Chapter 31
I started at the sound. Turning slowly, I found myself staring at Dr. Ferrand. This was horrible and not to mention, rather embarrassing. I fumbled with the knotted rope belt around my waist and tugged the holey sheet off of my shoulder, while I formed my answer.
"I was just going through the mission barrels, looking for things that have been passed over several times for..." I felt my throat close on my words. I was totally unprepared for Dr. Ferrand's arrival. I was certain Miss Alice said he would be back late tomorrow or the following day.
"For what, Miss Huddleston?" His eyebrows arched expectantly over his eyes.
I took a deep breath and tried again. "For the masquerade that we have planned."
"Masquerade? We?"
"Yes. It's a party where attendants dress as a literary character or historical figure."
"I know very well what a masquerade is and what it entails. And we, who?"
"Myself and Miss Alice." I swallowed hard. Though his voice was low and even, I could hear the slightest edge of anger biting through.
"Alice agreed to this foolhardy idea? I can't believe that." He took a step closer to me and thrust an accusatory finger in my direction. "This is frivolous and completely unwarranted, but I expect nothing less from a privileged city girl like yourself. You need to be more like..."
I took a step forward and pointed my own accusatory finger at him. My own vehemence took me by surprise. "Dr. Ferrand, I am like no one else. I am myself. And I might very well have been a pampered city girl, but I have seen both sides of life since I came here. I have seen suffering and heartbreak with my own eyes, felt it in my own heart. I planned this idea, with the intention of easing some of that suffering, if only just for one evening." My voice shook; my tirade was losing steam. "I just wanted everyone to have a bit of fun for once."
Dr. Ferrand stood and looked at me for a long moment; his face was red and his chest puffed out. He was preparing to launch into another tirade, after I had interrupted his first. Was I destined to always be on the wrong foot with this man?
"Thee does recall what fun is, Jacob? Miss Huddleston was not alone in the planing of this either. Ruby Mae was the first to express the idea. Does thee recall how vivacious our Ruby Mae is? It doesn't really matter whose idea it was. What matters, is that it is true what Miss Huddleston said. We do need some fun around here and I see no harm in pretending to be a fictional character or interpreting a historical figure. There is no harm in pretending to be someone else for an evening for an event such as this. There is harm when we try to do as such in our everyday selves. Miss Huddleston is in fact, herself and she cannot be anyone else but herself. And I love her for this simple fact. Thee cannot be anyone but thyself, Jacob. And I care for you because of that simple fact as well."
It was at times like this, when Miss Alice impressed me most. The fact that she took my words as inspiration was very gratifying. Even more gratifying was the fact that she had put Dr. Ferrand in his place. His shoulders slumped forward slightly and some of the arrogance in his expression had slipped. She did this all with a sure and steady voice. No yelling or screaming, just eloquently stated and thoughtful words.
Dr. Ferrand turned to face Miss Alice. "Forgive me, Alice. A man of my age should know better than to chastise youth so harshly. Miss Huddleston has always proven herself to me to be more than she seems. I forget that she is a grown woman; in my eyes she is still a girl. She doesn't need my guidance or criticisms."
"Even the wisest of adults needs guidance and criticism, Jacob. It is all in how we fulfill that need, that makes the difference."
"I'll go make us all a pot of tea. If you'll excuse me." I stepped into the kitchen so that they could have a private discussion. Their voices faded as I stepped into the kitchen and busied myself with starting a kettle of water to boil. I secretly wondered if Miss Alice was ever going to answer Dr. Ferrand's proposal. I didn't want to be nosy and ask her, nor did I want to overhear that particular conversation, but I couldn't help but be intrigued. I resisted the urge to tip-toe quietly into the next room and eavesdrop.
By the time I had the tea prepared, their discussion had turned to a lighthearted discussion. I was grateful.
"Good. You're just in time to hear about the new preacher I selected for service here. I do think you and Alice will find him a most fascinating man."
I sat the tea tray down on a nearby table with mock enthusiasm. I came to the conclusion that Dr. Ferrand would never be a close confidant, no matter how hard I tried to like him. I would still try hard to appreciate him, no matter what. I smiled and sat down. "I hope I do." I was just hoping this new preacher didn't take a romantic interest in me like David had. I couldn't do that again.
"I was on a train to Baltimore from Pennsylvania when I met him by chance. I had visited a few seminaries but had no luck in finding someone willing to serve our mission. I struck up a conversation with my seatmate and found out that he was a preacher. Not only that, but he was a native of North Carolina and knows of the great need here in the Appalachians. I found him most agreeable."
I swallowed a large mouthful of tea. I didn't want to be a pessimist, but if Dr. Ferrand found him agreeable, then it was highly likely the rest of us would not. I chided myself for judging people before I met them. "What did you say his name is, Dr. Ferrand?"
"Zebulon Harper. I would tell you all more about him, but he is a born storyteller and he has quite a story to tell. We parted ways in Asheville. He had come east to visit his family, on a sort of personal pilgrimage to the places that were instrumental in shaping him into the man he became."
"He does sound like a most interesting man indeed. When should we expect him?" Miss Alice rested her teacup gently on it saucer.
"He should be here in a few days time, by the end of next week certainly."
"Christy, Dr. Ferrand met Dan in El Pano. Perhaps thee would like to welcome them back tomorrow?"
"Oh, that sounds wonderful, Miss Alice. I was planning on visiting Aunt Hattie tomorrow too. I'll make up a welcome home basket for them. I should do that now." I excused myself and went back to the kitchen.
While I was packing some preserves into a basket, I glanced out into the moonlit yard. The barn and stables were still dark. Bird's Eye wasn't back yet. I was worried. He hadn't taken his son's letter very well, and now that Dr. Ferrand was here, I wasn't sure he would ever come back to the mission. I was surprised to find myself missing his presence. If I could miss Bird's Eye Taylor, then maybe there was hope for Dr. Ferrand.
(*)
The following morning dawned chilly and overcast. The break in the winter weather had ended. I dressed warmly to do the morning chores and went downstairs. As I stepped into the kitchen, Ruby Mae was feeding logs into the stove. There was a pot of coffee, already brewed, keeping warm on top. I thought I could smell biscuits.
"Good morning, Ruby Mae. You're up early."
"Mornin Miz Christy. Oh, I figgered I'd get up early and help out with some of the chores Mr. Taylor usually does, since he ain't here an all." She sounded sincere enough, but I had a feeling she was planning something. Or hiding something. Did she know about the dress? That would be impossible. I had taken every precaution I could to keep it secret.
"Well that is very nice of you, Ruby Mae. I'll just go and feed the chickens then."
"Already did."
"Well, I'll milk the cow."
"Gots all the milk the cow has in that thar pail." She pointed to the dry sink, where the pail sat. "I'll take it on out to the spring house after I make a go of sausage gravy. I'll start on that in a few more minutes. Them biscuits be about halfway to done."
"Is there anything else to do Ruby Mae?"
"Nope. Rekin I did it all afore you came down. I'm sure you have some papers to grade or some such."
"Well I do, but I was going to do that after I went to see Dan Scott and Aunt Hattie."
"I'll make sure I send some biscuits along for Mr. Scott."
"That's very nice of you Ruby Mae. I'm sure Dan and Cecile will appreciate that. They just got back to the Cove yesterday." Hopefully, those biscuits of Ruby Mae's were edible. Her cooking attempts had been improving, but biscuits were still her weak point. I couldn't blame her. Fairlight had taught me several times and I still couldn't master the art behind them.
I made my way back up to my room, but couldn't concentrate. I went through my supply of books, looking for one to read to Aunt Hattie. I selected a few, knowing she enjoyed being read to, and a few Jane Austen books would do nicely.
While eating breakfast, Ruby Mae appeared rather curious about the speed of my eating. As soon as my last forkful had entered my mouth, she swooped in and removed my plate to the kitchen. I stood and carried my fork to the kitchen and went to collect the basket I prepared last night. I hadn't even gotten through the door, when Ruby Mae thrust the basket into one hand and retrieved my fork from the other.
"Ruby Mae, are you trying to rush me off?"
"No. I'd never do somthin like that."
"Okay. Well then, I better go." I turned to go back out of the barely entered kitchen to get my coat and scarf.
"Miz Christy?"
"Yes Ruby Mae?"
"When are ye gonna tell the class about the maskeeraid?"
"Tomorrow and you're going to tell them. It was your idea, so it's only fair that you tell them."
She squealed delightedly and grasped me in a tight hug. "Thank ye, Miz Christy." She released me and dashed up the stairs.
I shook my head. I knew she was up to something but I couldn't figure out what. I just hoped that she wasn't trying to plan her costume in secret. Maybe I should try and find out what she was planning on going as. I didn't want to tell her about her dress, but I didn't want her working so hard on something she might not get a chance to wear.
The way up the ridge to Dan Scott's cabin was easy, so I walked, knowing that Aunt Hattie's cabin wasn't far off from his. I preferred walking over riding. I was able to take in the stark beauty of winter much better. Though the trees were nearly the same shade as the sky, I assumed that it would change in the next few days. The crispness that bit at my nose indicated snow. This time when it snowed, I was going to take my time and enjoy it. I hadn't the last time.
I kept my visit with Dan and Cecile brief. I felt like I was intruding somehow. They were welcoming enough, but I felt the need to give them time and space to adjust. Dan was hoping that in the spring he would be ready to apply to a medical school. Cecile, at first was reluctant to commit to helping at the school, but I think after a few days here in Cutter Gap, I might be able to convince her. I left the basket with the best wishes from the mission, promising that Ruby Mae's biscuits were in fact edible.
As I left the warmth of their cabin, I let excitement wash over me. There was so much newness in the Cove, the exhilaration of it made me feel giddy. I had all but forgotten to hold on to joy these past few months. With the arrival of new faces and new plans, I was a child again, light and happy. Buoyant. I would have skipped my way to Aunt Hattie's cabin, but I knew I'd trip more times than would be decent. So I absently hummed a happy tune as I went.
Aunt Hattie's tiny cabin always sparked me with curiosity. It was the most tidy and orderly of all the cabins in Cutter Gap, but there was something more than that. It had an air of love and graciousness about it, a welcoming light shining from within. Her cabin seemed to contain the soul of Cutter Gap; the stuff that ran as an undercurrent to all the strife and difficulties present here. The love and the laughter that drives life forward, no matter what and come what may.
I felt guilty about not paying Aunt Hattie a visit sooner. I enjoyed my visits with her and she enjoyed my company too. I made a mental note to stop in and visit more often.
I heard her clear voice just as I reached the cabin. She often sang. Hearing her voice was exactly like stepping into a spot where the sun had been shining through a window for some time, warm and soothing.
"Aunt Hattie, it's Christy Huddleston." As custom in Cutter Gap, I always called out before approaching a cabin; it was no different with Aunt Hattie.
"Oh Christy, I knew you'd come today. Come inside, come inside."
I pushed the door open and the warmth, both from the fire in the hearth and from the hostess, rushed to meet me. "I'm sorry I haven't been to see you."
"It's forgiven child. You're here today and that's what matters. Come, take your coat off and sit by the fire. There's peppermint tea, if you'd like."
I hung my things on a hook by the door. Walking over to the fire, I warmed my chilly hands before seeking a mug for tea. I noticed Aunt Hattie was knitting. I couldn't help but marvel at her handiwork.
"How do you do it?"
"Do what, my dear?"
"Knitting."
She rested her project in her lap and smiled. "I've been knitting for so long, I could've done it with my eyes closed long afore my eyes went bad. Come here and close your eyes. Now touch the shawl. Feel how each stitch feels different under yer fingers?"
"I do."
"Waal, that's what guides me when I'm uncertain. Of course, there's still mistakes. Bound to happen to onybody."
"Still it amazes me that you can knit so well." I settled in a nearby chair with my mug of hot peppermint tea. "I brought some books with me today. Would you like me to read to you?"
"Lands yes. What did you bring?"
"I remembered how much you liked Sense and Sensibility, so I brought some more Jane Austen books. Let's try Pride and Prejudice. It's one of my very favorite books."
Quite some time later, I paused in our reading, thinking I heard something moving just on the other side of the door. I waited expecting someone to call out and enter the cabin. No one came in and Aunt Hattie seemed not to notice the slight noise. I continued on.
"To Mr. Darcy it was welcome intelligence - Elizabeth had been at Netherfield long enough. She attracted him more than he liked - and Miss Bingley was uncivil to her, and more teazing than usual to himself. He wisely resolved to be particularly careful that no sign of admiration should now escape him, nothing that could elevate her with the hope of influencing his felicity; sensible that if such an idea had been suggested, his behaviour during the last day must have material weight in confirming or crushing it. Steady to his purpose, he scarcely spoke ten words to her through the whole of Saturday, and though they were at one time left by themselves for half an hour, he adhered most conscientiously to his book, and would not even look at her." I was about to turn the page, when someone called out.
"It's Neil, Aunt Hattie. I've brought some firewood for you."
The cabin door swung open, sending cold air swirling in and curling around my ankles. I looked up to see Dr. MacNeill carrying in an armload of split wood. He didn't seem exactly surprised that I was there and nodded a brief hello. He stacked the wood carefully, focused on his task.
"Thank you, Neil. You didn't have to go through all the trouble of splitting it at your place and bringing it here."
"Ah, well, I didn't. It was part of my payment from the Becks. They had a lot of dead wood from some of the summer storms. I couldn't carry all of it for long on Charlie."
"Will you stay on for supper Neil? I was about to set some ham and potatoes to boil. Christy, would you like to stay too?"
"I would love to but I probably should get back to the mission. Thank you though." I closed my book and got up to return it to my bag.
"You don't have to interrupt your visit on my account. I'm sure Aunt Hattie wants to find out more out Elizabeth and Darcy."
I slipped the book into its place, turned and looked at Neil quizzically. "I didn't know you enjoyed Jane Austen?"
Neil looked at me a little sheepishly. "I wouldn't say I enjoyed her novels. I had to read them in one of my college literature courses."
"Really?" I looked at him. I wondered how he knew what I was reading. Was he making the noise that I had heard earlier?
"Yes really. Won't you stay?" Though he didn't say it, his eyes implied a sincere please. Aunt Hattie didn't say a word; she continued knitting, humming quietly.
I lingered by the door, debating. If I stayed, it would be dark before I got back to the mission and Dr. Ferrand would more than likely be furious. I wanted more than anything to stay. "I really should get back before dark. Dr. Ferrand arrived last night."
Neil smiled then. "I see. You ought to go back, then." He bent down to stir the fire.
"Christy, it was so nice of you to stop by. Before you go, could you help me with peelin them taters?"
"Of course."
"Neil, you be a good boy and help her. Fetch the ham and the pot."
I peeled and sliced the potatoes while Neil readied the ham. We worked silently, occasionally brushing past each other. At last, I put the final slices of potatoes into the pot. "I'm done. I'll make sure to stop in and see you soon." I bent down to lightly kiss aunt Hattie's cheek.
"That's good. I have a hankerin to finish our story. That Mr. Darcy sounds like someone familiar. Have a safe trip and tell Miss Alice hello for me."
"I will," I promised as I stepped to the door and gathered my things.
"Christy, I'll see you back to the mission if you'd like."
I pulled my coat on and wrapped my scarf loosely around my neck. "No, that's all right. Stay and visit with you aunt."
"Go with her, Neil. I'll be fine. Just come back tomorrow, if you've the time."
I wanted to argue, but held my tongue. I waited by the door as Neil said goodbye to his aunt.
Outside, the light was dimming, dying behind the thickening clouds. Dusk during winter was a magical time, even with the clouds. The ethereal glow encompassed the whole of the land.
"Will you ride with me?"
"It isn't that far to the mission. I can walk."
"If you insist." Neil pulled on Charlie's reins and followed behind me, up the trail toward the mission.
We walked in silence, not unlike the day or so before. "You seem worried, Christy. What is it?"
"Oh, nothing I suppose. Well, Dr. Ferrand is back and there's a new preacher coming in a few days." I heard Neil's footsteps stop for a second.
"Is that what you're worried about? That this new preacher might be like David?"
"I did wonder that he might be, but Dr. Ferrand said we would like him. I doubt that he would be like David. Did you hear Dan is back?"
"Aye, I heard. I visited them before I stopped by Aunt Hattie's."
I stopped and whirled around to face him. "That's how you knew I would be there. You were eavesdropping! I knew I heard something outside the cabin."
Neil flashed me a mischievous smile. "Perhaps." He tugged on Charlie's reins and walked forward, passing me.
I smiled after him. "Neil MacNeill, you are a puzzlement."
"And so are you, Christy Huddleston."
"So did you actually have to read Jane Austen in college or did you make that up?"
"No, I did my first year, before doing pre-med studies. I can't say I enjoyed the course overmuch. But I did enjoy hearing you reading the story."
I felt a tinge of a blush creep up on my cheeks. I was flattered. I hurried to catch up with Neil in the dull light.
"Was there anything else bothering you?"
"I'm worried about Bird's Eye. Have you seen him around? I concerned that he won't come back to the mission at all, now that Dr. Ferrand is back."
"If Bird's Eye Taylor doesn't want to be found, he won't be. He'll come back when he's ready."
"I just know he's taking Lundy's letter badly. At least he knows where his son is at, knows he's safe."
"There's that." Neil's voice turned solemn. "He's hurting that's for sure. A man's heart doesn't take well to being abandoned, especially twice over. He's forced to confront his demons alone, relive mistakes he cannot undo." His words trailed off into the rising night.
A few minutes later, we arrived at the front steps of the mission, warm lamplight stretching across the yard to greet us.
"Well, here you are. I best get going." Neil made ready to mount Charlie and return to his cabin.
Something in the tone of his voice made me reach out and touch him lightly on the arm. "Stay."
He regarded me, a deep look. "I will."
A/N: Thanks to those who are still reading this, even though I've been remiss in my updates. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. Enjoy this special extra long gift from me to you. Here's to a great 2011.