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 3" Chapter One Author's Note: This is a sequel to "Humble Pie & Humble Pie 2" ............................................................. The flowers arrived one week before she planned to come back to the Cove. A bouquet of colorful roses. Her favorite flower. The card read Dearest Christy, I did not have the chance to wish you a happy vacation with your family. Enjoy Lass! Come home to Cutter Gap as soon as you can. I miss you. Fondly, Neil "What glorious roses, Christy. Are they from Mr. Davenport or Mr. Anderson?" "Neither, Mother. They are from Dr. MacNeill." "Oh." "Oh, Mother? Are you disappointed?" "Not really. Your father gave him his approval." "What do you mean?" "My lips are sealed. Do not ask me any more questions." Christy cooled her heals until her father came home. "Hello Daddy." "Well hello, Little Miss." "Did you have a good day in court?" "I believe it went well." "Daddy?" "Yes, Christy?" "What did Mamma mean when she said you gave Neil your approval?" "Your mother is devious, Christy. I expressly asked her not to say anything to you. I wanted to tell you myself. Did she at least have the grace to say ‘sorry'?" "No," said Christy. "She just refused to say another word." "That's my Julia. Only stops talking when it suits her." "Daddy!" "Christy, you know how much I love your mother. But being married is a constant balancing act, and give and take is a very large portion of the equation." "I'll try to remember that. So I guess Neil asked your permission to court me?" "Indeed he did, Christy. We had a very interesting discussion. I enjoyed talking with him. How did you know?" "He sent me roses." "Make sure that you press the prettiest one for your memory book, Christy." She smiled. "Of course I will, Daddy." William Huddleston smiled. "I like your Doctor MacNeill, Christy. He's been tempered and seasoned by life." "What do you mean?" "He has chosen a difficult route, Christy. He has not taken the easy way out. He's not sitting in a high priced office dispensing sugar pills for imagined illnesses. He is like a fine steel blade, that has been tempered by fire. He has survived, and he goes on. He has suffered emotional losses in his life. Burying a baby and a wife is not easy for any man. How much more difficult can it be for a doctor, because he could not save his loved ones?" Christy stored what her father had just said in her heart. Had she ever looked at Neil in this light? "What do you think of David Grantland?" "He seems nice enough." "That's a rather bland picture." "That's because he is bland." "Daddy, he is not." "Do his sermons really inspire you?" "Sometimes. He is a good man, he has a good heart." "I've no doubt that he is a good man, Christy. He just has not lived life yet." "I don't understand what you mean." "He has lived a fairly secure and somewhat pampered life up until his time in Cutter Gap. He sees the world in black or white. He represents God, therefore he has to be right in everything. He has not been accepted the way that you have been accepted, and he has been there longer than you." "He is still learning, and so am I." "Yes, Little Miss, but the learning has to be on his terms. You are like a sponge, or an open book. You see new things every day and try to adapt to them or absorb them into your psyche." "I try to change things." "Who gives you the wisest counsel?" "Neil, Miss Alice and Fairlight." "Who gives you the room and the strength and encouragement to spread your wings, Poppet?" "Neil." "Not David?" "No, not David. He laughs and belittles my ideas." "Does he destroy your dreams?" "Sometimes." "Who haunts your dreams?" She thought about the visions of unruly haired children giggling and climbing all over their father. "Neil." "What are your feelings toward David?" "I like him very much. He tries very hard. He does a lot of physically demanding chores. He built the church/school. He wants me to have the same feelings towards him as he has for me." "He wants you to love him." "Yes, Daddy." "Does he consider what you want?" "It is hard to say." "He sounds a little selfish to me. Again, he wants his way." "I suppose it could look that way." "On the other hand, Dr. MacNeill has taken a very large step out on a limb." "You are confusing me." "He is a man who has been deeply hurt. He has made the choice to offer his love to you. If you reject him, he has exposed a vulnerability to you. Men do not readily show their emotions. Yet, he has willingly come forward to do just that, in an honorable manner by asking my permission first. I do not recall speaking to David Grantland before he proposed to you." Christy nodded in agreement with her father. "I love you Daddy. Thank you for telling Neil yes." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile Neil was busy writing to one of his best friends, Freddie Cadogan, who lived in Coventry. They had been in medical school together. Freddie's wife Lillie was from Coventry, and the couple decided to live there after they married. Freddie was on staff at the hospital there. Neil remembered that Freddie had given Lillie a gift of woven silk to hold love letters. If he recalled the design correctly, there were two doves holding a ribbon in their beaks, and a heart was suspended from the ribbons. The woven band was about eight inches long and there were twisted ribbons of silk thread with tassels at the end to tie a bundle of letters. Love letters. He sent Freddie a bank check to cover the cost of the gift, as well as a silken bookmark with the letter "C" and enough money to cover the shipping costs. Coventry was known the world over for its woven silk. He also knew that Freddie would never let him live this down. Neil MacNeill was in love. He had given Freddie such a hard time about Lillie, so he was due to get his share of grief from his friend. They were an ocean apart, and he had thick skin. He smiled at the fond memories. He sealed the letter and thought of Christy. He hoped that she'd been pleased with the roses. He crossed paths with Ben Pentland later that morning. Ben looked at the address. "Land sakes, Doc! England? Why this here letter's gonna travel a long ways off in the distance acrost the ocean." "Yes, Ben, indeed it is." "Well I jest have one more letter to deliver, Doc, then I'll high tail it back to El Pano. Yer letter will be in the mail this afternoon." "I know Ben. I'm off to the Holt's." "See you soon, Doc." "Yes indeed, Ben. Safe journey." Neil headed off to the Holt's to begin his rounds of the Cove. End of Chapter One Title: "Humble Pie 3" Chapter Two ............................................................. Dear Neil, Thank you for the lovely flowers. How did you know that roses were my favorite flower? [He smiled. It is the scent you wear, that haunts my dreams, sweet Lass.] They lasted quite a few days. I have pressed one into my Memory Book. I have also saved some of the petals to add to my jar of potpourri. The colors were just beautiful, Neil. I hope you have been well. [I've been miserable as a wet dog in a torrential downpour, because you are not here, Lass.] I miss everyone so. I should be arriving a week from Tuesday. [Not soon enough, Christy.] I shall write to Miss Alice and tell her of my arrival. I hope to see you soon, Neil, and thank you once again for my beautiful roses! Bless you, Christy Ben Pentland delivered the letter on a fine summer afternoon. "Hey Doc!" "Hello, Ben." "Got a letter fer ya, smells right perty too. I've been swattin' bees all the way from El Pano." Neil smiled as he recognized the handwriting. It was from Christy. It was scented with roses. "Thanks, Ben." "Yer welcome, Doc." After reading the letter, Neil opened a wooden box. The lid was carved with a trout leaping from the water. He'd made it when he was twelve. It contained all of his treasures. He placed the letter there along with a blue hair ribbon, a lace handkerchief, and a lock of her hair. He smiled as he planned his next course of action. He made a telephone call to Asheville. The day of Christy's departure from Asheville to El Pano arrived. In the morning the florist delivered a small bouquet of flowers for Christy. "What a pretty nosegay," she said. "It is not a nosegay, Christy. It is called a tussy mussy," said Julia. "A tussy mussy? What kind of a name is that?" "I'll tell you that when I was a young girl, it was a very romantic gesture for a man to send a tussy mussy to a lady. Wait here just a minute. I need to get something from my bedroom." Julia left her daughter standing in the foyer and ran upstairs. She returned with a small book. "Christy, this is "The Language of Flowers." Every flower in that small bouquet has a meaning. They were chosen specifically to let you know what he feels towards you. It is a very sentimental gift to receive, let me assure you. It also shows that the man is confident that you will not think him foolish." William came into the house. "Your carriage awaits, my Lady." "Oh Daddy," she laughed. "You make me feel like a princess." "And rightly so, my little Miss." Julia hugged her daughter goodbye. "Take this book with you and decipher the flowers while you are traveling back to El Pano." Christy nodded. Her eyes welled with tears as she said goodbye. Her father took her to the train station. The train was on time for a change. She kissed her father goodbye and boarded. She found a window seat, facing forward, and made herself comfortable. She looked at the flowers. They were beautiful. She inhaled their wonderful fragrance. There had been a card, from Neil. Dear Christy, These flowers make me think of you. Come home soon, Lass. Fondly, Neil Well, she supposed, "fondly" was a step above "sincerely" or "very truly yours." She smiled to herself. She hoped that he would get her letter thanking him for the roses. She had sprinkled the paper with some rose scent before she wrote the note. Ben Pentland would make sure that everyone knew that Doc MacNeill was receiving perfumed letters. Perhaps she should not have done that. She began to examine the flowers. She smiled thinking about Neil. She had misjudged him so in the very beginning. She had never met anyone like him before. David seemed to be Neil's opposite in so many ways. David had seemed to her at first like a beacon in the darkness. She too saw things in black and white, not understanding that the word "normal" in Cutter Gap was entirely different than "normal" in Asheville. It took a long time for her to stop making comparisons between the two places. She could not stop making comparisons between the two men who were important to her life in the Cove. David kept pressing for an answer. It was her own fault. She had refused his proposal, but left the door open. Neil was not pressuring her, yet she knew that he had some kind of strategy or plan. He was constantly surprising her. The tussy mussy was a perfect example. She shook her head and smelled the beautiful flowers. Then she opened the book and began to list the meanings of the flowers. A rose meant love. A white rose meant I am worthy of you. ‘Of course you are'. A white and a red rose together meant unity. Violets meant faithfulness. White jasmine meant amiableness. ‘You must mean me, not you,' she laughed. A daisy meant innocence. ‘That's me.' Ivy meant fidelity and devotion. ‘That's you. No, that's both of us.' Lavender meant devotion. Fern meant fascination. She copied the meanings in her journal and she sketched the tussy mussy. When she got back to the Mission, she would use her colored pencils to color the sketch. ‘No,' she thought, ‘I will use the watercolor paints George gave me for Christmas. It will look more delicate then'. She wrote.......... Neil, what are you doing to me? I am so much in awe of you. I have been so foolish. I did not think you cared very much about the Cove. I can see now that its streams and creeks are your lifeblood. The blue of the mountains and sky are your eyes. The pulse of land is the very beat of your heart. The mountain air gives you great strength. Your people give you purpose. Why did I not see it before? What right did I have to insult you by saying I saw no difference in what you did? How presumptuous of me. You were so right. I did make sweeping judgements. I hope that you will forgive me for that one day. But, my dear doctor, I am no pushover. We certainly have our differences of opinion. I am sure that you have a plan. I will do my best to make it difficult for you. I will show you that there is a fire in me. I may be tiny in stature, Dr. Neil MacNeill, but I am my mother's daughter, and my grandmother's granddaughter. I am happy to say that the apple does not fall far from the tree. So beware doctor, you may have just met your match!...... Christy stopped writing. Hunger pangs made her realize that it was lunchtime. She looked into her satchel for the food that her mother had packed for her. Sliced ham on a biscuit, a pickle, a jar of lemonade, and some cookies. Everything was delicious. When she finished eating, she picked up her journal and began aimlessly sketching. Then she realized that she was drawing Neil as he bathed, but not when he stood up. She made sure that she added a lot of extra foliage, and put the book away. She picked up a novel and began to read. She was soon asleep, lulled by the train clickety clacking across the tracks. She dreamed of Neil and their children. He was waiting at the station for her. Impatiently waiting, one might add. David was still in Lufty Branch. The ministers were meeting with Dr. Ferrand. Since the man could be oratorial at times, Neil hoped that David would be gone for a few days. Wishful thinking, he hoped. Christy disembarked from the train. As she looked down the station platform she watched him nonchalantly smoking his pipe as if he did not have a care in the world. He was tapping his foot. The pipe was clenched in his hand. She thought, ‘you are indeed a rogue, Neil MacNeill. She thought about giving him a hard time, but then she thought about the flowers. She was gripping the tussy mussy. No, no, no. She had to let him know that he had made her happy. He turned to look up the platform. She waved. He smiled, and then she smiled. She let him have it with the full force of her happiness and joy hit him smack between the eyes. ‘Damn,' he thought, ‘she could dazzle me into oblivion.' She ran to him and hugged him. She knew all of El Pano would know about this, but she did not care. Her heart was happy and she was filled with joy at seeing Neil again. His arms encompassed her, as he held her close and inhaled her sweet rose scent. He had seen her clutching the tussy mussy and was pleased. His plan was working. ‘He's hooked,' she thought. ‘Now I have to keep him on the line.' "Thank you for the nosegay, Neil," she said demurely. "You are welcome, Christy. Actually it is called a tussy mussy, Lass." "Really?" She batted her eyelids once or twice. His thought process faltered for a few seconds as he watched her with fascination. "Yes, it is a Victorian custom. It uses flowers and their meanings as a form of communication." "Why Neil, how romantic. I will have to do my homework. How very sweet of you to think of this." She tucked her arm in the crook of his arm. "Are we riding home on Charlie?" "Yes." "Ben Pentland can bring my trunk tomorrow." They walked toward Charlie. Neil would swear that Charlie smiled when he saw Christy. "Neil, do you have an apple or a carrot?" Neil produced a carrot from his pocket. "Thank you. Hello Charlie. I think you become more handsome every time I see you." She gently patted him and fed him the carrot. "What a good horse you are." She hugged him. He seemed to nod in agreement. ‘She's cast a spell over my horse as well,' he thought. "Let's go home, Lass." "I'm ready, Neil. I have missed everyone so much. It is good to be home." "Do you regard Cutter Gap as home, Lass?" "Yes, I do, Neil. I really do." He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Welcome home, Lass." She sighed with utter contenment. The end of Chapter Two 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 3" Chapter Three ............................................................. Word spread through Cutter Gap that Miss Christy was back. She could not wait to visit Fairlight and Opal. She had missed these two special women who had come to mean so much to her. She had brought them some fabric to use in their quiltmaking. They were both thrilled with the colors and the prints. Christy was pleased. School would be starting again and she was eager to see all of her students again. Lundy was no where to be seen. The older O'Teales went to work in the mines. Christy despaired at the news. Mining was hard, manual labor. It was extremely dangerousl work, and it took its physical and mental toll on the workers. Being in semi-darkness ten to twelve hours a shift was not easy. She decided to visit Swannie and the girls. She hoped that she would have the chance to see George as well. As she approached the cabin and called out her "hello," Swannie came scampering out of the cabin. "It's best you run along, Miz Christy. Don't stop to talk. No visitin' today. Best be on your way. My man is back and it's like I told you ‘afore, he don't take to us visitin', not at all." It was then that Nathan walked up from the barn. "I don't tolerate strangers on my land." Christy turned to greet him. Her eyes flared as she looked upon the scruffiest, surliest, nasty tempered mountain man she had ever seen. "We've never met, Mr. O'Teale. I am Christy Huddleston, the school teacher at the Mission." He ignored her outstretched hand, and instead spit a long, dark stream of tobacco juice near her feet. "I'm a tellin' you once, only once, git off my land." Christy knew he meant business. His eyes were cold, like those of a snake. "Good bye, Swannie, Mr. O'Teale." She nodded to them and walked off in the opposite direction, with as much dignity as she could muster. She heard the sound of a slap, but she dared not look back. He would shoot her without blinking an eye. She hurried down the path that she thought would take her to the Holt's. She was agitated and frightened by her encounter with Nathan O'Teale. She wandered from the path. She kept going, trying to walk through the underbrush and brambles. She felt her cheek. It was scratched and she was bleeding. She had lost her sense of direction and now had no idea where she was. She walked a little farther and seemed to find a path. She realized as she came to a large patch of ferns, that the path was a deer run. She could see where the deer had bedded down. The ferns were all low to the ground. Sam Houston had taught her that. She was helplessly lost and scared. She hoped that it would stay warm. All she had was her shawl. The sun was beginning to set. She had missed dinner, and everyone would worry. She felt like such a coward. She knew that Nathan had beaten Swannie. It was wrong. She did not have the courage to turn around and tell him to stop. She wanted to cry, but instead she prayed. She asked that the Father forgive her weakness, to keep Swannie and the girls safe from Nathan O'Teale's wrath, and to keep her safe during the night. She found a tree and sat down against it for support. As the light grew dimmer, her fear also grew stronger. The sounds of the night began their cacaphony. Christy tensed as darkness engulfed her. She trembled in fear of the night. The moon had yet to rise. At the Mission, Alice was concerned. Christy was only going to the O'Teale's. She should have been back by now. No one had seen her since the late afternoon, when she announced that she was going to visit Swannie. Neil came to the Mission to stop by and say hello. He had been to Opal and Tom McHone's to check on Toot. He sensed Alice's agitation. "What's wrong, Alice?" "Christy is not back from the O'Teale's. She has been gone for hours, Neil." "She does not usually linger there, Alice." "I know, Neil, that is why I am so worried." Ruby Mae came bouncing in. By her demeanor, Neil and Alice knew that she had some fresh gossip to spill. "I hear tell Nathan O'Teale is back." Neil looked at Alice. "I'm on my way." Charlie and Neil carefully picked their way toward the O'Teale's. Neil knew when they were close by the overwhelming stench. He was appalled at the notion that Christy might be there. He heard a voice call out softly, "Doc." He stopped. "It's me, George," he whispered. "Where is Miss Huddleston, George?" "She went towards the Holt place, Doc." "Are you all right, George?" "Yessir. Pa's passed out drunk. Been like that fer hours." Neil nodded. "I must go on, George. Look after the girls." "Yessir." He rode to the Holt's. He came upon Ozias, sitting on his porch smoking his pipe. "Evening, Ozias." "Evening, Doc." "Ozias, has Miss Huddleston visited Rebecca today?" "No, Doc. She hasn't been here at all. Is everything all right?" She hasn't made it back to the Mission. She must have taken a different path. Ozias? A word to the wise. Nathan's back." Ozias sat up straight and nodded. "Thanks for the heads up. Need help finding the teacher?" "Not yet." He left the Holt's. "Come on Charlie. Let's find her." The moon wasn't full, but there was some moonlight. It was a clear night. He began to search the alternate paths between the O'Teale's and the Holt's. Calling "Christy" every other minute or so. After twenty minutes, he heard her answer "Neil!" "Stay where you are, just keep calling me." She did as she was told, and he found her a few minutes later. He dismounted and she ran to him and embraced him with all of her strength. She was shaking with fear. He took off his outer shirt to warm her, and just held her, kissing her temple, until she was able to tell him what happened. "Please take me home, Neil." He placed her in front of him, cradling her as Charlie made his way home, to Neil's cabin. Neil tried to keep soothing her. She had finally confided in him her fear of the dark. He carried her inside the cabin. "Neil?" she questioned. "It was closer than the Mission." He built up the fire. She shivered. "It seems silly to have a fire in July. Why am I so cold?" "It's the dampness from sitting on the ground, Lass, and your fear of Nathan O'Teale." He put a kettle on to boil, and went inside his laboratory. When he returned, it was obvious the nightclothes he held belonged to his late wife, Margaret. "There is a dressing gown as well, Christy. I'm afraid that I do not have slippers, so I've brought you a pair of my socks. They are clean, I promise. There's a pitcher and bowl near the bed I reserve for patients. The water in the kettle should be warm enough for you to refresh yourself. I must see to Charlie. I'll be at least twenty mintutes, and I will knock. You can let me in when you are ready. I'll telephone the Mission when I come back inside. David's idea of connecting my cabin to the Mission line and El Pano was nothing short of brilliant." He was as good as his word. When he came back in he called the Mission. "Alice, she will be fine. She was lost, but had the presence of mind not to wander aimlessly in the dark. I found her between the O'Teale's and the Holt's. She has scratches from brambles, but she will be all right. Nathan must have threatened her. He's passed out drunk, but he must have hit Swannie a few times in his drunken anger. Christy feels guilty that she could not help the poor woman." "Does thee think it is prudent to keep her at your cabin?" "Alice, she is physically and mentally exhausted. I am going to feed her and put her to bed. If you feel the need to check on her, then come. I never lock the front door to my cabin." When Alice finished her conversation she found David and Ruby Mae hovering nearby. "Ruby Mae it is time for thee to retire. Miss Huddleston is safe." Ruby Mae did not want to leave, but the tone of Miss Alice's voice and the stern look on her face convinced her otherwise. "Why didn't MacNeill bring her here?" asked David. "I do not know, David. I was not privy to his thought process at the time." "It is wrong for her to be there with him." "If thee is so worried, then I will go to Neil's cabin." "I'll go, Alice." "No, thee will not. Thee is full of anger. I will not have thee upsetting her. She has been through enough tonight." "All the more reason for her to be here. What happened?" "Nathan O'Teale must have threatened her." "I knew it! And now she's with MacNeill." "What is that supposed to mean?" "He'll, he'll........."David sputtered. "He will take care of her. Doctor to patient. That is his first priority." "What about his second priority?" barked David. "Desist with thy histrionics, David. The green eyed monster has consumed thee." "Alice." "Neil is an honorable man. Every man and woman in this Cove knows that for a fact. I trusted my daughter's choice to marry him." "Look what it got her, she's dead," he said, without thinking clearly. Alice slapped him, a gesture so uncharacteristic of her, she was shocked. "Stop being so selfish. Thee has never seen a typhoid epidemic, and I pray thee never will. Did thee ever consider how heartbreakingly helpless a man might feel to watch his newborn son and wife die? How much worse if he is a doctor? I never expected thee to be like this. Thou has disapppointed me tonight, David Grantland. Gravely disappointed me." She walked away and grabbed her satchel. "I'm off to Neil's. Tell Ida I said goodnight." She looked up the stairs where Ruby Mae had been hiding. "Thee is in big trouble Ruby Mae Morrison! I will deal with thee when I return." She went to the barn to saddle Goldie. "Well girl, we're off to chaparone a young teacher who is probably asleep by now, as I should be, and a doctor who will keep a vigil by her side all night long." And that is precisely what she found when she arrived at Neil's cabin. Neil stepped out on the porch. "I'll take care of Goldie for you, Alice." "I'm sorry Neil. It was either David or me. I am sure that you would prefer my company." "There's no doubt about that, Alice." She smiled. "Christy is sleeping, but it is a restless sleep. She ate some soup and had some tea. I put salve on her cheek where she was scratched by brambles. I am hoping it will not leave a scar." He continued, "You know that I am going to sit in the rocking chair beside her, all night long." "I know, Neil. I have seen thee sit at a patient's bedside many, many times." "Why do I need a chaparone tonight? Because the patient happens to be Christy? Does he honestly think that I would take advantage of her? Is he that pea-eyed green with jealousy? What will he think when he finds out that I have William's permission to court her? Even with that permission, I would never use that fact to take advantage of her." "Do not let thy anger unsettle thee, Neil. I know thee well. Thy honor is unquestionable. But if he wanted, David could bring the matter to Dr. Ferrand, and Neil, as thee well knows, it is how things appear, not necessarily the truth that people believe. Thee saw it firsthand when Bessie lied." Neil nodded solemnly. She patted his shoulder. "I'll sit with Christy until thee returns." When Neil came in he washed his face and hands. Alice stood up next to the bed, and whispered "Goodnight." She went upstairs to sleep in Neil's bedroom. It was no longer furnished with anything feminine. He had removed any signs of Margaret, except for a framed photograph of her, smiling with an impish grin on her face. She recognized the signs. Neil was in love with Christy. He was fighting a losing battle. He had loved Margaret, but she craved love and attention. That was the ultimate saddness; Margaret wanted to be loved, but she never learned how to give give love in return. Alice settled into bed and began her nightly prayers. Meanwhile Neil made himself comfortable in the big old rocking chair, which he had moved next to the bed. He lit his pipe and quietly smoked as he watched Christy sleep. No doubt she would have nightmares tonight. She was far too restless. She cried out during the night. Neil scooped her up, quilt and all, and cradled her in his arms. He sat back down in the rocking chair with her, and soothed her with soft words of comfort. She fell back asleep. When she awoke again, she was staring into his chest. His chin was nuzzling her. He was asleep. She wondered how he could sleep contorted, with her in his arms. She marveled at his great strength and gentleness. He held her as if she were a tiny piece of thistledown. She gently kissed his exposed collarbone and nuzzled against him. Her kiss woke him up, but he kept his eyes closed. She tried to free her hand from the bedclothes. She watched his face for any sign of awareness, but Neil stayed quiet and silent. She was playing with fire, and had no idea how close she was to a conflagration. The nightgown she wore was silk. It was unlike anything she had ever worn before. Her nightgowns were cotton, long sleeved for winter, thinner batiste for summer. The silk was luxurious against her skin. She felt like a fairy princess and Neil had heard her song. How could she let him know that she was attracted to him, and would welcome his courtship? Her hand pressed against his chest. Oh, he had a magnificent chest! She knew that she was going to blush as the memories of him bathing in the Creek returned. She did not care. She could feel his heart beating. She kissed his cheek. His eyes fluttered open. He looked at her soft, inviting mouth and kissed her good morning. He would later swear she purred like a kitten. She put her hands through his tawny mane and brought him closer to her. She kissed him back. "Good morning, Neil." "Good morning, my love. She smiled, and kissed him again. Perhaps this was all she needed to do to let him know how she felt. "I like the sound of that," she smiled. "My love." They sat together in the early morning light, sharing their newly expressed feelings for each other. End of Chapter Three 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 3" Chapter Four Author's Note: This is a sequel to "Humble Pie & Humble Pie 2" .............................................................. Christy had recovered from her ordeal after Nathan's threat. Neil had managed to soothe her and allay her fears. They returned to the Mission late that morning. David was helping the Holcombe's and Ida had gone to see Granny Barclay. Miss Alice was stopping long enough to refresh herself and then go on to Cataleechie. Christy was left with Ruby Mae. Ruby Mae waited until Miss Alice departed. "Teacher, I got to tell you that the Preacher was real angry last night. Said that Doc had no right takin' you to his cabin. Miss Alice said that she trusted the Doc, cuz her daughter had married him, and Preacher yelled that it didn't do her daughter much good cause she died. Miss Alice slapped him good and hard cuz she got real angry. Yessir, Preacher was green eyed with jealousy. He don't cotton to Doc MacNeill courtin' you at all. Miss Alice told him that she was real disappointed in him. T'were are a mighty fine shouting match, I can tell you." "Ruby Mae, shame on you. Eavesdropping is wrong. It is very, very wrong. Spreading gossip is a vile thing to do, young lady. I too am disappointed in you. What is said here at the Mission is no one else's business." Christy was worried. Ruby Mae's nosiness was getting out of hand. She needed to talk to Neil about it. Weeks after he had written to his friend Freddie the letter, a package arrived for Neil from Coventy, England. Neil smiled when Ben Pentland handed it to him. "Thank you, Ben, I have been anticipating its arrival." Ben waited for a few minutes, hoping that Neil would open the package. He did not. Neil knew that Ben was curious about the contents of the parcel, but he was feeling just stubborn enough not to satisfy the poor man's curiosity. The Cove did not need to know all of his business. Neil brought it into his cabin, and came right out again. He picked up his fishing rod and creel. "There's a big old trout in the deep pool by the fallen log. I'm aiming my sights on him. He's eluded me three times this week. I hope my luck will change, Ben." Obviously Doc was not going to open the package. "I'd best be on my way, Doc. Good luck with the trout." "Thanks, Ben. Have a good day." Neil made a few cursory casts into the water. He waited until he was sure that Ben was well on his way to his next mail stop. Then he went back into his cabin and opened his package from Freddie. Dear Neil, I thought that the world had ended after receiving your letter. Well old man, how have you been? Lillie sends her love and says it is about time Cupid pierced your stubborn hide. It has been too many years, old friend. I am glad that you are well. We have five in our brood now. It does not seem possible. I still am on the surgical staff at the hospital. I wish sometimes that I could go into private practice, but it behooves me to stay where I am. And you, riding about those mountains of yours. It has an element of danger to it. I suppose you must be alert at all times. I do not envy you that. I've enclosed the silk tie for love letters. It is different from Lillie's. It has forget-me-nots in the center. Lillie thought that your Christy would love it. I also had Lillie's help in picking out a bookmark. Neil, you sent too much money. I took the liberty of purchasing tins of your favorite tobacco, if I remember correctly, and two pounds of your favorite butterscotch. Enjoy them. I've never been much of a letter writer, Neil. You can tell that from our lack of correspondence over all these years. It was good to hear from you. Send us a post now and then and I'll promise to do the same. Good luck with the romance, old man! I remain, Your old friend, Freddie Three hours later............a disgruntled Neil began chastising himself out loud. "Blast! I cannot even pen a simple love letter. I'm an educated man. Top in my class. I sit surrounded by crumpled sheets of paper. I'm not trying to write a novel for goodness sake, or a treatise on trachoma. I need to write a letter, a simple love letter, not a Shakespearean play or sonnet. What is wrong with me? Why I cannot put a pen to a piece of paper and write someting romantic is beyond my ken." His stomach grumbled. When had he eaten? He could not remember. He left the laboratory crushing the crumbled notes under his boots. Who was he trying to fool? Romance was hard work and a humbug. He looked at the kitchen. It was in worse shape than he was. He did up the dishes first. He put the kettle on for tea. He had some bread left. It was not moldy. He found some cheese. It would do. He had a few peaches that were ripe and juicy. He ate one quick as you please. There was a knock on the door. He answered it to see Becky and Mountie O'Teale. He knew his size intimidated Mountie, so he immediately knelt down. "What a surprise! Two of the prettiest little girls in the Cove have come to visit me. This is indeed a special day. Now what can I do for you?" "Mountie has a splinter." "When did this happen, Mountie?" "Last week." "Pa's gone hunting again. Left us yesterday." "Mountie, your hand is infected. I have to clean it, put medicine on it and bandage it. Will you be going back to school?" "Ma says yes, now tha Pa is gone." "Ma's hurtin' too, Doc. Mayhaps you could stop by and see her," said Becky. "I'll try Becky. I promise." "Thankee, Doc." "Mountie, will you be brave for me?" "Yes, Doctor." With that Christy arrived on the scene. "Miss Huddleston, this is a surprise." "Hello girls. I am happy to see you both." She hugged them warmly and kissed the top of their heads. Then she saw Mountie's hand and shuddered. All thoughts about Ruby Mae vanished. "Would you care to be my nurse today?" "Yes, Doctor." "Grab an apron from the hook inside my lab. When I lance the infection, it might travel a bit." Christy opened the door and saw papers lying on the floor. One seemed to say ‘Dearest Christy.' She stopped and then ignored them. She grabbed the apron and returned to Neil's patient area. "This will hurt, Mountie. Be brave for me." "Yes Doctor," she said solemnly. She was stoic as Neil lanced the infection and let it drain. He cleaned the wound and disinfected the hand, pulling the splinter out with a fine pair of tweezers. Once again he irrigated the wound, put some antiseptic on it and bandaged her hand. "Now Mountie, you must try and keep this bandage clean and dry." She nodded. Her _expression was so serious. "I will stop by and check on you tomorrow." The girls said goodbye and Christy gave them both a hug. Neil began to clean up. "Christy, will you fill the big enamel pan on the stove with water and set it to boil for me, please? I want to sterilize my instruments." "How could Swannie ignore Mountie's hand, Neil?" "She probably did not want to bring Nathan's attention to it. He might have tried to cauterize it himself." She looked at him in horror when she realized what he meant. "Worse things have happened when people decide to doctor themselves." He took her hand. "Thank you for your help, Lass. You helped to keep Mountie relaxed." "I enjoy helping you, Neil. Ever since Little Burl's operation, well I cannot explain it to you, but I am just glad to be of assistance." The water in the pan came to a boil and Neil added the instruments he had used. He built up a very hot fire and burned the surgical sponges and bandages that had infected matter on them. The linens would be boiled with a strong lye soap mixture. Christy marveled at Neil. This surgical area was an oasis of cleanliness amid a cabin defined by clutter. "Do you need help in organizing things?" He followed her line of sight. "Are you implying that my housekeeping skills are amiss?" "Your words, not mine." "It is too fine a day to be inside. Would you like to go for a walk?" "I would love to Neil. I came by to ask you if you would care to join us for dinner?" "I would be happy to, Christy. Thank you." He was pleased that she did not just call him on the telephone. He took her hand and led her up a path toward the back of his cabin. They cut across the creek where the rocks provided a natural bridge of sorts. The water was not very high. Neil picked Christy up and carried her across so that her shoes and the hem of her skirt would not get wet. She did not protest, she was rather pleased with his romantic gesture. David watched them as they walked toward the Mission. He was not overjoyed to observe how happy Christy looked, or MacNeill for that matter. Somehow he had lost control of the situation. Christy was fickle. He could not understand her attraction to the doctor. David felt that he was better looking and he was definitely taller than Neil. His backround was certainly more sophisticated than MacNeill's. This was all fact, not ego, as far as he was concerned. He could just not understand why Christy sought out MacNeill's company. Dinner at the Mission was usually a treat for Neil. Ida Grantland had a way in the kitchen. He was happy to hear that Christy was helping and taking lessons. He was aware of the frisson of tension because of Christy's decision to consider him as a suitor. She had not rejected any of his careful romantic advances. She had accepted his small gifts and his letters and seemed genuinely pleased by them. He was also aware of Ruby Mae's scrutiny. She watched Christy like a hawk. He would have to ask his sweet Lass about that. When dinner was over he helped with the dishes. Ruby Mae volunteered to help. "Ruby Mae Morrison, it is your job, not Doctor MacNeill's," said Ida, shaking her head at the young girl. There was no time for a private converstion until Neil was ready to leave. As she walked with Neil to where Charlie was tied, Christy broached the problem. "Ruby Mae's eavesdropping is a real problem Neil." "Let her overhear a conversation that can be disputed. Perhaps she will learn a lesson when people stop believing her." "Do you think that it will work, Neil?" "Perhaps. We'll have to give it a try. We'll have an argument." "All right, Neil. You give me the signal." He took her hand and kissed it. Ruby Mae watched them from the bedroom window. They were so romantic. She wished Will would be that romantic. It just wasn't his way. But some day, she thought dreamily, he will be, because I'll let him know it pleases me. When he reached his cabin after dinner, Neil went into his laboratory and picked up his pen. Dearest Christy, The time we have spent together has been very special for me. I am not an eloquent speaker. There are times when I find that words fail and elude me. I am not able to put my feelings into words that matter. I know that I am not making sense. Forgive me. Not only am I tongue-tied, but words do not flow freely from my pen. I deal in facts and not romantic passages. Not a day goes by that I do not think about you. I worry about you. This can be such a savage place. I sometimes wish that I could wrap you up in cotton wool and protect you forever. But that would smother your independent streak, one that I have come to love so well. Well, there you have it. The word I have been afraid to say and use. Love. I dared not hope that I would ever harbor these feelings in my heart, but they are there. Somehow you have managed to break down the wall that surrounded it. I built it stone by stone, with my desolation and my anger. Love is a leap of faith. There is the other word I refused to allow in my life. Faith. You have managed to pull the rug out from under me. Who would have thought that one so tiny and pert, could bring down someone like me? I saw it coming, but I did not seem to mind. You have given me a purpose again, and reason to hope. You have seemed genuinely pleased to spend time in my company. I will tell you that I have spoken with your father, and he has given me his permission to formally court you. I will be leaving for Low Gap and Raven Gap, and will be gone for almost a full week, barring any complications. I eagerly await your reply when I return. (It would have to do. He was unsure how to end the letter. Fondly? Yours forever? Till we meet again? Love? He shook his head in confusion. Perhaps if she answered his letter he could take his cue from her. If she signed it Love, Christy he would know what to do with the next letter. No, that would not do. He took the bull by the horns and wrote the word.) Love, Neil He put the letter into an envelope and sealed it with sealing wax. That smacked of courtship. He would leave it on her desk. No that was too conspicuous. He would have to find somewhere else to put the letter, where curious or jealous eyes could not find it. Early the next morning, on the way to Low Gap, he stopped by the school and slipped the letter into her lesson plan book. He smiled, and turned to go. "I'll be back in a week, sweet Lass," he whispered. End of Chapter Four Title: "Humble Pie 3" Chapter Five .............................................................. Christy took the path that would lead her to her favorite spot on the branch. The water dropped along the rocky cascade. Someone had tried to make a waterfall across it a very long time ago. The drop was approximately eighteen inches now. The water would rush along the huge slabs of rock, and then form small foaming pools, as it rushed down into the larger river below the Cove. She loved the peace and tranquility here. She did not understand her particular fascination with this water formation. It drew her attention throughout the seasons, even in winter, when it was crusted with ice. She had tried to sketch it many times to bring it to life on the page, but her drawing always seemed flat. It did not jump like the water. When the sun was shining, the water glistened like sparkling diamonds, or like the crystals of a bright chandelier in an Asheville ballroom. She stared up towards the bank. Trees clung tenaciously to the edges, their roots taking hold against Spring floods. During the summer, they provided holes, burrows and a safe haven for woodland animals. She was learning so much from Neil and from the children. Sitting still, staring into the quiet places in the water, she could see the trout as they swam against the current eating their fill of insect larvae. She also knew the water could be deadly. Neil's ongoing crusade for cleanliness and hygiene to prevent the spread of sickness through germs and bacteria in the water fell on deaf ears most of the time. The people could just not comprehend that their cool, clear water could also be deadly, especially during certain times of the year. Christy shook her head, she had come to think and to give serious consideration to her future. She had no doubt that she loved Neil. His sweet attempts at romance were loving and generous. He was such a private man. He was trying to court her in ways that would give them time alone together. Not an easy task in a place where everyone seemed to know your business, thanks to a nosy Ruby Mae Morrison. She was amazed at the romantic touches, books, love letters and tokens, like the silken tie to keep them together. She hated that he was spending his precious money in her. What was he doing without, in order to give her special gifts? She had read his latest letter at least twenty times and had it memorized. She was muddled and befuddled, and not sure how to take the next step. He called out to her, knowing that the sound of the water would block his voice. He called out again, and this time she heard him. She turned and saw Neil. A broad smile illuminated her face. How could she have any doubts at all? The love he was giving freely was as plain as the nose on his handsome face. She held out her arms to him. "Neil," she said, "I was just thinking about you." "Good thoughts, I hope." Silently she thought, ‘loving thoughts, my darling.' "Of course, nothing else would do, Neil." He smiled. He had just come from having a talk with Alice. He recalled her encouraging words. "Neil, thee are a good man, a good doctor. I know that thee loved my daughter. She was a troubled soul. I can only pray she is at peace now. Do not harden thy heart. Christy loves thee, Neil, not David. I can see it in her eyes as they follow thee. They mirror her soul. Love her, cherish her, protect her. She is a bit afraid, and needs thy guidance. Thee is giving her a chance to grow. Have patience with her Neil. She is young and spirited. Never doubt thy worthiness. She does love thee with all of her heart." She hugged her son-in-law and told him to seek Christy by the cascade behind his property. Ruby Mae missed all but the last part of the conversation, much to her dismay. She decided to follow the doctor to see how the courting progressed. Neil knew he was being followed. "Did you miss me very much, Lass?" "Oh, were you gone?" He playfully swatted at her. "Neil! Of course I missed you. That is why I come here as often as I can. I love this place." "Have you ventured higher above the branch?" "No." "Why not?" "I am not sure where property boundaries are, Neil. I do not want to trespass." "There is no danger of that, Lass. This entire mountain is MacNeill land. Let me take you on a walk." "I would love to go traipsing with you." He smiled at her use of one of Fairlight's favorite words. "Come let me show you a few interesting spots." They carefully picked their way along the edge of the branch. They reached a point where it split. Neil took her along the left fork. "During the Spring runoff, the water can be quite violent." He showed her a place where the rock formation had been beaten away by a rounded boulder. "You see, Christy, the boulder is a harder composition than the rock formation. It is either igneous or metamorphic rock." "Neil?" "Igneous is rock formed by molten material that hardens when it cools. Metamorphic is rock that changed structure by heat and pressure. They are very hard and impervious. Sedimentary rocks are formed by sediments of dirt, mud, and gravel that sift down to the bottom of a riverbed and are formed into rock by pressure and climate. Hence the name. They are a much softer rock." He continued," Here is a rock formation where the boulder got trapped by the water and was tossed around and about, slowly beating against the rock, breaking it down. It has formed a natural tub. In the Summer, if there is enough water in the Creek, I divert the water to fill this rock tub." "For bathing?" "No, for swimming. To cool off. In the Spring and Fall it forms a pool and a few trout lurk there waiting for me to catch them." "I cannot swim, Neil." "Fairlight and the girls come by on very hot, muggy days to refresh themselves." "Where are Jeb and John?" "Close by. Men keep watch over their women folk." They both heard noises at the same time. A flash of red indicated that Ruby Mae had indeed followed Neil. Christy raised her eyebrow at Neil. "Shall we have that argument now? "Let's go for it," he whispered. "Here goes." She stepped back and railed, "You think you are a know-it-all." "I am an educated man, Miss Huddleston." "You are a snob." "Just look at my surroundings. How dare you call me a snob." "You are an educated snob." "And you Miss Huddleston, are a goody two shoes neophyte who thinks she can change the world because she feels the call to help the ignorant and the poor. They do not want your brand of charity. Go home to your bubble baths, and three meals a day, high tea and fancy socials. You are not wanted or needed here." "You are insufferable and arrogant, Dr. Neil MacNeill. And you are a bully to boot. I despise bullies. You are as bad as Lundy Taylor, and you should know better because you are an arrogant, but educated man." "Miss Huddleston, did anyone tell you that you are a royal pain in the ...." "Doc!" screamed Sam Houston. "Burl's choking." Neil ran to the boys and slapped Burl on the back to dislodge the butterscotch candy he had been sucking. It fell on the ground. Between the sound of the water, and his mock argument with Christy, he had not seen nor heard the boys approach from the other side of the water. "Are you all right now, Burl?" "Yes Doc. Pity to waste the candy. I'd saved it for ever so long. Can I have another?" "Perhaps tomorrow, Burl. I don't have any butterscotch on me right now." Sam Houston said, "I came to show you my new arrowhead, Doc. Found it when my Pap was diggin' a trench." "That's a fine specimen, Sam Houston." "Didn't mean to interrupt your fight." "It was a bodaciously fine one too," added Burl. "We weren't fighting, boys," said Christy. "Well Teacher, it sounded mighty fine to me." "Doctor MacNeill and I were practicing to see what a real fight would be like. I've never had a fight before with a doctor, Sam Houston." Burl just shook his head. "I cain't figger wimmin out no how." Christy wisely remained silent. Neil tried not to laugh. The boys departed back along the Creek. The two stood looking at each other for a few minutes. Neither one spoke until all they could hear was the sounds of nature. "Do you think she heard us, Neil?" "Half of Cutter Gap could hear us, my darling Lass." "Were we believable?" "I have chinks in my armor, Christy. Your barbs were piercing." "No less than yours, Neil. Since when am I a royal pain in the you know where?" "I was inspired, Lass." His face became serious. "Christy, I cannot stay silent any longer." "As far as I know, Neil, we have not stopped talking to one another." "Christy, please do not be so analytical of my phraseology." "Neil, I am not being analytical. I am merely stating a fact." "You are also ruining my plan." "What plan?" "My plan to lure you to a romantic location." "Far be it from me to ruin your plan, Doctor." "Shall I continue?" "Please do. I wait with baited breath." "Please do not hold your breath. You could faint." "You would have to resuscitate me." "I would enjoy doing that, Lass." "You digress from your purpose." "And whose fault is that?" "Are you blaming me because you are unable to focus on your plan?" "Christy, one look at you standing by these cascades makes me...........never mind." "Well now you have my attention. What would you like to do, Neil?" "Kiss you senseless." "I certainly have no objection to that course of action, Doctor." "I am very glad to hear that, Miss Huddleston," he said with a twinkle in his eye. Christy looked up at him, searching his face. The laughter left her eyes as they became serious and solemn. She raised her hand and touched his lips. "Neil," she whispered. He took her hand and kissed her palm. "Christy," he said quietly, and he took her into his arms and kissed her softly. "I love you, my sweet Lass." "Oh Neil, my darling." "Please Christy, I need to tell you how I feel." She nodded and smiled. "I love you Christy. I think about you night and day. I have come to see and understand that you have fallen in love with Cutter Gap, with the mountains and my people. My people, Christy. They are the magnet that holds me here. I love them and care too much to abandon them." She again nodded, understanding what he was trying to say to her. "Christy, will you marry me. I cannot dress you in diamonds. I am only a humble country doctor." "I love you with my heart and soul, Neil MacNeill, and I would be honored to be your wife and helpmate." "And soulmate." "Yes, my dearest Neil, soulmate as well." "I am the happiest man in the world, Lass." I am pleased that you feel that way, Neil. When should we get married?" "As soon as possible." "Neil!" "You could make a man seek drink, Lass." "What do you mean?" "Christy, you are so desirable, yet I must keep my distance in order to protect your reputation. Lass, a man can only stand so much. We do have our limits, you know." "Do you think that you are the only one who is suffering from these pangs of desire, Neil? I believe that I am fated to suffer them forever. What is your diagnosis?" "We had better get married right away." "I'll call home." Neil raised his eyes to the heavens and prayed for all of his past transgressions. Arrangements with Asheville could take forever. He sighed deeply. "Neil, we are going to be married here, not in Asheville. This is our home." She had such conviction in her voice, he had to agree. "I love you Christy." "I love you too, my sweet Neil." "Sweet? No one has ever called me sweet." "Well I think that all of your romantic gestures have really been sweet, Neil." He smiled and again took her into his arms and held her. "I don't feel worthy of you, Lass." "Oh Neil, there are times when I do not feel worthy of you. You are such a good man." He kissed her. "Shall we call your parents?" "Yes Neil, I think we should, but let's call from your cabin. If we call from the Mission, the entire Cove will know by the end of the day, no thanks to Ruby Mae. She'll have to change her story. After all, she has just witnessed a fight. Sam Houston and Burl were also witnesses of a sort." "I suggest we call your family, and then begin to tell everyone from the Mission all the way to the Teague's." "I agree, Neil. I hope this will teach Ruby Mae a lesson about eavesdropping, especially when we announce our engagement. Neil?" "Yes, Lass?" "Do you think that we will argue for real like we just did after we are married?" "Most likely we will." "Really?" "Yes." "Why?" "You have spirit, a fire in you. We both can be long headed, my love. The key is compromise. We must never stop talking to each other. I am willing to meet you halfway, Christy." She looked at him with a sense of wonder. "Neil, most men make the decisions for a family." "Christy, Christy. When are you going to learn that I am not like most men." "Neil?" "Yes, Love?" "Please kiss me again." "Nothing would give me greater pleasure. I have sorely missed you." "And I you." "That's usually my line, Lass." "I know, that is why I used it." She laughed. "So Neil, on a hot, humid, swelteringd day, when I can no longer tolerate the heat, I am to sit myself in this pool to cool off while you stand guard over me?" "I will more than likely be in the pool with you, since you cannot swim." "Who will guard me?" "My shotgun will be within reach." "It sounds primative and barbaric." "Welcome to Cutter Gap, my love." "Towels within reach?" "Blankets, if you feel the need, Lass." She looked at him and said, "I should be embarrassed talking to you like this." "Indeed under normal circumstances we would never have this conversation. It would be considered too indelicate for you." "My mountain education has been quite extensive, Neil." ‘More than you'll ever know,' she thought. But he did know, and answered diplomatically, "I am sure it has been a surprise Lass, in more ways than one." End of Chapter Five 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 3" Chapter Six (Conclusion) ...................................................... Neil and Christy stood on the porch of the cabin. They had just completed the call to Asheville. Her parents were elated. Neil looked up at the sky. "It is going to rain, Christy." "I know it is partly cloudy, Neil. But the sun is shining, and there are still patches of blue sky." "Read the clouds." "I just do not understand you at times." "What do you mean, Christy?" "You speak to me, and yet I do not know what you are trying to tell me." "Christy, you have lived among these mountains for over a year now. Do you still not understand the language of the land and the sky?" "See! That is exactly what I mean. I do not understand what you are trying to tell me. I feel so silly." "Not silly, just uneducated." "I am not uneducated, Doctor. I graduated from high school and I attended college for a year and a half." "Feeling a wee bit touchy are we?" "Do not talk down to me, Neil MacNeill." "I am not, Christy. It is just that you have to learn to read the mountains. The weather can change in the blink of an eye. Even now, the wind is picking up. The weather is going to change. It is dangerous to be caught in the wilderness unaware of the changes. Rain can cause creeks to flood. Paths become too muddy to travel, you can catch a chill. The mountains can be unforgiving, even deadly." "You have reminded me of this over and over again." "And that is because you continue to ignore my advice. Not three months ago you became very sick because you ignored not only my advice, but that of others as well." She had no answer because she knew that he was right, and she hated it when he was right. He had come to look forward to her mutinous _expression whenever she had to admit that he was right. It was almost like playing cat and mouse. He loved to bait her. He loved to see the fire of defiance sparkle in her eyes. Her eyes! Those incredible blue eyes! They reflected the blue of the sky on a sparkling pool of water or a mountain stream. He was addicted to the azure blue of her magnificent eyes. He realized that he had been silent for far too long. "Cat got your tongue?" she asked cheekily. She was awaiting his retort and he could not think fast enough. He took a step toward her. She stepped back. There was no room to go anywhere. Her back was literally against the cabin wall. She looked up at him. "Why do you bother to put up with me?" she asked him. He put his hands on her shoulders and drew her to him. "Love is patient." "You are an impatient man." "I am learning.""Indeed you are." Her eyes twinkled. "Are you pleased with my progress, Teacher?" "Very pleased." "Really?" "Very pleased indeed." "Do I get a reward?" "For most improved attitude." "What is my prize?" She pulled a wrapped candy from her pocket and handed it to him. "A sweet reward." "Not sweet enough." "What do you mean?" "I prefer a sweeter reward." "Sweeter than candy?" "Much sweeter than candy." "What do you mean, Neil?" "Your lips, Lass. My sweet reward." "Neil?" she questioned in a hushed voice. "Ah love, a much sweeter reward." He enfolded her in his arms and kissed her, drinking in the lush sweetness of her lips. He lifted his face, her eyes were closed, her cheeks were flushed, and the _expression on her face was priceless. Her lips parted softly and once again her kissed her, with restrained passion. Christy simply melted in his arms. He smiled down at her. Perhaps romance wasn't such a humbug after all. Ruby Mae had just finished telling Ben Pentland about the shouting match between Doc MacNeill and Miss Christy. David overheard parts of it and smiled to himself. It looked like there was trouble in paradise. With that, Neil and Christy arrived at the Mission on Charlie. Christy was carrying a bouquet of wildflowers. Her face was glowing with her smile. Just by looking at the pair, Miss Alice knew. "I believe congratulations are in order." "Yes, Miss Alice." "When is the happy day?" At the same time Christy said, "We have not picked a date," and Neil said, "As soon as possible." They both laughed. Ruby Mae said, "I don't understand." "Why Ruby Mae, Doctor MacNeill has asked me to marry him and I said yes." Ben Pentland looked at Ruby Mae. So much for a reliable source of gossip! David felt crestfallen. He'd lost her. "Come inside and have some tea," said Alice. Later that evening Ruby Mae felt that Miss Christy and the Doc had played a mean trick on her. She was mad, because Will had laughed at her when she told him what had happened. She would bide her time, and get even with them. ‘Fair's fair,' she thought. The next few days were a blur. Neil understood that basically all he had to do was show up on his wedding day. Christy and her mother could duke it out over wedding details. Late summer brought its usual trials. Dr. Davis feared that there might be a cholera outbreak in Low Gap. Alice and Neil answered his call for assistance. They were able to contain it by acting quickly. All drinking water was boiled. Water used for non-consumption was treated with iodine. Patients were kept hydrated. All fruits and vegetables were washed thoroughly before cooking and eating. They lost two members of one family. While physically and mentally exhausted, they were all elated for containing the sickness so that it did not develop into an epidemic. Neil returned to his cabin. He bathed and shaved and put on clean clothes. It was all he could do to finish and get to the Mission to see his beloved Christy. When she saw Miss Alice return, Ruby Mae knew that Doc MacNeill would be along soon. Miss Christy had unexpected visitors that afternoon. Her brother George, and her cousin Samuel Layton made a surprise visit to the Cove. Christy could not stop hugging them, she was so pleased and overjoyed to see them. They sat by the gazebo talking together, catching up on the news about the family. Ruby Mae bided her time. Neil appeared. "Howdy Doc." "Hello Ruby Mae." "In a hurry?" "Yes, I am." "I wouldn't be, if I was you." "What do you mean?" "You been gone a long time." "Three weeks." "City wimmin are sure fickle creatures." "What do you mean?" "Preacher proposes and she sorta accepts , but then says no." "You propose and she accepts, and now she's seeing two citified dandies in the gazebo saying stuff like ‘I can't believe you're here. I was plumb devastated when you left.' Stuff like that. And huggin' and kissin' them. Not the way a gal who is engaged should act I dare say. No siree. You'll see. Just take a gander at the gazebo." At that moment, Christy chose to hug her cousin. Unfortunate timing. Neil froze. Ruby Mae chortled with glee. Neil had all but forgotten her presence. Neil turned Charlie away and rode towards his cabin. David had been observing, and realized that Ruby Mae had meddled in something that was none of her business. She had no right to mislead Neil. He went to the barn and saddled Prince, and brought the horse to Christy. "David, what is wrong?" "You need to go to MacNeill's. Now." "He's not home." "He's back. Christy, just do this. Don't argue with me." He helped her on to Prince's back. "David?" He looked at her, knowing he was closing the door on his last hope. He had a moral obligation to do the right thing. Christy loved the doctor. He saw you hugging your cousin. Ruby Mae made sure he did." She understood. "Entertain them for me, David. We'll be back later when this is all sorted out. She rode to Neil's as fast as she dared. She could hear him shouting at himself inside the cabin. "You're a fool Neil MacNeill. You're acting like some lovesick swain. And what do you have to show for your efforts? The feeling that the entire Cove, including herself, is laughing at you. You're a fool, man. A love sick fool. Well, the joke is on you. Harden your heart, man. Never let your guard down again! Ever again!" Christy knocked on the door. He opened it with ferocity. "You!" he growled. "May I please come in?" He was totally flummoxed by her appearance on his porch. "Don't you have to entertain your gentleman callers?" She stepped past him and turned. She put her hands on her hips and began to tap her foot. In her best schoolmarm voice, she said, "Neil, I am very annoyed at you. How dare you jump to conclusions without any facts. Samuel Layton is my cousin. He is my Aunt Violet's son. She is my father's youngest sister. He came by for a visit with my brother George. I have not seen Samuel in years. They moved from Asheville to Chicago. He came South to visit his rebel relatives. His father is a staunch Yankee who fell hopelessly in love with a southern belle. You did not have the decency to allow me to introduce them to you. No, no, you stiff necked man. You jumped to conclusions, no thanks to Ruby Mae's interference." "Forgive me Neil, but I thought that recent events, your marriage proposal, and your special attention to me meant that you truly loved me. Perhaps I misunderstood your intentions, and heard wrong, as I often do, it seems. So I will ask you a question, using a fishing analogy. Perhaps that will make it easier for you to understand." He growled again. "We are at a point in our lives where I have to make a decision, Doctor. You have been hooked, and I have been hooked, and the lines are played out. I have a choice to make now. Is my decision catch and release, or are you a keeper? If you are a catch and release, it has been an interesting time, you have fought a good fight. You are a noble creature who deserves freedom. And your freedom is important to me, more than you may ever realize, Neil MacNeill. Are you a keeper? You will always be a special part of my life. You occupy a place in my heart and soul. I would love to be with you forever. But not at the cost of your freedom. I need a little help with this decision, Doctor. Are you a catch and release or are you a keeper?" "What do you think, Lass?" "I asked you first." A devilish glint lit up his eyes. "Oh sweet Lass. I am definitely a keeper!" He swept her up into his arms." "My thoughts exactly," she managed to say before his lips crushed hers in a wave crashing kiss that curled her toes and left them both breathless. Late in the afternoon they returned to the Mission, with the promise of a bright and glorious future shining in their eyes. The End.