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Dear Cole,
I hope this letter finds you well. My darling husband and I would like to thank you for the four boisterous days we shared with you in Paris. Without a doubt you were the perfect host, Cole McKenzie. Dear Aunt Jo was right when she said you were meant for Paris.
We have left mother and father in London along with Mini May. Mother cried endlessly - poor Fred didn't know what to make of it. As usual Father was giving me business advice inbetween fits of appraisal. “Diana you must have inherited my knack for running successfully enterprises,” he bellowed “I'm so glad I decided finishing school would not be the place for you.” It took every ounce of will power to squash a roll of the eyes at him. I do hope they enjoy the year long trip around Europe as planned - for more reasons than one.
We are settled on the ship ready for the final sprint home. I'm beginning to feel exhausted and am looking forward to using the journey as an excuse to sleep.
You won't believe who is a passenger with us. Gilbert Blythe! He was the last person I anticipated to be taking a seat in the dining room. You of course would remember Fred was best friends with Gilbert before Fred's family relocated to East Grafton, around the time Gilbert went West with his father. The two men reunited as if they haven't aged in fifteen years. It was very sweet to watch and laugh with them as we shared many memories, some of which you would have enjoyed.
Gilbert was travelling without Winifred as she had chosen to stay London. I suppose it's not peculiar for a man to travel without his wife but I couldn't help but ask some questions. I inquired on her health wondering if she was with child in what I thought was a subtle way. He got my hint and said no. Gilbert must have noticed the look shared between myself and Fred because he asked if I was expecting. It felt like a betrayal he found out before beloved Anne. I'm longing to tell her of our new addition, yet dread the moment too.
You might be wondering why Gilbert was in London – turns out the pathetic French lessons we had at school made learning at the Sorbonne difficult. Every spare moment was dedicated to learning French. It all became a bit too much and so he transferred to the Royal College. I will admit feeling a little victory on behalf of Anne. Remember our poor girls melancholy after his quick wedding and departure, even when she confessed her love.
He is now working in research for the College, enjoying life in London and outwardly seemed to be in good spirits. Yet there was a sadness about him. The mood picked up when he asked about my adventures post Avonlea. I told him Marilla convinced Mother and Father to let me go to Queens instead of Finishing School in Paris, and Anne taking the teaching course in one year leaving the rest of us behind to be Principal at Summerside. He admitted hearing the news from Miss Stacy of Anne's scholarly success. Of course I left out the story of Anne's beloved William's cruel departure with Joyce. Oh how it still makes my blood boil two years on. It didn't feel right to discuss Anne's misfortune with Gilbert especially after his treatment of Anne. She will have luck and find new love someday.
I skipped forward to Aunt Josephines passing and the generous inheritance bequeathed onto us all. Myself inheriting her home, money to Anne, yourself, my parents and Rollings. Fred jumped in at this point talking up what I had achieved. He sounded like my father! Turning Aunt Josephines house into a useful space, providing free education for children in the Bog and other poor neighbourhoods has been one of my greatest achievements. Offering children a chance to read, learn another language, to draw, sing, play a musical instrument...well you know how happy this endeavour has made us.
I am so thankful Anne took up the slack so Fred and I could enjoy our honeymoon. She is a dear and I cannot wait to see her. Fred was most sincere telling Gilbert how harmoniously Anne and myself work together. I don't doubt that, but also knocked on the wooden table so his words don't jinx our good fortune so far.
I will finish this letter now and put into the mail tomorrow. Three more days until we are back on land.
Write to us soon.
All my love
Diana Wright