Alice Henderson continued brushing silent tears off her cheeks all the way to the Huddleston home. Her daughter was now a Christian, thanks to the aide of David Grantland. Margaret had said many glowing compliments about Christy Huddleston, too, which surprised Alice. She had noticed an instant boundary of friction between the two. She recalled something Margaret had said about Christy.
"It was amazing, Mother," Margaret said, a small smile in her eyes. "Miss Huddleston just comes in here, sits with me, and talks with me. Really listened. And I know she has feelings for Mac. I wish I had such a heart. She's an inspiration."
Alice had started at hearing such things about her son-in-law and the teacher but had not dwelled on them. Her daughter was a far more pressing, important matter. And hearing such praise come from her daughter's mouth about anyone, especially people at the mission, made her heart soar. She had never felt such joy before.
But now Alice was thinking about it. Neil was no longer her son-in-law, she realized. It saddened her deeply that Margaret had divorced. Was it best? Even being against God's word? Alice had to wonder. Alice began thinking that a relationship beyond friendship between Neil and Christy was unlikely and outlandish. David Grantland was far too romantically persuasive and Christy appeared to be rather taken with the reverend, as well.
Alice was certain Neil harbored some kind of feelings for the younger woman. That was his business now, not hers. But Alice could not help be concerned. Christy was much more naive and inexperienced in the romance department, in physical and emotional and spiritual categories. Neil had, after all, been married before. He was also considerably older. He had a bad temper at times, too.
Then Alice began thinking about the look in his eyes when he looked at Christy or the students. They softened. Involuntarily, Alice thought. He would look at the children or Christy and Alice saw how he reacted to them. He was gentle. A memory that stuck out in Alice's mind was when Christy's father had a stroke. She could remember the gentle, caring look in his eyes as he made his way to the other side of Christy. Christy had been staring fearfully before her, dreading Neil's return. He had put a fond hand on her shoulder and quietly told her the news. His voice had been so smooth and soft and he had delicately pat her shoulder when he had had to leave.
Then she remembered again the differences between Neil and Christy. Alice frowned then pushed it from her mind, deciding to let them worry about it. They had not yet made it anyone's business.
Alice walked in to see a fairly quiet group of people eating supper. They greeted her, save George who was spending the night with a friend. Christy noticed the mist in Alice's eyes.
"Miss Alice, is everything all right?" Christy asked, her brow furrowing in concern for the Quaker woman.
Miss Alice smiled gently in that way of hers. This young woman was rapidly growing in spiritual ways. "Miss Huddleston, I should like a brief opportunity with thee," Alice said, tilting her head towards the hallway.
Christy rose, setting her napkin next to her food. "Would you excuse us?" Christy asked her parents, who waved her away. Christy followed Alice from the room.
"Reverend Grantland, wilst thou join us?" inquired Alice.
David excused himself as well, now guessing it was a mission matter. He went after the two women and they stood in the hall, out of hearing range. "What is it, Miss Alice?" David asked her, the concern clearly seen on his face.
"I wished to thank thee both," Alice said softly, the corners of her mouth twitching with the desire to smile widely. "For they guidance with Margaret. Thee both reached her heart and she has joined the fold. Of course, thee knows that."
Christy's face lit up reflexively. "Oh, no, Miss Alice, I had no idea! I'm so happy for you."
Miss Alice was surprised to hear this. "Thee did not know?"
"Christy had already left when I arrived," David explained, his deep voice even deeper by the low volume of his voice.
Christy turned to look up at David. "You went to see her?"
David nodded as Miss Alice touched a hand to either of their arms. The immense joy was on her face. The joy of the children, Christy thought. She thought of the children's immense natural happiness often. She wished adults had that same delight. But it was in Miss Alice now as she thought of how her daughter was a fellow Christian.
"I simply wished to thank thee both," stated the missionary. "Thy interference has given me much peace."
"Miss Alice, she was listening to you long before she ever listened to anyone else," Christy said. "God deserves the credit."
"And you are a close second, Alice," David said with a kind smile. *So this is true Christianity,* he was thinking. Already he was feeling the wonderful serenity that came from revelations such as Margaret's and the excitement from successful missions such as this one.
"Give thy credit solely to God," replied Alice.
She herded them back to the table and apologized to the remaining people about leaving. "I must decline from thy supper," Alice informed them as Christy and David took their seats again. "I must return to the hospital."
"Of course," allowed Julia.
Neil's brow furrowed. "Alice, is Margaret all right?"
Alice looked at Neil, a sparkle in her eyes. "She is fine," Alice said. "But thee might want to come visit with her."
Dr. MacNeill walked into the Victorian home with Alice later that evening. It was nearly nine o'clock and the house was relatively quiet. Alice looked at him, able to tell he was touched by Margaret. Having left the room while they had a talk, Alice did not know what transpired between them but she had a guess that it was good.
"I believe a visit to Miss Huddleston would be in order, Neil," Alice said, her eyes sparkling with delight and mischief.
It was a life Neil had never seen and a life Alice could not remember well.
"I believe so," Neil agreed thoughtfully. He mused over it as he headed to the back. Alice had received a brief farewell as he walked to the garden. He had noticed Christy spending her late evenings there over the past few days. He decided to see her.
She was beautiful, standing in the moonlight. It danced off her brown hair. The breeze gently blew locks in her face. Neil saw her profile, half shadowed by the light of the quarter moon. She held a shawl tightly and was standing, just looking. Such intense focus was something she admired about him, Christy had once briefly said before blushing in that charming way of hers. He could return the flattery now.
"Christy?"
Christy turned to Neil as he took a step forward.