Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
book, CBS series and the PAX movies.  
Title: "Humble Pie 2" 
Chapter One 
.................................................

Christy glared at Dr. Neil MacNeill. The thermometer was
tightly gripped between her lips and under her tongue. "Do
not send those icy glares at me, Miss Huddleston. I am
not the one who foolishly caught a chill. You are the one
who is ill. From what I am told, everyone warned you that
it was going to rain. When are you going to learn that my
people can read the signs of nature? You think that book
learning is the only answer. Now, now, Miss Huddleston,
do not look so mutinous. It is a good thing that I have
tough skin. Your eyes betray you, as well as the set of
your chin. I would imagine that you were quite a handful
growing up. They say that the apple does not fall quite
far from the tree. I wonder what your children will be
like? Surely marriage is in your future."

Christy almost bit the thermometer in half. The colossal
nerve of the man! Who did he think he was? Children! Why
did he have to mention children? Did he have a sixth
sense? Did he know how visions of curly haired, brown and
strawberry blonde blue eyed children haunted her dreams? Of
all the people on God's good earth, why did he have to
live here in Cutter Gap?

"Now, now, settle down. Your pulse is racing, so calm
yourself please. This isn't good. You should not be so
dramatic. You have a chill, not an exotic disease."

She wanted to scream bloody blue murder at his arrogant
response. She looked at him, he was almost laughing at
her. She could endure the teasing. She could even endure
his belittling her lack of experience. She could not endure
his laughing at her. Tears pooled in her eyes.

‘Ach!' he thought. ‘My Achilles heel. I cannot stand
to see her cry.' He pulled out the thermometer. "It is
101 degrees, Christy. You have to stay in bed and keep
warm." He put his arms around her to comfort her. "I know
that you are itching to get back in the classroom, but it
is important that you rest. Drink plenty of fluids. You
must sleep." His hand slid absently up and down her
back.  She felt as if she was charged by Mr. Edison's
electricity. Didn't Dr. MacNeill feel it as well? He was
holding her close, too close, but she did not care. It was
magnetic and mysterious and ever so wonderful. She would
treasure this feeling. It must mean something special. She
felt that he was also feeling the same thing. ‘Is this
attraction?' she wondered. ‘Is this the feeling to which
her favorite romance novels alluded?' She hoped so.

Neil felt thunderstruck. Doctor/patient relationships
were sacrosanct. Christy had managed to destroy the
barriers. What was he going to do? She intimidated him and
she challenged him, for he had never met any one quite like
her before. She had been in the Cove less than a year, and
he did not know if he was coming or going. His feelings
were not the same as he had felt for Margaret. These
feelings were different. Protective. Christy was
different. Vulnerable. She cared for the children
like a mother bear with cubs. Look at Mountie. Now
there was proof. In less than three months she had
reached Mountie. No one else had been able to help the
young girl. Christy had, by reaching out to her with
unconditional love. He handed her a handkerchief. "I want
you to get better soon."

She nodded and whispered, "I'll try."

"See that you do." Neil could hear Ida's footsteps coming
down the hall. "Ida is bringing you some hot chicken
soup. You need to eat it all, and drink plenty of fluids. I
do not want you to become dehydrated. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Doctor."

"I told you that now that you know about my laboratory,
you could call me Neil."

"This isn't a social visit, Doctor, it is a professional
one. Besides you set the tone. You called me Miss
Huddleston during your tirade."

"Tirade?"

"Yes, tirade."

"Miss Huddleston, I can tell you this was nothing but
a brief description of your condition. Let me assure
you, Lass, that if I ever assail you with a full blown
tirade, your ears would be ringing for six months at
the very least." Then he kissed the tip of her nose and
winked. Ida brought in the soup. "Remember eat every drop
and drink fluids."

He turned away to pack his satchel. She stuck her tongue
out at him. "Shame on you Miss Huddleston. Sticking out
your tongue is a very bad habit. Teachers aren't the only
ones with eyes in the back of their heads you know." She
was mortified. "Take it easy, Miss Huddleston. You're
like a firecracker about to explode. Save your strength
and energy for getting well soon. Do not waste them on
excessive, emotional railing against me. You won't win
you know. I am much too canny. Good night, Ida, Christy."

Christy raised her eyebrow at him. He had called her Lass,
and Christy. She smiled and dutifully consumed the bowl
of chicken soup that Miss Ida had brought her to eat.

By following Neil's advice, and consuming bowls of Miss
Ida's nutritious soups, Christy made a fairly speedy
recovery much to David's delight. He was growing weary of
classroom duty. He did not mind religion and math classes,
but being confined with the children for six hours a day
was restrictive. The children were constantly asking about
their teacher's health, and he found that distracting.

Spring was in full bloom, and Christy was thrilled. She
loved all of the seasons, but Spring meant rebirth,
awakening after a long Winter's slumber. She looked forward
to being back in the classroom. The children greeted her
with joy. The morning sped quickly by. She couldn't wait
for lunch and recess. As she finished her lunch, the
children begged her to play blind man's bluff with them.

Christy became engrossed in the game. She did not see
Dr. MacNeill approach from behind the school. Mountie
tagged her. Zady put the blindfold on her and she turned
five times calling out "Stop!" The children giggled as they
watched their teacher struggle to find them. Following the
sounds of the giggling, she groped her way into the path
of the Cove's cherished doctor. She slipped a little on
some pebbles and her palm landed smack in the middle of
his chest. She gasped. This was no student! Her fingers
traveled upward a few inches. They touched buttons and
a little bit of hair below his neck. She started to
bite her lip, a nervous habit of hers, he noted. Her
cheek bore a pale pink blush, like the soft petals of a
rose. She reached for his cheek. There was a faint trace
of stubble. Deprived of sight, her sense of smell kicked
in. Leather, pine, Bay Rum cologne. She realized it was
Neil. ‘How far could she go with this?' she wondered.

Meanwhile, Little Burl and Sam Houston wandered closer,
giggling. She could hear them, and almost feel them
edging closer to her. She touched Neil's hair. "It feels
like a bird's nest, it is so tangled." Neil held back
his laughter, but the two boys could not, so quick as
lightening, Christy grabbed Sam Houston and called out
his name.

"Aw shucks, teacher, yor downright sneaky."

As she took off the blindfold, Neil whispered "Coward"
softly in her ear. She blushed a deeper shade of pink. The
game continued. Neil said, "Come sit on the steps and
rest. Don't overtax yourself." He took her hand and guided
her to the stairs. "Did you hurt yourself when you slipped
on the pebbles?"

"No," she said, remembering that her palm had slapped his
chest. She was afraid to ask him if she had hurt him. He
would laugh at her.

"To answer your unspoken question, I am fine. It would
take a lot more than the delicate touch of your hand to
hurt me." She looked at him with surprise. How did he
always surmise what she was thinking? He laughed, again
following the drift of her thoughts. "One of these days,
I'll tell you my secret. It's all in the knowing."

"Well, it's time to start teaching again, Neil."

"When you have a chance, Christy, I would like to discuss
science topics with you."

"I'd like that, Neil." She hesitated slightly at saying
his name.

It pleased him greatly that she called him by his first
name. She was beginning to use it more and more. He knew
it was because she was becoming more comfortable around
him, and that fact pleased him even more.

End of Chapter One

Title: "Humble Pie 2"
Chapter Two 
.........................................................................

Christy and Miss Alice were making cookies and cake for
the ladies sewing circle at the Mission. Ida was due back
from visiting her mother, but had delayed her return for
a week. Alice suspected Mrs. Grantland was imposing her
strong will over Ida. She hoped that Ida would be able to
break free and return to Tennessee.  

Christy was trying
to think of ways for the women to earn extra money by
selling their handiwork in the city. She was too naive to
understand that in the Cove, as well as other places, a
woman could not out earn her husband. Earning fifteen or
twenty dollars for one handmade quilt was a blow to her
husband, whose cash income might only be fifty dollars
a year. Pride was a powerful emotion, and ruled over
many a family.  She had broached the subject at past
meetings and had been swatted down like a fly or a pesky
mosquito. Christy could be tenacious when she chose a
cause, and Alice Henderson had to find a way to set her
down gently, and convince her not to pursue her present
course of action. Christy's hopes of reviving a "lost" art
would mean five steps backward for the Cove's women. They
did not have the time to raise sheep, shear wool, wash,
card and spin it, then dye it and weave it into cloth. They
could purchase cloth and still make clothes. That took time
enough. If a family could afford it, they bought their
clothing at the general store and then handed them down
through the family. 

Alice pondered her problem, and then
came up with what she thought was a brilliant solution.
There was still one family, in the far reaches of the
Cove, who still raised sheep. During the planting break,
she would ask them to teach Christy about the entire
process of wool, from sheep to cloth. Perhaps after
experiencing the difficult work, Christy would understand
why the women of Cutter Gap did not want to weave their
own wool.  

She set out early the next day to visit the
MacGregor's. They were almost four hours away from the
Mission. It was a friendly family, who always welcomed
visits from Neil and the folk at the Mission. Ian and Anna
MacGregor both knew how to read and write, and had taught
their children accordingly. They greeted Alice Henderson
warmly and invited them to share their lunch. She explained
her dilemma, and they agreed to welcome Christy into their
home. It was indeed a busy time. Not only were sheep being
sheared, it was also lambing time. Spring's bounty. Christy
would have the chance to experience the entire gamut of
raising sheep.  

Alice broached the subject to Christy a
few days later. "Miss Huddleston, we have a few families
who live too far away to come to school. I would like thee
to visit a family, the MacGregor's during the planting
break. Thee could assess the children's progress. Both
parents can read and write. Thee can assist them in
their work. I think it will be a rewarding experience for
thee. There are two children, Mary and Alex. The parents
are Ian and Anna. They will welcome thee, I am sure. I
will accompany thee, and then I shall continue on to Low
Gap. It is only ten miles from the MacGregor's. Alice
smiled, happy with her plan.  

Christy agreed, and began to
make packets for each of the children so that they would
have the same lessons she gave to her students. She added a
few books. She knew the MacGregor's would return them with
Miss Alice, Dr. MacNeill or even Ben Pentland. She was not
sure if David would venture four hours from the Mission for
a spiritual visit. That was his decison, not hers. If they
did nothing else, they could read the Scriptures.  

Ruby Mae
felt desolate the day Christy departed with Miss Alice. She
could not understand why teacher had to go away. Christy
was greeted warmly by the MacGregor's. Miss Alice stayed
until after lunch. Christy would be sharing a room and a
bed with Mary MacGregor. She did not relish this prospect,
but there was nothing she could do about the situation. She
was settled into her room and then it was time for chores.

There was no rest for Christy at the MacGregor's. Mary
was a restless sleeper. Christy was exhausted. Anna had
shown Christy how to pick through the fleece of the shorn
sheep. The wool had to be washed. It then had to be carded
with two paddles that were covered in tiny pins. Wool was
placed between the cards, and then the wool was brushed
between them until a cylinder of wool formed, about eight
to ten inches long. These were then spun into wool. The
process was arduous. It was part of the workload every
day, in addition to all the regular chores. Free time was a
luxury that did not exist on the MacGregor farm. When the
wool was spun into skeins, Anna dyed them using natural
plants for her dyes. She showed Christy how to prepare
the dyes.  

Christy finally understood what the women were
trying to tell her when she pushed for the return to the
"lost" arts, such as weaving. Once again she realized
that she took too much for granted. The women all worked
hard enough without extra workloads added to their day.
When Neil appeared a week later he was appalled at
Christy's appearance. She had dark circles under her
eyes. Her hair was more than just discheveled, it was
oily and dull. Her smile filled her face when she spotted
him. She raised her hand to wave at him and he saw the
blisters from the hard, physical work. Fury filled him
to the brim. Christy could feel the fury emanating from
him. He was still riding up on Charlie. "Oh dear," she
thought, "storm clouds are less menacing than Neil right
now." He was angry because of Christy's manual ordeal. The
MacGregor's were good people, but Christy was not used
to being treated as though she were a hired hand and an
unpaid laborer.  

As he dismounted Charlie, he looked at
her closely. She was exhausted. This would not do. He could
not, would not allow her to have a relapse. He would take
her home to the Mission, even if she protested. He was the
doctor. Her doctor. Enough was enough.  "I am taking you
home, Lass. No arguments. She looked at him intently. She
nodded her head in agreement.  Anna and Ian joined
them. 

"Howdy Doc! Is everything all right?"  

"Right as
rain. How is everyone doing here? You've all been well?"

"Just fine, Doc," answered Ian.  "You must forgive me. I
have been sent to collect Miss Huddleston. She is needed at
the Mission. Christy, could you collect your belongings?"

"Yes Doctor."  

"Ian do you need any medicines or salves?"

"No Doc, we are all fine. Alex and Mary are growing
like weeds."  

"I am sure that they are."  Christy rejoined
them. "I am packed. I will leave Mary my Bible. When she is
through, she can give it to Mr. Pentland. He will return it
to me. Thank you so much for letting me stay with you. It
has been a rewarding experience for me."

Mary came running
to give her a hug goodbye.  "I'll miss you, Miz Christy."

"I'll miss you as well, Mary. I will miss you all very
much. Thank you again."  

" ‘Twas our pleasure," said Anna.

"Goodbye," said Ian.  Christy waved goodbye. Neil helped
her mount the horse. He felt her flinch when he touched
her hands. She rode behind him and she could feel his
muscles tense. They rode for about forty minutes in
relative silence. Neil had been trying to come to terms
with his anger. He did not want Christy to think that he
was angry with her. Alice however, would receive a piece
of his mind. Neil stopped when they had reached a creek.

"Why are we stopping, Neil?"  

"I want to see your hands."

"Why didn't you examine them at the MacGregor's?"

"Because I would have physically harmed Ian MacGregor for
allowing Anna to work you so hard."  

"I did not mind the
work, Neil." He helped her off Charlie. He gently washed
her hands in the creek, applied ointment, and bandaged
them. 

"I kept my hands as clean as I could, Neil."

"And so, there is no sign of infection, Lass." He
smiled. I have apples and gingerbread. Are you hungry?"
She nodded and smiled. "I am indeed. Thank you."  They sat
and enjoyed the light repast. "We still have a ways to
go, Christy." As they got ready to leave, her had her sit
in front of him. "If you get tired, just close your eyes
and sleep, Lass."  

She settled back against him, safely
in his arms. ‘There is no other place that I would rather
be,' she thought. She was too tired to have logic object
to her thoughts. This time she listened to her heart.
He smiled to himself. She was safe in his arms. There was
no other place for her to be, except next to him. She felt
safe. He would protect those he loved. Neil felt a chink
develop in the wall around his heart.  

End of Chapter Two

Title: "Humble Pie 2" Chapter Three

.........................................................................

Ruby Mae spotted them first. "Miz Christy's back," she
screeched. David came out of the barn. He scowled as he
observed Christy asleep in the doctor's arms. She looked
too comfortable, and much too peaceful. Miss Alice came
out on to the porch. Christy should have been with the
MacGregor's another two weeks at the very least. She then
observed the bandages on her hands. Looking up she saw
the thunder clouds in Neil's eyes.

‘Brace thyself for the impending storm,' she thought
to herself.

"Grantland, would you please attend Charlie? I must see to
Miss Huddleston," Neil said as he dismounted, and carefully
placed Christy in his arms.

" Is she ill?"

"She will be better with a few days rest." He carried
Christy toward the Mission porch. "Alice, we have to
talk," he said sternly. She nodded, and followed him up the
stairs. Neil set Christy down gently on her chair. "Let me
see your hands again, Christy." She held out her hands and
he carefully removed the bandages. "Alice, can you fill
the pitcher with water, please?" Alice took the pitcher
and went to the pump. "You slept a little, Lass. Are you
feeling a wee bit rested?"

"Yes, but I am still tired."

"I know, and you must rest." Alice returned with the
pitcher. He poured water into the bowl on her washstand
and gently washed her hands. He applied the ointment and
bandaged them. "We'll do this at least three times a day,
Alice. Morning, afternoon and evening, before you retire
for the night. Alice, you know the procedure. If I am not
here, you can do it."

"Neil, thee does not have to make a special trip. I can
do this for thee."

"It's no trouble, Alice, no trouble at all. Christy, you
are weary. Have a bit of a rest before dinner." She
nodded. "I'll see you in the morning, then." He
left the room. As he came downstairs, he saw Ruby Mae
hovering. "Stay away from Miss Christy. Let her rest. You
can talk to her at dinner. Do I make myself clear?" Ruby
Mae nodded mutinously. She had some gossip and was bursting
at the seams to tell Miss Christy.

In the meantime, Alice helped Christy out of her shirtwaist
and skirt. "Rest now, Christy. I will help thee dress
for dinner. Thee should have about a two hour nap." She
noted the circles under her eyes and the dullness of her
hair. She knew that a bath would be the first thing on
Christy's agenda in the morning.

She left the room to face Neil's wrath. She squared her
shoulders and geared herself for his words. She walked
into the kitchen and made a cup of tea. Neil was waiting
for her. "Alice," he said in a dangerous tone of voice.

"Would thee care for a cup of tea?" She arched her
eyebrow at him. He nodded. She decided to take the
offensive. "Neil, thee knows that Miss Huddleston can be as
tenacious as a dog with a bone." His lips curved slightly
at her analogy. "She has been after the women to rediscover
the lost art of weaving in order to sell their goods in
the city. Neil, thee can understand male pride. If a woman
can sell a handmade quilt or a woven blanket, she might
make more cash income than her husband. That would never
do. Besides, these women know how hard that work is, and
they would be stepping on the feet of progress. As thee
well knows, progress is a bit of an anachronism in Cutter
Gap." He could not disagree with her.

She continued," I knew that the MacGregor's kept to the old
ways. If Christy saw what was involved, she might let it
be. Fairlight has tried to warn her, Granny Barclay almost
gave her a piece of her mind. Mary Allen and Rebecca Holt
were upset with her. I had to do something, Neil. She
would not listen to me."

"Alice, they treated her like unpaid labor."

"She got room and board, Neil."

"And blisters to boot."

"Honest labor, Neil." He stared at his former
mother-in-law, and finally nodded. He let go of his
residual anger. Alice sipped her tea and watched the storm
leave his eyes. She relaxed, not realizing how tense she
had become. "Will thee stay for supper?"

"No thank you. I need to drop by Jeb's. Perhaps another
time. Goodnight, Alice."

"Have a good evening, Neil. Give my regards to the
Spencer's."

Neil passed David on the porch. "Thank you for taking care
of Charlie, Reverend."

"You're welcome, Doctor." Neil departed, and David went
inside to inquire about Christy.

Alice reassured him that she needed a few days rest. As she
stepped into the parlor, she saw Ruby Mae creeping up the
stairs. "Ruby Mae Morrison get down here at once. Thee was
warned by the Doctor to leave Miss Christy alone. Does
thee think that thee can do whatever thee pleases,
because he has left for the day? I believe thee still
has chores." Ruby Mae looked dejected. "Go on child, Miss
Christy will join us for dinner."

Christy slept soundly. She probably would have slept
through dinner, but Miss Alice woke her. Ruby Mae was
itching to tell her about her new beau. Miss Alice had told
her to wait until after dinner. The poor girl acted like a
drop of water dancing around a very hot iron skillet. She
could hardly keep still. Miss Alice served fried trout,
and a mix of steamed wild greens.

"David has provided us with a fine catch for dinner
tonight," said Miss Alice.

"Congratulations, David," said Christy warmly. "I am glad
that you had good luck today."

"Luck has nothing to do with it, " he replied. "You know
the doctor isn't the only one who can fish around here."

"Christy, I am sure that David did not mean to use that
tone of voice with thee."

"I meant it as a compliment, David. I apologize if you
thought that I was insulting your skills as an angler."

David was upset with himself. He had been so jealous of
MacNeill because Christy had been in his arms. Even though
she had been asleep, she looked happy and serene. Too
happy. Too serene. "I apologize, Christy. I did not mean
to sound so sharp."

She nodded and smiled, but still felt the tension. She
would try to talk with Miss Alice later. In the meantime,
she could not help but notice that Ruby Mae was acting
like she was sitting on tenterhooks. "How have you been,
Ruby Mae?"

"Well, Miz Christy, I thought you'd never ask!"

"This is my cue to leave, and work on my sermon," said
David.

"Does thee need help?" asked Alice, hopefully.

"No," said David gleefully. "Consider it penance."

Ruby Mae did not understand the exchange. Christy
smiled. She had truly missed the bantering around the
table. "Well?" she asked. "Are you going to keep me in
suspense forever, Ruby Mae? Out with it, young lady."

"I have a beau!"

"Who?" She worried that it might be Rob Allen.

"Will Beck."

"Who is he?"

"He lives with his folks back aways past the far
holler. I met him by chance when I was traipsing with
Lizette. He asked me where I lived and I told him at
the Mission. He asked me who my Daddy was and I told him
Duggin Morrison. Says he knows my Pa. He's called on me
twice already"

Christy did not know what to say. It did not matter because
Ruby Mae just chattered on, extolling the virtues of her
new beau. They had now finished the dishes. Christy's job
was to put the dishes away. Miss Alice did not want her
to get the bandages wet.

"Miss Alice, tomorrow I would like to take a bath and wash
my hair. It is too late to heat the water tonight."

"We will set the water to heat early in the morning,
Christy. Let me medicate thy hands. I imagine that thee
is tired."

"Yes, I am." Then prepare for thy bedtime, and I will put
medication on thy hands for thee."

"Thank you, Miss Alice.

"Thee are welcome, child." A half hour later, Alice
finished tending to Christy's blisters. "Did thee enjoy
thy stay with the MacGregor's, Christy?"

"Yes I did, Miss Alice. It was hard work. Very, very
hard work. I do not know if I will enjoy lamb the way I
did before." Alice laughed and Christy joined her. "I
understand now what you were trying to tell me, Miss
Alice. The women of the Cove have enough to do. Spinning
and weaving are extremely laborious, with all the other
chores that need to be done every day. I was wrong to be
so insistent. I will not change my opinion that hand work
is a form of art."

"I agree with thee, but the women of the Cove have moved
on to store bought cloth and clothing."

"I know that now. Goodnight. Miss Alice."

Alice smiled and kissed Christy on the forehead. "Goodnight
sweet child." Alice had not reached the bottom of the
staircase before Christy fell asleep.

The next morning, the stove had pots heating with water. A
laundry tub was also heating water. Neil rode up to check
on Christy. Knowing that it was not laundry day, Neil
assumed it was for Christy's bath. When he came into
the kitchen Alice offered him a cup of coffee, which he
gladly accepted.

"Christy is still sleeping. Thee did not have to make a
special trip, Neil. I could have changed her bandages."

"I know that, Alice. I wanted to check on her and make
sure that she got a good night's sleep."

"Alice smiled at the feebleness of his excuse. "Would thee
like me to wake her up?"

"No, let her sleep. She needs the rest. Did she eat a
good dinner?"

"Yes, David had a successful day of fishing. We ate trout
and steamed spring greens for dinner."

"Sounds like a perfect meal to me."

"Thee should have stayed for dinner."

"I had dinner with Jeb and Fairlight."

"How are the Spencer's?"

"Doing well, Alice. Everyone is in good health. Fairlight
indicated she would stop by to see Christy soon."

Christy woke up. She got out of bed and opened the doors to
the balcony to greet the morning. The sun was shining, and
she felt refreshed in spirit. She looked down and spotted
Charlie tied to the post. Neil was here! She washed her
face and went to brush her hair. She frowned. It really
needed to be washed. She brushed it, and tied it back with
a ribbon. Then she went downstairs. "Good morning, Miss
Alice, good morning, Neil."

"Good morning," they both answered.

Christy noticed the water heating on the stove. "Thank
you, Miss Alice for heating water for me."

"Thee are welcome. Would thee like some coffee?"

"Yes please."

"I have kept some apple fritters warm for thee. Would thee
like them for breakfast?"

"Yes, please. They are my favorite, especially if they
are drizzled with Jeb's honey."

"Do you like corn fritters?" asked Neil.

"Not really. I would rather eat my corn separately."

Neil had another cup of coffee. "I see by the laundry
tub and the pots of hot water that you must be happily
anticipating a long, hot, soaking bath." Christy
nodded. "When you are finished eating, I will pour the
pots of water into the wooden tub for you and I will add
the hot water from the iron tub as well. I do not want
you to get burned."

"Thank you," said Christy, blushing slightly at the thought
of Neil helping her with her bath water. Alice raised
her eyebrow, but did not say a word. Christy finished
her breakfast.

"Let me see your hands, Christy." He unbandaged them. "They
are healing nicely."

"I will help thee wash thy hair," said Alice.

"Are you sure, Miss Alice?"

"Yes, my dear. I have never seen thy hair look so dull."

"I guess it was the soap, Miss Alice. I wanted to cry,
but there was nothing I could do about it."

Alice smiled. Thee are home now, Christy. Are thee ready
for thy bath?"

"Indeed I am! Thank you. I appreciate your heating the
water for me."

"David helped me to draw the water. He had to leave for
El Pano early this morning."

Christy got up to gather the items she needed for her bath.

Neil emptied the pots of hot water into the round, wooden
laundry tub. He recalled the faint blush that had tinged
Christy's cheeks. She felt at ease calling him Neil in
front of Alice. He smiled at that thought. Then he took
some of the pots to refill them and set them on the stove
to begin heating in case Christy needed more hot water.

The curtains were drawn around the tub. Alice called
to Christy, "Thy bath is prepared." Christy came down
the back stairs in her robe and eased herself into the
gloriously hot water. She added some bubble bath and
sprinkled some rose scented cologne into the water. She
sighed with contentment. Miss Alice asked her if she was
ready to wash her hair.

"Yes, I am." Alice proceeded to wash her hair. "I feel so
relaxed, Miss Alice."

"I am happy to hear it. Now rinse thy hair." Christy
ducked down in the tub. When she surfaced, Alice poured two
buckets of warmed water to complete the rinsing process.

Two shampoos and rinses later, Christy said, "I feel like
a drowned rabbit."

"At least thee are clean." They both laughed.

Alice left her to finish her bath. She dried herself off
with a big, thick, fluffy towel that her mother had given
to her. She quickly put on her under clothes and robe and
hurried up the back stairs. Her wet hair was wrapped in a
towel. Back inside her room she continued to towel dry her
hair. She combed it until it was sleek and snarl free. She
went downstairs to sit in front of the fire to comb it dry.

Neil was sitting in the parlor smoking his pipe.

"Will I disturb you?" she asked.

"Not at all. Dry your hair, by all means. I would hate for
you to catch a chill again," he said smiling. The sunlight
was coming through the window. His hair was particularly
curly and disheveled. She wanted to run her fingers through
it and bring order to disorder. She mentally shook herself,
and began to comb her hair by the fire.

Neil was watching her, transfixed. He could not move, even
if he wanted to, which he did not. Her hair was full of
highlights, like golden rays of the sun. Come to think of
it, her nose had a few more freckles, because she had been
working outside in the sun without a hat. He almost said
something, but decided he did not want to spoil this moment
of peace and beauty. Pure beauty. Her beauty filled his
soul. Another chink fell from the wall around his heart.

End of Chapter Three


Title: "Humble Pie 2" Chapter Four

.........................................................................

The April air was heavy and thick with moisture. The
temperature was dropping steadily. One did not have to
be a native to know that it was going to snow. Ruby Mae
and Christy were the only two people at the Mission. Miss
Alice was in Cataleechie and David was in Low Gap. He would
travel from there to El Pano on Wednesday to meet Miss
Ida's train. She was finally coming home after visiting
her mother, and postponing her return for weeks.

"Ruby Mae, we have to lay in a supply of firewood and
water. It is going to snow."

"It's Spring, Miss Christy. Why it's April now, and the
crocuses Miss Alice planted are blooming in the meadow."

"Please do not argue with me, Ruby Mae. We have to feed the
animals, milk the cow and collect eggs. I need your help."

Ruby Mae nodded, and they both dressed as warmly as
they could. Theo was fed, Brownie was milked and Ruby Mae
collected the eggs. They both carted in wood for the fires,
filled extra pots with water from the pump and then began
to do the chores inside the house. Ruby Mae was dusting,
if you could call it that. She looked out the window,
"Why it's snowing Miss Christy!"

"I guess the angels are having a pillow fight," said
Christy.

"What do you mean?"

"The flakes look like goose feathers," she answered the
young girl. Soon the ground was covered. It was only
nine-thirty in the morning. Christy shivered. She had bad
feelings about this storm. She could not see the school
at all. It was a white out.

Ruby Mae could not seem to concentrate on anything. She
kept peeking out the window. Everything was covered with a
thick white blanket of snow. "It's so quiet, Miss Christy,
what does it mean?"

"Every creature is enjoying the stillness, Ruby Mae. Don't
you have homework to do?"

"Yes, but I can't keep my mind on the figgers."

"Well try, Ruby Mae. You are going to have an arithmetic
test next week. Concentrate."

Ruby Mae looked at her teacher. Christy was preparing
her lessons for the week. Ruby Mae turned her attention
to her homework. Christy heard the stomping of feet just
before the knock on the door. Before she could set down
her books, Ruby Mae had skittered to the door, heedless
of Christy's cry, "Ruby Mae, wait!"

Ruby Mae threw open the door. It was young Will
Beck. "Howdy, Ruby Mae."

"Howdy back yourself."

"I brung you some rabbits."

"Thankee kindly."

Christy arrived at the door. "Ruby Mae please step
inside. You are letting warm air out into the cold."

Ruby Mae had this giddy, pie-eyed look on her face. "Miss
Christy, this here's Will Beck."

"How do you do Will. It is very nice to meet finally
meet you."

"Ma'am, Ruby Mae chatters up a heap of praise when she
talks about you. Guess she was right."

"I'm flattered, I think," said Christy. "Let me take your
coat. Come by the fire to warm yourself. Would you like
a cup of tea or coffee?"

"Wouldn't mind tea, Ma'am."

Ruby Mae just stood there. Christy raised her eyebrow
at the young girl. Ruby Mae just stood there, staring
up at Will. Christy sighed and went into the kitchen to
prepare the tea. When she returned, Ruby Mae and Will
were standing in the parlor, and she was still holding
the rabbits. Christy set the tea tray down.

"Ruby Mae, those rabbits need to be taken care of in
the kitchen."

"I dressed they for ya, Miz Christy. They just need to
be skinned."

Christy paled. "I do not skin animals, Will."

"Ruby Mae can skin a rabbit faster than........."

"I know. Will. Sit down and have your tea."

"Ruby Mae, please come with me into the kitchen."

"But Will's here."

"Let him have his tea and get warm by the fire. Please
come now." Ruby Mae followed her. "Did you know he was
coming today?"

"He might have mentioned it."

"Yet you said nothing to me about his visit."

"Guess I plum forgot."

"Please take care of these rabbits for me." Christy filled
a pot with water they had drawn earlier and added some
salt to it. "Put the butchered rabbits in here when you
are finished, and put the pot on the bench outside to keep
them cold. I will make rabbit stew for supper tonight."

The last thing Ruby Mae wanted to do was butcher a rabbit,
let alone two of them. The next thing Christy knew, Will
Beck was joining them in the kitchen. Ruby Mae beamed like
a lighthouse beacon. She began to get the rabbits ready
to skin. The first one was finished before Christy could
chop an onion. Will praised her skill. Preening with his
compliments, she began to cut the second, and promptly
sliced her palm. She screamed in pain and fear. Christy
grabbed a towel and applied pressure to the cut. Christy
knew that the wound would need stitches.

"Will, please go and fetch Doctor MacNeill."

"Sure Miz Christy." He bundled up and set out in the
snow. Christy elevated Ruby Mae's hand. Grabbing another
towel, she quickly changed the bloodied one for a clean
one, and once again applied pressure. It seemed like an
eternity, but Will returned with Neil. He had found him
riding towards the Mission. Neil had been coming to check
on Christy and Ruby Mae.

Taking in the scene at a glance, Neil quickly assessed
the situation. "Will, take the rabbit outside and finish
skinning it. Christy, you must scrub the table. No,
wait. Let us go into the dining room. Set down a thick
layer of sterilized surgical sponges, while I keep pressure
on the wound." Christy found what she needed in the cabinet
of medical supplies. Neil helped Ruby Mae from the kitchen,
through the dogtrot, into the dining room. "Christy, you
take over applying pressure, while I set out my surgical
kit."

He threaded needles for stitching. Ruby Mae's eyes popped
at the sight. She trembled. "Steady, Ruby Mae," said Neil.

"Miss Christy, help me."

"Ruby Mae, Doctor MacNeill will be as gentle as he can
be, I promise."

"I'm skeered."

"I know you are, Ruby Mae."

Neil removed the towel. The bleeding had all but
stopped. "The wound is not as deep as I first thought. It
will still need stitches. You are a lucky young lady. How
did it happen?"

"The knife slipped, Doc."

"Obviously. Why did it slip?"

"Will had just finished complimenting me."

"Praise went to your head?"

"I guess." She flinched.

"I have not started yet, Ruby Mae. Keep still."

Christy stood up. "Just a minute, Doctor." She left
the room. There was no sign of Will butchering the
rabbit. She went into the kitchen. He was putting the
rabbit into the pot the way Ruby Mae had done it with the
first rabbit. "Will, please wash your hands. We need you
to help keep Ruby Mae still."

Doing what he was told, the young man crossed over into the
dining room. Neil looked skeptically at Christy. "Trust
me" she mouthed to him. "Will sit here, next to Ruby
Mae. Can you hold her hand while the doctor stitches her
other hand?"

"Surely I can." He sat next to her. Christy sat down
next to Neil to hand him gauze when he needed to blot
the seeping wound. He disinfected the area first. Ruby
Mae flinched. Will gently put his arm around Ruby Mae's
waist. He was no fool. He could be this close to her with
Doc and Teacher's approval. She relaxed. Christy made eye
contact with Neil for a second. He raised his eyebrow. She
smirked slightly. He began to stitch. When he was finished
he swabbed the sutures and bandaged her hand. He made a
sling for her. "Keep your hand dry, Ruby Mae."

"Here that, Miss Christy? I can't do no chores."

"Any, Ruby Mae. Any chores."

The young girl stood up and walked into the parlor with
Will.

"She'll be a prima donna until you pull those stitches
out, Neil."

"What's up with Will Beck?"

"He's Ruby Mae's new beau."

"Why did you have him sit with her?"

"I knew that she would not carry on while he was here. He's
probably crooning in her ear telling her how brave she
was. And she'll lap up his praise like a kitten laps up
a bowl of cream."

"Does it bother you?"

"Of course it bothers me, Neil, but I cannot change
mountain courting tradition. By mountain standards, I am
an old maid."

"Hardly that, Christy."

You don't think that I'm a bit long in the tooth, Neil?"

"Your teeth are perfect."

"Are you laughing at me?"

"Would I do that, do you think?"

"You baffle me at times."

"You flummox me as well."

"Flummox?"

"A synonym. See you learn something new every day."

"Will you stay? We can be chaparones."

A dangerous glint filled his eyes. "And just who is going
to chaparone us? It's a big Mission." The look on her face
was worth her weight in gold. So was the blush that stained
her perfect cheeks. There was no stuttering, no quick
retort, no sign of a denial sprang from her lips. Neil's
heart soared.

"I have to cook lunch and dinner."

"I can help."

"I need to make rabbit stew for supper."

"I'm a seven day wonder with knives," he said
tongue-in-cheek.

She was still so flustered she missed the joke.

He was filled with glee. There was finally hope. The wall
around his heart was gone completely.



End of Chapter Four

Title: "Humble Pie 2" Chapter Five
......................................................

The snow from two days before had melted quickly when a
warm front moved through. Christy went to visit Opal. Over
a hot cup of tea, Opal asked her, "Why did you come to
Cutter Gap, Miss Christy?"

"Well, I was inspired by the description of Cutter Gap."

"What inspired you?"

"Miss Alice's depiction of life here. The richness of the
people, the poverty, the need for education. I believed I
could make a difference. My life was empty and meaningless
in Asheville, Opal."

"You got to know yor place," she said. "Outside of these
mountains, we wouldn't fit in nowhere. People look on us
as poor white trash."

"I do not agree, Opal."

"Miss Christy, you know how things is."

"Yes, Opal. But you have enriched my life in so many
ways. You have taught me about dignity, and for standing
up for what is right. You have tried in your own way to
stop the feuding. I truly admire you, Opal McHone. Thank
you for the gift of your friendship."

"Miss Christy, could you teach me to read like you done
with Fairlight?"

"I would be happy to, Opal. It would be my pleasure. Shall
we start at the Mission tomorrow afternoon?"

"I'll be there, Miss Christy." She gave her a big
hug. "Thankee."

"You are welcome, Opal. I will see you tomorrow."

Christy left the McHone's in a very happy frame of
mind. School was still in the planting break. Her hands
had healed. The Cove was in bloom. Spring was everywhere
and Christy relished the rainbow of colors and sweet scents
that assailed her as she walked home to the Mission. They
had not been destroyed by the late snowfall. She was in an
ebullient mood, and she felt like doing cartwheels! There
was no place to do them here.

Then she spied a tree that had snapped and fallen into the
vee of another tree's branches. It had not broken cleanly
off. It was splintered and bent. It must have happened
during a winter storm. The tree had not started to decay
yet.The trunk was about six inches in diameter, and was
about ten feet off the ground. Tomboy Christy immediately
accepted the challenge to walk on the broken trunk. She'd
loved climbing trees as a child.

Without hesitating, she climbed up the tree, and began to
walk across the broken trunk. She could be a tightrope
walker in a circus, or a pirate walking the plank or a
damsel in distress. Imagination was wonderful. She placed
one foot in front of the other. Her arms were straight
out, perpendicular to her sides. The sudden keening of a
red-tailed hawk broke her concentration. Neil watched in
horror as she lost her balance.

He had stopped at the McHone's to drop off some camphor
and had been told by Opal that Christy has just recently
left. Opal, like her sister Fairlight, knew that Neil was
secretly in love with Christy. Neil couldn't leave their
farm fast enough to catch up with her, which made both
Opal and Tom laugh out loud.

Christy had good reflexes, and wrapped her legs around
the log like a trapeze artist. She sang, " I fly through
the air with the greatest of ease..." and realized that
she was staring upside at a horse and rider. If the horse
was Charlie, the rider must be Neil and she was going to
die of mortal embarrassment.

"Hello, Neil. What a beautiful day for a ride."

"Christy, Christy, Christy. What am I going to do with
you?"

"What do you mean, Neil?"

"What do you think you are doing, Lass?"

"I am hanging from this trunk looking at life from another
perspective."

"Try another excuse, my dear."

"Well, I always wanted to know how life looked to a three
toed sloth."

"You are really reaching into the bottom of the barrel
for excuses."

"I am also getting light headed, Neil. Please get me down
from this."

"Let your legs go and somersault down."

"I can't. I have a cramp in my leg."

"All right, wait a second." He climbed the tree and walked
across the trunk to her.

"You are good."

"Of course I am. I amaze myself at times."

"You sound dangerous."

"Watch out for me."

"I always do, Neil."

"Give me your hand, Lass."

She did as she was told, and he pulled her up. They were
now sitting in opposite directions on the trunk.

"Neil......"

"Be quiet, sweet Lass." He put his hands around her
beautiful face. Her eyes flared. He kissed her. "I aged
ten years when you lost your balance."

"I held on, Neil."

"Fine. We can go looking for my lost ten years."

She laughed. "You are being silly, Doctor."

"You think so?"

"Yes, I do."

He held her tightly and kissed her again. She did
not protest. "It is not a joking matter. If you had
fallen......"

"I didn't, Neil, because you were here to rescue me."

"Is that my role?"

"I think so. You are my knight in shining armor."

"You are a hopeless and helpless romantic. My armor is
tarnished."

"Not to me, Neil, not to me. Would you have me any other
way?"

"I do not think so, Lass. You are perfect, just the way
you are."

"You are a little biased, Neil."

"I hope so, Christy."

"Neil?"

"Yes, Christy."

"You overwhelm me at times," she said seriously.

"I am always with you, Lass."

"Always, Neil?"

"Yes, always." And he kissed her on the forehead. Then he
dropped down from the log, walked under it, and put out
his hands to her. Without hesitation or fear, she dropped
down into his waiting arms. She smiled, and as always, it
dazzled him.

"Let's get you back to the Mission lest they think you
got lost."

He helped her up behind him on Charlie. She put her
arms around Neil and held on as they trotted toward the
Mission. Neil had Charlie gallop across the meadows below
the school. It was an exhilarating ride for Christy.

"Will you stay for supper, Neil? It's just Ruby Mae
and me."

"Who's cooking?"

"I am, if I let Ruby Mae cook we'd have Possum Surprise. Of
course, now that she is wounded, cooking is beyond
her. David and Miss Ida will be home on Wednesday."

"Well Lass, give me an hour or so. Let me see what this
old Highlander can rustle up for dinner."

"You are not old, Neil. And I do not believe that you lost
ten years this afternoon. You are just pulling my leg."

"It's a very shapely leg, Lass."

"Neil!"

"I am a keen observer, Christy."

"Enough!"

"It's called imagination, sweet one."

"You always have to have the last word." He smiled. "Oh
Neil, I forgot to tell you. Opal wants me to teach her
how to read like Fairlight."

"When do you start?"

"Tomorrow afternoon."

"Good for you. Opal has a keen mind. She's more quiet
than Fairlight, until she has a cause to fight for, then
do not stand in her way."

"Like the feuding?"

"Exactly."

"Are you going to fish or hunt for dinner?"

"It depends, Christy."

"On what?"

"On what crosses my path first." Christy laughed, and
Neil joined in. Ruby Mae watched them approach. She was
smiling, the wheels in her overactive imagination were
turning like Bob Allen's millstones grinding corn into
very fine meal. Neil helped Christy off Charlie. "I'll
see you in an hour or so, Christy."

"I'll have the table set, Neil." She smiled and waved
goodbye.

"Come Ruby Mae, Doctor MacNeill is coming for dinner. Let
us set the table."

"Miss Christy, my hand!"

"Ruby Mae, you can pick up a fork with your other hand. It
is not as though you do not have the use of your right
hand. You eat and drink with it quite successfully. Having
your left hand in a sling has not slowed you down one bit
with the things you want to do."

"My hand hurts."

"The doctor will check it out after dinner tonight. It it
is infected, you may have to stay in bed."

Christy knew what she had just said did not make any
sense. She hoped that Ruby Mae would not figure that
out. The young girl was using her hand as an excuse not to
do anything at all. She peeled some potatoes and carrots,
not sure what Neil would be bringing for dinner. She could
always fry a ham steak if he had no luck. A little over
an hour later, Neil produced two pheasants.

"I skinned them, Christy. I dry the skin and feathers. I
use the hackles for tying certain patterns of my fishing
flies. Do you have some bacon?" Christy brought him a
slab. "We'll cut a few slices and lay them over the top of
the pheasants. It will help to keep the meat moist. Let's
soak them in some salted water first, to help draw out the
blood." He laughed at the _expression on her face. "There
are no butcher shops in Cutter Gap."

"I know," she said. "First lamb and now fowl. Pretty soon
all I will eat is vegetables."

"You are not serious, Lass."

"No, but I am receiving a mountain education about food,
Neil."

"I'll bet you are, Christy." Ruby Mae joined them. "Hello,
Ruby Mae, how is your hand today?"

She shot a defiant look at Christy, which was not lost on
him. "It hurts, Doc."

"Really?"

"Sure thing, Doc. I'm not spinnin' no yarn."

"Any yarn, Ruby Mae," Christy said automatically.

"I would never think that you would lie about your wound,
Ruby Mae. Let me assist Miss Christy with getting our
dinner in the oven, and then I will turn my undivided
attention over to you, my patient. You are a priority,
of course." Ruby Mae did not understand a word of what he
said which is exactly how he intended it to be.

Turning his attention back to dinner, Neil placed half an
onion in each pheasant cavity, as well as a few leaves of
dried sage. They placed the bacon slices over the birds
and put the roasting pan into the oven. "Christy, what
kind of jam do you have?"

"Strawberry, blackberry, red currant and persimmon,"
she replied.

"Please bring me a jar of red currant, unless you have
one that is already open."

"I'll get one from the cellar."

She brought him the jar. "Take about half, and put it in
a small saucepan on the stove. The heat from the oven will
melt it. We'll glaze the birds with the melted jelly."

"That sounds delicious."

"Have you chosen a vegetable?"

"Carrots and potatoes to boil."

"Boil the potatoes. Cut the carrots into sticks. Cut them
in half first, and then cut those halves into sticks. We'll
cook them in a little butter and add some cinnamon and
honey."

"That sounds yummy."

"It is. Trust me."

"I do. I do."

"All right. Next on my agenda is Ruby Mae's hand. Let me
get my surgical kit in case she has popped a stitich."

"Ruby Mae's eyes grew wide with fear. "Pain's gone,
Doc. Lickety split. I do declare it's a plumb miracle."

"I do not believe in miracles, Ruby Mae. I am a man of
science."

"Miz Christy, please, I am not hurtin' no more."

"Any more, Ruby Mae."

"Doc, please........."

"Ruby Mae, stop your caterwalling. I need to see your
hand."

She knew that she had no choice, so she held out her hand
to the doctor.

He took off the bandage and looked at the wound. It was
clean, and there was no sign of infection. But he could be
devious when he suspected that she was using her wound as
an excuse to add to Christy's work load. He looked into
Ruby Mae's eyes.She quickly averted hers. ‘Guilty' he
thought. "Miss Huddleston, will you please hand me that
brown bottle on the right side of my kit."

"This one, Doctor?"

"Yes, thank you. Ruby Mae, this is Mercurochrome. It is
a germicide and an antiseptic. It should help to keep
your wound free of infection." He painted her stitches
with the solution. It turned her palm red. Redder than
her hair, or any sunrise or sunset that Christy had ever
seen. Ruby Mae wanted to cry. It was all Christy could do
not to laugh. Neil bandaged her hand, but you could still
see the red color of the solution.

An hour later dinner was ready. Neil and Christy
actually enjoyed themselves, for Ruby Mae was extremely
subdued. She's been hoist with her own petard.

End of Chapter Five

Title: "Humble Pie 2" Chapter Six

Summary:
Ruby Mae is being courted by Will Beck.  She is giving
Christy a hard time.  Christy and Neil are slowly
developing a comfortable friendship/relationship. (
Please remember that Margaret is dead. )
......................................................

Ida was back. It surprised her how much she had missed
the Mission and the school children. Her mother had been
very unhappy to see her leave.  Mrs.  Grantland loved
to be the center of attention. The Mission needed a good
cleaning. Christy had done her best, she supposed. Ruby
Mae was holding her arm in the sling. It was very evident
the young girl was enjoying her respite from chores.

It seemed as though Ruby Mae had a new beau. Will
Beck came around at least once a week to check on his
sweetheart, Ruby Mae. Doctor MacNeill came by to check
her stitches. They were healing, and would be removed in a
few days.  Ida could sense a little bit of tension between
Ruby Mae and Christy.  The young teacher had told Ida that
Ruby Mae was using her hand as an excuse not to do work.

Christy was also upset with the fact that Ruby Mae was
quite serious about her courtship. Christy felt she was
too young. Ruby Mae did not want to hear any constructive
criticism from her teacher. Christy went on a long walk
after school. Lost in deep thought, she realized she had
wandered to one of Neil's favorite fishing holes. She
looked around, but there was no sign of the good
doctor. She felt a pang of disappointment.

Neil caught a glimpse of her through the
trees. "Christy!" he called as he came down the slope of
the path. "What brings you here?"

"Oh Neil, Ruby Mae and I had words today."

"What about?"

"Courting."

"Oh, I see."

"Do you really?"

"You tried to tell her she was too young, and she told
you to mind your own business."

"That's the gist of it, Neil. She told me I should be the
one to talk, since I did not even have a feller. She was
very, oh I cannot even think of a word, Neil. Cruel, I
guess. It hurt me to hear her talk to me like that. It
was as though she slapped me down."

He set down the fishing rod and creel. "Christy, I do not
know what to say.  I am sure if Will proposes, she will
accept. They do not have two nickels to rub together. God
knows where they are going to live. This is the harsh
reality of life in Cutter Gap. The bare bones that cannot
be hidden.  There is no solution. She would never say no,
once she's agreed to his courting."

Christy sighed. The outcome was inevitable. "Neil, I am so
sorry. I am keeping you from catching your dinner. Please
fish, I'd like to stay and watch you, if you do not
mind. It is so peaceful here."

"I always enjoy the pleasure of your company,
Christy. Perhaps you will bring me good luck. I am glad
for the conversation and the companionship. My life is
too solitary."

"You need to get out more and see people."

"You mean on a social basis rather than a medical one."

"Exactly. I wish there was a way of having a jollification,
as Ruby Mae puts it."

Neil laughed softly. She looked up at him. "I do not wish
to scare the fish.  The irony is, Christy, the next excuse
for a party will probably be Ruby Mae's wedding."

"When do you think that will be, Neil?"

"Oh late Spring, or early summer." She sighed heavily. "Did
you really think that you could have changed her, Christy?"

"No, Neil. Not really. But I had to try."

"Of course you did,Christy. I would expect nothing less
from you."

"To no avail, Neil."

"Christy, change in Cutter Gap, well, it is like
evolution. It occurs over long periods of time. Eventually
you realize that change has occurred, but you do not quite
know how it happened."

"Like the MacGregor's and weaving?"

"Exactly. While Aunt Polly Teague will argue that hand
woven cloth lasted longer and was much more sturdier than
store bought clothing, she was not averse to ordering
clothing from a Sears and Roebuck catalog."

"Sometimes I feel as though I am banging my head against
a brick wall."

"Welcome to the club, and come and see me if you get
too bruised."

"Do you think that you are a comedian, Doctor?"

"I brought a smile to your face, didn't I?"

"Indeed you did, Neil."

Neil was distracted. There was a tug on his fishing
line. He set the hook, and the trout took off. Neil played
the fish for about ten minutes. His face reflected the joy
he felt when fishing. It was his favorite outdoor pastime.

Today he was fishing for his dinner. Most times it
was merely for the sport and relaxation it brought to
him. Catch and release. Sharing this time with Christy
made it even more special to him.

Christy watched his skill as he handled the fishing rod,
line and reel, and the fish. When he finally landed the
trout, it was at least eighteen inches long.

"It's a beauty, Neil."

"Will you join me for dinner?"

"I would love to, but I cannot today. I did not let anyone
know where I was going. If I do not get back, they will
send out a search party," she said ruefully.

"I understand. Do you want me to walk back with you?"

"No, not today. Thank you for the offer, though. And thank
you for letting me unleash my frustration out on you."

"It's always a pleasure, Christy."

"I appreciate it, Neil."

She turned to walk away. He called out to her, "Christy!"

"Yes?"

"Watch out for those brick walls."

She laughed and waved goodbye, as she headed back to
the Mission.

Miss Alice had returned from Cataleechie. "Welcome home,
Miss Alice, " said Christy smiling broadly at her mentor.

"I thank thee for thy kind word of welcome. It is good to
be home."

"How were things in Cataleechie?"

"The usual occurrences. A few runny noses, complaints of
rheumatism, nothing to worry about, I am happy to say."

"Ruby Mae cut her hand skinning a rabbit."

"I saw her bandaged hand and the red stain beneath it. I
dare say Dr.  MacNeill was a little liberal with the
mercurochrome."

Christy laughed. "She deserved every drop."

"Thee must tell me what happened."

"When the walls are not listening, Miss Alice."

"It has gotten that out of hand?"

"Oh yes. She listens to every conversation if she can get
within earshot."

"It is a bad habit, Miss Huddleston."

"I agree. But she will not listen to me. According to her,
I am just dried up old maid."

"Well Miss Huddleston, if thee is considered old, then
I must be right up there with Methuselah!" The two women
laughed boisterously together, and went inside the Mission
arm in arm.

The weeks sped by. Christy was amazed that six weeks
of classes could be such a blur. Now summer, glorious
summer surrounded Cutter Gap. The meadows were in bloom
and Christy reveled in their colorful splendor.

She had been wild strawberry picking with Fairlight and
Opal. The women put up strawberry jam together, laughing,
cooking and tasting, sneaking tender, tiny berries when
they each thought the other wasn't looking. They burst into
laughter when they realized that their lips were stained
by berry juice. They felt like recalcitrant children and
giggled even more.

Opal and Fairlight began talking about Tom and Jeb,
and Christy realized that she longed to have a male she
could confide in. The long summer days were conducive
for taking long walks, and she did just that upon leaving
Fairlight's. The jam had to cool and set. Jeb would bring
her portion to the Mission to stock the larder.

Christy decided to look for Neil. She stopped by his
cabin. There was no sign of him. The creek was low, so
she hopped on the rocks to cross it.  She spied a path
she had not seen before and followed it. She could hear
the creek to the left of her as she walked. There was a
slight rise and an opening in the trees. She could see
a beautiful view, and the creek below.  She made herself
comfortable on the grassy knoll. She took her book from
her apron pocket and began to read. This time she had
chosen to reread "Persuasion" by Jane Austen.

The warm sun, the rippling waters of the creek were
making her drowsy.  "I'm like a cat laying in a patch of
sunlight. In another minute I'll be purring," she said
to herself. She decided that she would walk down to the
creek, wet her handkerchief and refresh her face and
her hands. Instead of going back the way she had come,
she began to walk down from the knoll to the creek. She
stopped dead in her tracks. Neil was bathing in the creek.
She stepped back a few paces, but found herself staring
at him. Without any warning, he stood up. Christy gasped,
turned and ran behind the knoll.

Neil heard something and looked up, but he did not
see anything.  Shrugging, he walked to the boulder that
held his clothes, and proceeded to dress, totally unaware
that Christy had received yet another unexpected mountain
education.

She practically ran the entire way back to the Mission. She
went straight to her room, and tried to cool herself
off. She changed her shirtwaist, into a cooler blouse
made of cotton. She brushed her hair and re-pinned it.
She could not shake the image of Neil from her mind. How
could she ever face him again? How could she ever look him
in the eye without blushing? "Oh dear God, please erase
this image from my mind," she prayed. Yet in her heart
she knew that it was branded in her memory forever.

Later that evening, dinner went fairly well. Ruby Mae's
favorite topic of conversation was still Will Beck. David
was talking to Ida, trying to convince her to make
strawberry shortcake. Christy talked about jelly making
with Opal and Fairlight. "Miss Alice, now that we have
school vacation, I would like to go and visit my parents
for a while. Would that be all right with you?"

"Of course thee can visit thy parents, dear child. I know
thee feels homesick at times."

Christy nodded to her mentor. "I would like to leave in
a few days, and spend the Fourth of July with them."

Neil was called to Raven Gap for an emergency. When he
finally came home almost two weeks later, he discovered
Christy was gone. He was devastated.

"She went home to visit her family, Neil. She intended to
be with them for the July 4th celebrations, and she will
return soon."

"Are you sure about that, Alice?"

"Yes Neil, I am sure."

"She did not say goodbye, Alice."

"You were not at your cabin, Neil. She did go to see
you. She told me that herself."

"When was that, Alice?"

"It was the day she made jam with Fairlight and Opal. I
am not sure of the exact date, Neil. It was near the last
week in June when the wild strawberries were in season."

Neil remembered talking to Jeb and Fairlight. She had
given him a jar of the jam. He was confused. He had not
been called to Raven Gap then. That was at least two days
later. On his way back to the cabin something niggled at
the back of his brain. "Think, man, think."

When he went to bathe the following day, the memories
returned. He had been bathing in a different part of the
creek because the water was deeper there.  He had heard
something when he stood up. It must have been her gasp,
and now she was too embarrassed to face him again. She
had gone away to visit her family, hoping to erase him
from her memory.

"Fat chance, Miss Huddleston. The siege of your heart is
about to begin in full earnest. I will turn on my charm
full blast and you won't stand a chance against it. I
will not take no for an answer. Prepare to succumb, my
sweet. You will be my woman! I love you too much to lose
you now."

TO BE CONTINUED...............................