Chapter Three

The ride to the Spencer's cabin was one of absolute silence. I wondered how long this would continue. I felt responsible for the situation, and it became important to me that David should be the one to initiate conversation again. It was quickly apparent that today was not that day. When we arrived at the cabin there were already several men hard at work. Tom, Jeb, Ozias, John, and Neil. My heart dropped for the second time this week. His back was to me, thankfully. I knew we'd have to see each other eventually, but it still took me off-guard.

"Christy!" Fairlight waved from the doorway. "We're all inside! Tie up buttons and c'mon in!"

I smiled and turned my eyes back to Neil. He was looking at me. Those eyes once again penetrated into my soul as they had done so many times before. But how much did he see? My smile faltered and he quickly turned back to his work. As I was tying up Buttons, I could see David grabbing an axe and heading to work with Tom on the strip furthest from Neil.

The cabin smelled of apples and blueberries. Most of the women were preparing pies—a favorite among the Cove men. I scurried between Opal and Fairlight, my two closest friends.

"Opal, how's Iris been?"

"Oh, jus' fine, Miz Christy. Startin' to get cheeks as plump as ripe persimmons." I smiled. Despite my initial hesitation, I could see that Iris, my goddaughter, was thriving under Opal's care.

"And how's Zady, Fairlight?"

"Oh, much better. She's got her appetite back, that's fer sher."

I saw the two women glance at each other, and knew they were dying to ask me about the dramatic scene in the schoolyard. I knew the moment I had walked in. Dozens of eyes immediately glanced at my left hand in expectation. My silence must have aggravated them, but I only wanted to talk to my two friends right now.

I lowered my voice to a whisper. "I turned him down and now he won't talk to me." Both Opal and Fairlight reached for my hands, giving a subtle squeeze as I blinked back tears. This was certainly not the place for a scene.

Opal whispered back, "It's fer the bes', Miz Christy. I seen you look at him and sher there be love, jus' no 'in love' if yah get my meaning."

I did. It wasn't the first time Opal astounded me with her wisdom. I am ashamed to admit it, but my first impression of her was unkind. Despite my misjudgments, as our friendship grew so did my awareness of her clarity of spirit.

"Opal's right. He ain't fer you. Always thought so, but didn't reckon it was my place to be tellin' yah. It bein' your own decision and all."

Now it was my turn to reach for their hands. My bonds with these women had quickly become deeper than ones I had spent nineteen year cultivating in Asheville.

We didn't discuss it further. There were too many people coming in and out, but more than that, I didn't think I had much else I could say at this point. Nevertheless, my spirit was lifted. I had confided in no one but Miss Alice until this point. I only hoped David could find someone he could turn to. Perhaps Dan Scott.

As we brought the food to the makeshift table outside, I was astounded by the progress the men had made. Much faster than at the Holt's. I mentioned as much to Fairlight.

"Yep. That's part of why Jeb 'n John chose this here spot. Lot of rottin' trees. Easier to cut. Honestly, I'm surprised more ain't fallen on their own."

As per Cover custom, we served the men before we joined them. Due to lack of space at the one table, we set it up as a buffet, letting the men come through as we served them. Blankets were set up in picnic style fashion. Jeb and Fairlight had a way with making everyone feel at ease. As I dished up blueberry pie, I could hear Fairlight talking to Neil only a little way away.

"…she's worse than before, Fairlight. I dunna know how much I can take."

"Whatcha reckon to do then?"

An audible sigh. "I think 'tis time I went to Knoxville."

Knoxville! So that's his solution. To leave?! My hands began trembling so much that I dropped the slice of pie I was trying to put on Jeb's plate.

"Oh Jeb! I'm so sorry! Let me get another one for you." My face was flushed and despite my best efforts, my hands would not stop shaking.

"You alrigh' Miz Christy?"

"Fine, Jeb. I think I just need some water." I could feel everyone looking at me, and turned to go inside as calmly as I could manage. Neil was rushing to my side.

"Miss Huddle—"

CRACK!!