Chapter Text
"They seem unhappy," assessed the old lady in a tone of disappointment.
She and Cole had been looking forward to the arrival of the two young people. They had spent whole afternoons guessing at their relationship, reading between the lines of the long letters Anne sent weekly, never lacking details of afternoons spent at his house. Not that there was any explicit admission of an interest beyond friendship, but the letters never failed to offer anecdotes about their mutual progress at school or at work in the newspaper, about how supportive Gilbert was of Mary and Sebastian or how completely in love he was with his niece, little Delly.
"It seems so to me too", Cole agreed, letting go of the lace curtain that covered the window from which they had seen the whole scene.
The two walked on the path, which crossed the large garden in front of Josephine Barry's house: her heads bent, a clear contrariety in her gaze, he just behind, hands in the pockets, jaw clenched and gloomy eyes.
"Do you think something serious has happened?" the old woman enquired alarmed, but the young man shook his head:
"No, I guess, they had some silly argument. Knowing them they were not able to explain or apologise in the right way. But I'm not going to let things go like last time."
The two looked at each other consciously, both knowing the details of the struggles that Anne and Gilbert had in the past, and the time and distance needed to forgive each other.
"These two should begin and use their extensive vocabulary not only to write letters," the young man said.
"And what do you have in mind?"
Cole smiled at his patron and declared:
“ Let me do it and just follow my lead” then he ran for the door, followed by the more elegant and measured step of the woman.
Meanwhile, the couple says goodbye without any enthusiasm, planning for the next return journey. Cole called the girl, she turned, and her face abandoned the broken mask to wear the most radiant smile. The two friends had not seen each other for months: since he left Avonlea, to take control of his life under the wing of Miss Barry. Since then, he has been able to devote himself completely to the passion of art, both in practice and with study, and to live in an inclusive environment in which he did not feel judged and knew that he was not discriminated against for his personality, or for his inclinations. He left behind the five steps of Miss Barry’s porch, to athletically jump into the arms of the girl who, for so long, had been his only lifeline. No one had supported him like Anne, as he struggled to understand himself and gain acceptance from others. She was there then and always would be. This was a certainty. Today he would go with her on her journey in search of information about her parents. They would take the ferry to New Scotland to go to the orphanage where she grew up. She knew her friend would face a difficult test. Although he did not like doing it, she had told him about the years of her sad childhood, and how the walls of the orphanage where she had spent the first years of life steeped in loneliness and unpleasant memories. He would be close to her to support her. He loved her, as one loves a sister, and more. He knew her well enough to understand that apprehension about the journey ahead would make her nervous and inclined to react recklessly to the slightest wrong. Sometimes it was also necessary to protect her from herself, to help her to stem her impulsiveness. Cole had read the guilt in her eyes, and understood, even without knowledge of events, that the tension with Gilbert linked to something she held herself responsible for. As he twirled her in his arms, he had time to see the other boy's eyes fill with disillusionment, and if possible, grow even sadder. “ Jealousy,” Cole thought.
He did not know Gilbert as well. When his family moved to Avonlea, he was off on his voyage to the South Seas. In the few months they had been classmates, he had always been kind, but they had never become confidants. He could not deny himself that for a while, secretly, it had been the cause of his heart rate racing. There was nothing original or unexpected: Gilbert Blythe was undeniably the most handsome boy he had ever known, and his brief infatuation was shared with a good part of the population of the small Avonlea school. He had quietly placed the secret in the box of memories, like a nice souvenir, without any regrets or remorse. Cole was an extremely sensitive boy and a skilled observer, it had not escaped him how attracted he was to Anne, how he looked at her or always found ways to be close to her. He had even revealed it to the girl, who had vehemently denied it, but he had concluded that she too was not indifferent to the boy's charm, and that their squabbles were reactions to feelings they could not understand, or control. By staying away, through correspondence, he had become even more enthusiastic about the strange story of Anna and Gilbert.
He knew he could not force his hand, it wouldn't be right, but making them a little more aware might have prevented them from continuing to hurt themselves. He put Anne back on the ground and yelled in the direction of the youg who was already distancing himself:
"Gilbert, man, don't even think about leaving without a handshake."
The first sensation was to receive a bucket of icy water on his back, at once followed by a flush of warm shame that crossed his entire body, to settle crimson on his face. " Perfect! Cole Mackenzie just reminded me of manners! "
It would have been very rude to leave without even saying goodbye: he could see him more as an acquaintance than as a friend, but he was certainly not a stranger. Despite his embarrassment, he took the courage to turn to the boy, who was walking towards him with a genuine smile and an outstretched hand.
Behind him Anne embraces the host, who with unexpected enthusiasm calls them:
"Anne Girl, has finally arrived, and you?" she added, "you must be the famous Gilbert Blythe, and a real honour to be able to host you in my home."
She smiled at both pointing to the entrance, where Rollings watched the scene, amazed that he had replaced in his reception task.
While still holding Cole’s hand, Gilbert was confused: embarrassed, he could easily decline the invitation by appealing to his commitment to Doctor Ward’s office, but at the same time flattered by the words used by Miss Barry and gradually more curious: “ "Famous? Why? Who told you about me?” A small flame reigned in his heart. “Maybe Anne?"
"The pleasure is my Miss Barry," he managed to formulate.
The woman slipped her arm into Anne's:
"Come on, Anne" and she added firmly:
“Rollings, make our guest sit down, and you Cole, keep him company. Anne and I are away for a moment. We will soon join you in the tearoom."
Once everyone was inside, Rollings closed the door as the group split in opposite directions.
Miss Barry led Anne upstairs.
"Come my dear, we must hurry, it would be rude to leave those two alone too long."
Anne wondered where she was leading her. They entered the room where she had once spent the night in Diana's company, a box with an elegant engraving of golden letters was placed on the bed: “ Lanvin (Mlle Jeanne) Modes Maison de couture Jeanne Lanvin. Paris, 22 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré''
“I thought,” explained the old lady, “that for this journey it might be useful to change your appearance a bit. Look a little older, and it will not be difficult since you look really grown-up now. Consider it my birthday present!"
Anne could not believe it, she threw her arms around the moved woman's neck: "Oh Aunt Jo, thank you for this thoughtful gift!!"
With trembling hands, she uncovered the box which had an elegant suit of sage green silk, gold striped. The wide skirt adorned with a darker flounce, the same one that enriched the lapels of the jacket on which curls and zigzags of golden thread glittered. The white shirt was finely embroidered to the whole combined with a graceful hat decorated with flowers and feathers.
Anne's face was lit up with wonder: “It's such an exquisite gift!! I think I have never seen anything more refined and… "words failed her " I cannot imagine being able to wear it. I don't think I deserve it."
"And why on earth?" Aunt Jo questioned
She took a few steps away from the woman and blurted out:
"It’s all so complicated. I have been looking forward to my 16 years. I feel more mature, and I want others to understand that. That I can make decisions," she explained, "But Marilla has no confidence in my ability to take care of myself. She treats me like I am inadequate and needy, accompanied everywhere like a child. You should have seen her this morning at the train station ... "then distressed continued " It was embarrassing to say the least! And right in front of Gilbert Blythe," she sighed and let herself fall on the bed; hiding her face with her hands as she moved her head in denial: "I ruined everything again with him, I always do. I let my temper take over and, I think, I hurt him. And how can I expect people to take me seriously if I cannot keep my emotions at bay?" Miss Barry was aware of Anne’s affection for the boy, not that there had ever been a blatant admission, but since they met, he had been the subject of several conversations. She confirmed it when she helped her to track him down on board the Primrose. His intention to inform him of the presence of gold in Avonlea could certainly not be considered as a mere courtesy. Gilbert’s opinion was not, for Anne, one among many.
"Being able to apologise and understand your own mistakes is a sign of maturity; so, I think, there are no impediments to wearing your dress," she smiled encouragingly, before continuing, "I’ll help you put it on and fix your hair, the braids do not seem suitable."
Anne hugged the woman again: "Thank you!" and added, "I tried; you know? To apologise. He said it was fine, but I know it was not true. He did not talk to me the whole way or even the way from the station to here. He also avoided looking at me, pretending I was not there. I realise I deserved his indifference. I hate that he has so much power over me."
Miss Barry took Anna’s hands and held them, reassuring her:
“If something hurts you, it means that it is not indifferent to you, and this applies to both." saw that Anne wanted to object and continued: " I think life is too short to pass nourishing resentment and meditating on the mistakes of others ." Anne smiled at Jane Eyre’s quote "or about own mistakes" , continued the old lady. " So, I think you can make a second attempt with Gilbert Blythe. He seems like a reasonable young man, do not leave him in resentment. But first, let us get on with that dress, I’m sure you’ll look lovely."
Anne got carried away by the excitement of trying on something so different from her usual clothes. Over time, Marilla had persuaded to give her a cheerier dress than the sober clothes of early years in Green Gables, but rarely allowed anything too frivolous. Anne shared with her the idea that appearance was not the most important thing to evaluate people, and the disastrous accident with hair dye moderated her vanity, but she thought, by assessing her own reflection in the mirror, "There’s nothing wrong with feeling a little cuter. " And it really was. The corset, although uncomfortable, emphasised the shapes of her body no longer childish, emphasing life, and giving it a more harmonious appearance. The long skirt slender her figure and the colour of the dress, it matched perfectly with that of her hair, which for once, and to her great amazement, seemed to be perfect:
"I only regret that this is destined to visit Saint Albans," she sighed, addressing Miss Barry.
"Anne, you don’t have to face that place if it bothers you so much."
"Oh, it will, that’s for sure! But that is where I will be able to find information about my parents. To face the future, I need to know my past." Then, adding with conviction:" I love Marilla and Matthew with all my heart, they are my family, we belong to each other, I have no doubt about this."
"But?" The woman asked kindly as she held the girl’s shoulders with her worn hands.
"But I need to know who my parents were, if there is anything that unites me to them, to know my roots, to extract sap and continue my growth path."
"It seems right, Anne girl. Knowledge can help, but whatever you discover, it will not change your wonderful essence. Remember that it is you regardless of your origins." Then, pointing to the door, she urged her, "And now, let us join those two downstairs. Before leaving, we put things right with “YOUR” Gilbert Blythe." The emphasis on YOUR had not escaped the girl, but this time she accepted the implication.
Gilbert had never seen a house so elegant: the floors were covered with carpets with multicoloured blooms, in the middle of the large room was a round cherry wood table supported by a pedestal carved with arabesques and curls and covered with an embroidered linen tablecloth, on which trays full of sweets were placed. Lace curtains adorned the large windows. The sofa and the two armchairs, covered in sumptuous brocade, delimited the space reserved for tea service; a refined porcelain service displayed on a smaller table. From the ceiling hung a large chandelier of crystal drops, illuminated by twelve light bulbs: " Electricity, " thought Gilbert, remembering that it was the house of Miss Barry, the one from which they had taken, for the "rescue plan" of Miss Stacy. The walls were covered with paintings depicting Greek gods, rural landscapes, and he smiled at the sight of one in which he could recognize the cliff of Avonlea: the green of the meadow contrasted with the red of the promontory that soared against the blue of the sky and sank into the azure of the ocean, break by the white of the waves. On the side was a small signature " Cole Mackenzie 1899 ".
"It’s nice!" He complimented. " I assume your wrist has improved!"
"It’s not really what I wanted it to be," Cole humbly replied, "But Jo likes it ... and yes, my wrist is better, thank you," then he explained:
"The Cliff is a place that binds me deeply to Anne."
These words had the effect of a stab in the back, or at any rate, must have given Gilbert some form of pain, Cole thought, as he saw his shoulder blades tighten and his whole body stiffen. " Jealousy, " he confirmed.
He sat down on one of the armchairs and a gentle voice said, "Gilbert, come sit down, tell me about yourself."
He turned, despite the effort, could not hide his state of mind, his traits strained, and his eyes revealed if not hate at least dislike: " Deeply to bind ... I had no doubt " He knew that it was not right, but he could do nothing about it; then, he sought an excuse to leave the room and its unbreathable air:
"It’s time for me to leave, my work with Anne is over, and I think she’s in particularly capable hands. I have a commitment to my apprenticeship ... "
He was interrupted by Cole’s thunderous laughter. He could not help himself:
"Sorry, Gilbert, but you’re hiding it terribly!"
"What?"
Cole captured by a new attack, wiped his eyes, and breathed:
"Sorry" he decided to give the other boy a break. " I will take the risk," he thought. " I am home, I felt protected and safe. From what I knew, Gilbert Blythe was an open and non-discriminatory man.":
"You hide your feelings very badly, but I want to reassure you: I don’t find her attractive."
Gilbert felt humiliated, could not find any fun in Cole Mackenzie , sitting in his sumptuous armchair, who mocked him with his relationship with Anne, or worse, belittled it, as something irrelevant. Despite his resentment, the sense of protection towards her was instinctive. However, he replied:
"You don’t owe me any explanation, and neither did she. Although she was clear enough to point out that she doesn’t need me!"
Cole frowned; the fun vanished completely from his eyes:
"Wait! Stop! We will come back to this later. "Gilbert’s reaction confirmed his suspicions about a recent discussion between the two:
"I know Anne’s character, I know she can be... impulsive and say fiery words, but I’d like to explain why your assumptions are unfounded. Anne is the most important person in my life."
Gilbert did not want to hear it, but Cole, despite the obvious annoyance of the other, continued:
"I love her, but our love is absolutely platonic,"he showed him the other armchair,"sit down, Jo won’t forgive me if you leave without saying goodbye."
Gilbert collapsed in the armchair and Cole continued:
"She’s beautiful." He was looking for confirmation, and Gilbert nodded because it was a fact for him, so he continued:
"An unconventional beauty, but that makes her even more interesting. And I could list many other qualities that I'm sure you've noticed." Had it been necessary to reveal her own cards, she would not have given him a chance to hide his, "but I will never like her, at least not the way you like her. We became inseparable when you were away. You know things weren't easy for her, and they weren't easy for me either. We supported each other, she protected me from others and eventually from myself. She literally saved my life on that cliff." Cole concluded, now a bit overwhelmed.
He pointed to the painting and told Gilbert how desperate his life was in Avonlea, and the reason for his running away:
"So, you see, you have no reason to be jealous of me. I hope that doesn’t upset you too much."
Gilbert was not astonished by the revelation itself, but by the trust he was giving him:
"No, Cole, it doesn’t bother me, that doesn’t make you worse or better, it’s just a way of being, diversity, it doesn’t scare me, far from honestly. I think it is not easy to hide. Thank you for having so much confidence in me." And as a sign, he held out his hand.
Cole came back with a strong grip, and a smile and then he clarified:
"Well, maybe I wanted to take that chance. But I knew, they told me," he lowered his voice, conspiratorially, " wrote," he continued, "that you’re a person you can count on."
He was concerned about betraying Anne’s trust, but then he became convinced that Gilbert needed to boost his self-esteem a little, so he concluded:
"And how pleasant your company is."
Gilbert worked out the words, he knew that Anne wrote regularly to Cole, he felt a little relief, but he felt hurt, and he did not want to have useless illusions, not anymore.
"Look Cole, I don't know what your suggestion is. I thought we were going to be friends, but just as we were coming here, she made it clear that she didn't need me on her personal journey."
Cole looked at him sympathetically:
"Do you know where we’re going?"
Gilbert did not answer.
“We will go to Nova Scotia; we will visit the orphanage where she grew up to look for news about her parents. I am glad Marilla insisted on someone accompanying her. It will be difficult for her to return there. Even though Anne is an independent person and has always faced everything alone, I want to be there for her as she was there for me, in the darkest moments."
Gilbert sighed again, he too would have liked to be there for her, but she had been so explicit:
"I would, but she won't let me."
"Well, you have your commitment to Doctor Ward..."
"No Cole, if she had asked, I would have also gone to Nova Scotia, I would have gladly done it, but do you know what she replied?"
"I stupidly said I didn't need you." Anne took a few steps forward and looked at Gilbert with regretful eyes, she bit her lip: “You didn't let me before, but I have to apologize, once again for the rude tone as I took my frustration out on you. I wanted to affirm my autonomy and ability to take care of myself, and I felt embarrassed by Marilla's behaviour." Then she sighed, "Very foolish of me to want to show that I grew up while acting like a capricious child." She held out her hand to him as a sign of reconciliation.
Gilbert, to Cole's total amusement, was in obvious shock. "Anne?" He clearly could not think that the person in front of him was a child, but he was not sure that she was the same girl he had just taken the train ride with. For a moment the entire world turned upside down, he felt an uncontrollable euphoria, as if beauty were enough to erase all pain and bring him into a state of ecstatic bliss. It did not last long since his feelings had nothing to do with the calm peace of mind and much with the whirlwind of passion. He felt completely fascinated, and ready for any request, so he got up and took her hand, for an exceptionally long time. He wanted to just look her in the eye, but he had momentarily lost control of his brain and his eyes wandered unruly over her body.
Luckily, Miss Barry’s voice interrupted him:
"Rollings, please serve us the tea."
Then, she turned to her young guest:
"Sorry Gilbert, but we had some chores to settle. I hope you can stay a little longer with us."
Gilbert knew that Dr Ward would not be in the office that day and his task was simply to order the records: nothing urgent and easily postponed.
When Anne had asked him to escort her, he had agreed at once, not wanting to miss the opportunity to spend time with her: alone. Then everything had gone disastrously wrong, but there was a way to put things right:
"Yes, thank you Miss Barry, I can stay a little longer at least until Anne and Cole go to catch the ferry."
Anne, who had taken a seat next to Aunt Jo on the sofa, wanted to reinforce her apology:
“If I remember correctly, Doctor Ward's office is in the same direction as the port. We will be able to move together and take advantage of this beautiful sunny day for a walk in the open air, if that's okay with you? " she suggested hopefully.
Gilbert's eyes shone:
"Of course, Anne, as I said before I don't mind."
The two smiled at each other, happy to have cleared up the misunderstandings, and to enjoy Miss Barry's hospitality together.
Pastries were offered and tea was poured; despite the austerity of Rollings and the sophistication of the house and its owner, Gilbert felt perfectly at ease, he understood because the woman was so adored by Anne and Cole, wanting to use the vocabulary of the girl, "No, of the young woman" he corrected himself intimately, he might have considered her a kindred spirit.
"So, Gilbert, tell me a little about yourself, Anne told me a lot about your new family."
So, Anne was talking about him: to her friends. This made him germinate a new hope.
"He said family, ” he reminded himself, mut then he tried to comfort himself "yes, Blythe okay, get a grip, shall we try to be a little optimistic?" .
He abandoned his inner dialogue and answered the request:
“I was incredibly lucky to meet Sebastian, and even more so that he brought Mary into our life. I consider them completely my family, especially since Delly was born. She is lovely." He said with eyes that lit up with tenderness at the thought of the child.
Anne looked at him with sweetness, she felt her heart fill with affection for this boy whose sadness he had known for the loss of his father and whom, she had seen regaining security and trust as his new family grew. She herself loved spending her free afternoons chatting with Mary, learning the culinary art, or engaging in camaraderie with Bash. Taking care of Delphine was one of her favourite moments.
"I find it truly courageous and selfless of you to share your property," Miss Barry commented.
“As I said before, they are my family; therefore, those assets belong to them. It was part of my agreement with Bash, on the other hand I spend time in school, and I intend to continue my studies; therefore, the work falls mostly on Sebastian. Don't you think the land should belong to those who work it?”
“Of course, your point of view is absolutely acceptable. I imagine there may be some prejudices against them?"
“Yes Miss Barry. Except for Anne, Marilla, Matthew and Mrs Lynde, there are prejudices against them, we had a demanding time even getting medical assistance when Delly was to be born. But that did not get the better of me. Your house, like mine, is open to differences, I consider them an opportunity, not a danger." He exchanged a look of complicity with Cole.
Young Blythe positively impressed Josephine Barry, he was certainly charming and good-looking, and gifted with a rare emotional intelligence. She could understand why Anne was so attracted to him:
"It would please me, my boy, if you called me Aunt Jo. I would be honoured if you would make room for me, among those you consider your family."
"It's my pleasure, ... Aunt Jo" he replied flattered.
The woman continued:
“I grew up having to adapt to the rules of high society. I know I have been luckier because wealth has given me the opportunity, in my own way, to choose which rules to follow, and which to oppose. I understand that for those less fortunate than me, for those with fewer resources, it is even more difficult. This home is a refuge for those in need of protection from prejudice. I do not choose my friends based on their origins, or the colour of their skin, or since how inclined they are to indulge the dictates of dear, good morality. This house belongs to those who place the right of everyone to be happy as their maximum goal. So, consider yourself welcome. You all are!" And turned an affectionate look to each of the three.
“I left Avonlea to escape judgement and find myself. To accept myself and have acceptance. I do not know if it will ever be possible for people like me to live freely, and not in hiding. But at least I know that here is my haven. I especially miss my siblings; I hope that one day it will be possible for us to find each other again. For my parents I was useful, if necessary to hoe the land. Staying would have prevented me from expressing myself through art. I felt like a prisoner. Jo gave me wings to fly."
Anne had listened to the exchange between the three with interest.
Thoughts crowded her mind, she tried to elaborate her synthesis:
“For most of my life I didn't know what family meant, yet belonging to someone has been my greatest wish for years. I realised I had found a family when we almost lost Green Gables, this has nothing to do with property and material assets." She gathered her thoughts and continued: "Denial, loss and absence can trace deep furrows in people's souls, but unexpectedly, sometimes by chance" she turned her gaze to the others "or by mistake” her hand on heart “life can surprise you with unexpected gifts. Cole found acceptance and support with you Aunt Jo. And you Gilbert left with mourning in your heart and returned with a man who has brought joy back to the house you ran away from." She looked at the boy to see if her conclusion was correct, Gilbert nodded to her in approval:
" She understands me."
Then she continued: "Matthew and Marilla are my family, we love each other unconditionally. I feel an enormous sense of gratitude for finding them. Despite everything, in the end life was good to me." She let go of a sigh: "But I need to know who my parents were, to know them, to know who I am. Is that wrong?"
Suddenly Gilbert got up to lean in front of her, he put both knees on the carpet and took her hand in his:
"No Anne, I don’t think it’s wrong. As much as I love Bash, I still miss my father. I did not know my mother. But I have memories of both, some of direct experiences and others of stories that have been told to me. This comforted me, even the things that belonged to them helped fill the absence. So no, I do not think it’s wrong, on the contrary I think it’s normal."
Anne’s eyes stiffened, but her smile was bright; Gilbert’s words filled her with a pleasant and comforting warmth.
"Also, his closeness. Admit it!" Diana’s voice suggested in her mind.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"You’re welcome," he looked at her with confidence. And sweetly "Anne girl"
Cole and Aunt Jo looked smug.
Then the woman, turning the eyes with hilarity, snorted:
"And to think that the rules of good society dictate that conversations between young men and debutantes should be limited to very boring comments on last Sunday’s sermon or on furniture."
"I prefer to listen to the opinions of young women.
With this Gilbert stood up and released Anne's hand, after giving it a small meaningful squeeze.
He returned to his seat, brought the cup of tea to his mouth, hoping to mask the satisfied smile that was growing on his face. He was rarely able to be bold with Anne, in fact if he had to be honest, since he had become aware of his feelings, he often felt embarrassed.
But here, comforted by the complicity of the hosts, she had granted him an opening, which he could not resist, and knew that for Anne, receiving a compliment to her mind was more exhilarating than anything, not that her looks did not deserve it:
"She is enchanting."