auntie, but I just didn't have it in me. I love you and Aunt Alice," Rachel told the family sitting with her.

"You've got some gumption there. I'll give ye that, Rachel lass," Dr. MacNeill stated.

"I take after the Henderson side of the family," Rachel responded. She eyed her aunt who simply smiled at her.

"That you do, Rachel. Now has thee contacted anyone back in England?" Miss Alice asked.

"Yes, I have. Uncle Herbert should receive the wire sometime later today," Rachel informed the others.

"Well, we must be prepared for your uncle's wrath. Do you expect that..." Miss Alice said before she stopped mid sentence, realizing they were not alone any longer.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize we had company," Reverend Grantland said when he saw Rachel Henderson standing upon his entrance.

"David, it's no trouble. Come and meet my niece Rachel Henderson. Rachel,

this is our Reverend Grantland, the spiritual leader in our community," Miss Alice said.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Henderson," Reverend Grantland said as he extended a hand to welcome the newest addition to the staff.

"How do you do, Reverend?" Rachel asked as she accepted the brief handshake.

"David. Call me David," Reverend Grantland said as he struggled to give a firm response to this beautiful woman.

"Thank you, David. You must call me Rachel; Aunt Alice and cousin Neil do," Rachel requested.

As Dr. MacNeill and Miss Alice watched the exchange, it became a bit awkward for the two so Neil interrupted.

"Rachel lass, I must be off," Dr. MacNeill said before standing to take his leave.

"Oh, but we only just began to catch up," Rachel said as Neil had a hand on the door, ready to leave.

"I'll see you later. Perphaps a ride sometime with Miss Alice would be rather fitting," Dr. MacNeill suggested.

"Alright, goodbye," Rachel said before Neil left the mission.