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Chapter Text

Chapter one: September 3rd 1899

September the 3rd 189 9

Dear Gilbert,
I look like my mother. She had red hair, and she was a teacher! After you left,  Marilla  and Matthew appeared. They showed me a book that they had got from Mrs Thomas' house. It is called "The Language of Flowers– isn't that a wonderful title? It was given to my mother by my father. It contained a note saying  " July 13th 1883  Little Anne's Party". My parents died soon after I was born, so I doubt we ever had that party. On the last page of the book there was a drawing of my mother, an amazing drawing. She was so beautiful, unlike ugly, homely me.

Anyway, as I said, I have some follow up questions.
Firstly, I met Winifred, and she told me that you weren't engaged, and you never would be, and that she was still moving to Paris. What happened??
Also, I left you note last week , did you not receive it, Gilbert?
Why did you suddenly appear outside Queen's?

I'm ashamed to say that when I found your letter in my room, I was angry and ripped it up. I tried to piece it back together, but now I know that you are not engaged, I suppose I must have put the words in the wrong order. I'm sorry I ripped it up. What did it say, Gilbert?

One final thing. Yes, I do have feelings for you, Gilbert.
I love you.

Anne x

PS. I hope you are ok.Good luck at U of T.

Chapter Text

September 6th 1899

Dear Anne,
Firstly, I love you, too.

Secondly, you are not ugly! You are extremely beautiful. Your red hair is one of the many things I love about you.
Also, I am so glad you have got your mother's book, and yes it is a wonderful title. I'm glad you know more about your mother.
I am sorry about your parents, Anne. The fact that your mother was a teacher proves that you have chosen the right vocation for yourself.

I came to Queen's to see you. Diana told me that you left me a note telling me you loved me, and I just had to see you to see if it was true. I don't know what happened to your note. I suppose Delli or Bash knocked it off from wherever you left it.

I couldn't propose to Winnie. It wasn't the right thing to do. Mary told me to marry for love and that is what I intend to do.

Don't worry about my letter; I am able to tell you its contents in a heartbeat. I can say that it included me telling you that I wasn't  engaged and if I was engaged, you would be the one I was engaged to. I had to unburden my heart because I didn't know if I would see you again. You, and you only, are the keeper of the key to my heart. It always has been and always will be: you, my Anne with an e.

I can't wait for our next meeting.
I love you, Anne, and I always will.

Gilbert xx

PS. Yes, I am ok, thank you. Are you ok, Anne?

Chapter Text

September 9th 1899

Dear Gilbert,

I had to pinch myself when reading your letter just in case I was imagining it.
Once again I don't know what to say.
Thank you for calling me beautiful, it's nice you think so. How long is it until we see each other again? I think I need to hear all this from you, and pinch myself, to believe it's true. Do you really want to marry me, Gilbert? I never expected to be a bride, I'm so homely. I thought nobody would ever marry me. Yet you are saying you would. I am probably going to pinch myself a hundred times before it sinks in. I don't want to work in a house, I want to be equals and partners, not just husband and wife, and I really want to be a teacher.
I can't wait to see you either, Gilbert.

Love,
Anne  xx

PS were you proposing to me?

Chapter Text

September 12th 1899

Dear Anne,
It wasn't an official proposal; we aren't officially courting yet, and if I proposed I would do it in person.

Please stop pinching yourself, you will hurt yourself. You are not dreaming, Anne. I do love you, and I always have, ever since you hit me with your slate.

Yes, I do want to marry you, but I am not expecting you to want to marry me. Please don't be alarmed. If you did want to marry me, however, we would of course be equals, and I would let you be a teacher. I know you would let me go to the Sorbonne, if I had the money, and I am not about to stop you from doing what you want to do.

I think I am coming to Avonlea a few days before Christmas. I am so excited to see you.

How is everyone at Queen's, Anne?
Have you heard from Matthew and Marilla?
Is the work hard?

With love,
Gilbert xx

Chapter Text

September 15th 1899

Dear Gilbert,
I agree to officially court you; I want to.

You've loved me that long? Really and truly?
Thank you for saying you'd let me be a  teacher, i f we got married.

I am counting down the days until Christmas.

Matthew and  Marilla  are both alright, especially since Jerry is living with them and helping them out. Every time Matthew writes he says he misses me, and I miss him, and  Marilla ,  too. At least my darling Diana is at  Queen's  with me.  I,  of course, miss you, too.

The work is hard but I'll get the hang of it.

Love,
Anne xxx

Chapter Text

September 18th 1899

Dear Anne,
I am glad you want to officially court me. After asking Marilla and Matthew's permission of course, would you like to go to tea with me in Charlottetown on the 23rd December?

Yes, I have loved you that long, really and truly, although, I'll admit that I didn't realise it until we danced, and I had to choose between you and Winnie. When I said, "when the right person comes along, someday, whenever that is, I'll know." , I was blind    and I didn't realise that you are the right person, but now I know.

I miss you, too,  Anne, and I might as well admit that I missed you when I was working on that ship. I was so happy when you sent me a letter.

I miss dear old Avonlea, with you, Bash, Delli, Matthew, Marilla, Hazel and, yes, even Elijah! It's just home, and it wouldn't be home without you there, Anne, my Anne with an e.

I too am counting down the days until the 21st December. I can't wait to see your beautiful, flowing, red hair, and your sparkling eyes. I can't wait to have you in my arms again.

If you ever need help with your work you can ask me and I should be able to help. If you are to beat me, I want you to do it fair and square, Anne, so you'll have to help me if I asked.

I hope you are extremely well.

With love,
Gilbert xx

Chapter Text

September 23rd 1899

Dear Miss Cuthbert and Mr Cuthbert,
Please can you tell me if Anne is ok, and find out why she hasn't answered my letter? Thank you. It has been 5 days.

Are you both ok, and Jerry?

From
Gilbert Blythe.

September 26th 189 9

Dear Gilbert,
I am afraid that there has been an upset at Green Gables. Matthew has has another heart attack, and the doctor thinks he won't make it. I am so sorry to have to tell you like this, Gilbert. I am helping out at Green Gables, feeding and comforting both Anne and  Marilla ,  while Jerry does the  farmwork .  Anne came home from  Queen's ,  you see, as soon as she heard. I am very upset myself; poor Matthew. Anne won't leave his side, and is very tearful. I am trying hard to comfort both Anne and  Marilla ,  but I am afraid they won't cheer up.
I think that Anne has read your last letter but has been too upset to reply. I think she will need some time before she writes to you again.

I have been to see Bash,  Delphine ,  Hazel and Elijah. They are all getting on well, although Bash wishes you had written to him, and not just Anne, although he seems very excited that you are in contact with her. He, naturally, is very upset about Matthew, as are we all.  Delphine  seems to miss her uncle Gilbert.

Anne won't tell anybody what is in her letters and I am very curious to know. She doesn't seem to want to see anybody at the moment except Matthew and  Marilla ,  and she is hardly eating. I keep forcing her to eat, but she says she's "in the depths of despair" , poor girl.
Miss Stacy says she misses her whole class but particularly you and Anne. May I ask what is going on between you and Anne, Gilbert? she seems to blush while rereading your letters at Matthew's side.

Mr Barry is shocked that you didn't go to Paris with Winifred Rose, and I am surprised too. Nobody seems to know what happened.

I must go because  Marilla  needs me.
I hope you are well,

Rachel  Lynde .

Chapter Text

September 29th 1899

Dear Mrs Lynde,
I am so very sorry to hear about Mr Cuthbert and I am very worried about Anne. I think I am going to ask the principal if I can leave to come and see you all. Mr Cuthbert  is like family to me as well as Anne and Miss Cuthbert. You may as well know that Anne and I are courting, although we haven't been on a date yet. Please tell Anne that I am so sorry and that I will be seeing her as soon as possible.

Thank you, Mrs Lynde, for telling me about Mr Cuthbert, and for looking after my Anne with an e.

I miss Delli and Bash too. I will write to them if I can't come to Avonlea, but if I can come I will talk to them in person.

I am praying for Mr Cuthbert, and will pray especially hard in church tomorrow.

Hope you are well,
Gilbert.

October 2nd 1899

Dear Gilbert,
Anne smiled slightly, and whispered "tell him thank you". She is hardly talking. I have told her to eat but she won't eat much.I don't want to worry you too much, but I think she may make herself ill soon. If you can, I think you should come to  Avonlea;  she needs you. I am excited to hear that you are courting. I have told  Marilla  and she said to Anne: " I thought he was proposing to Winifred! Anne I am happy that it has turned out well between you and Gilbert, and I know he will look after you". Anne smiled but when she saw Matthew, tears came to her eyes. It is such a dreadful thing to happen. Matthew has stirred occasionally but hasn't woken up fully. The doctor is coming again tomorrow. I hope that he can ease  Marilla  and Anne's minds.

Diana has written to Anne. She said she is coming to  Avonlea  this weekend. She'll hopefully cheer Anne up.
Luckily everybody in  Avonlea  seems well, except poor Matthew. Mrs Andrews has a cold but nothing too serious.

I am glad to see Anne because it hasn't been the same at Green Gables without her here, I just wish it was in better circumstances.
 
Rachel Lynde.

Chapter Text

6th October 1899

Gilbert's diary

I am soon to be back home in Avonlea with my Anne with an e. The principal have his permission but told me to wait until Saturday, which is today. I am writing this on the boat to Charlottetown. It is 2 o'clock and I woke up before 7. I am so glad the principal gave his permission.

I am now on the train from Charlottetown to Avonlea. The boat reached Charlottetown and I quickly rushed off so I could get to the next train in time. I think Rachel, Marilla and Anne will be surprised to see me.

Rachel's  POV
"Anne, you've got to eat, come on, Diana's here for tea, too" I said.
"Diana's here?"
" Yes, she's downstairs.  "I  said
" send her in" said  Marilla .
I went out of the room and down the stairs.
"Diana"
"Oh,  Mrs  Lynde ,  is Anne  ok?"  she asked.
" come on up. I think she needs you ", I said
" I think Gilbert would be the best person to see her at the moment but he's all the way in Toronto", she said while we walked  up  the stairs. "Yes, I agree" ,  I said.

" Anne, oh Anne" , said Diana and pulled her into a hug, "how is  he?"  .
"I  am so glad you are here Diana", said Anne.
We all heard a knock on the front door.
" Who is it I wonder? ", said  Marilla .
" I'll go and find out", I said.

As I opened the front door, I said " hello, who is it? "
" Oh Gilbert! What a wonderful surprise, do come in. ", I said.
" Hello Mrs  Lynde ,  how is Mr Cuthbert and Anne? " he asked.
" Matthew is still sleeping, but Anne is upstairs with him, Diana and  Marilla "  , I said.
"Diana's here?"
" yes"
" can I go up and see Anne now, please, Mrs  Lynde ?  "
" Yes of course, and please call me Rachel. " I said as he shot up the stairs.

Chapter Text

Gilbert's diary

Anne looked up as I come into the room. She looked very shocked to see me. " Gilbert? " She asked. I noticed her about to pinch herself. " No don't, Anne" I said. She stopped.
" Hello Gilbert, how lovely to see you" , Marilla said.
" Hello Miss Cuthbert, I am so sorry ", I said.
" Are you really here, Gilbert? " Anne asked.
Before I could reply, Diana said " hello Gilbert, yes Anne he is there. "
" Hello Diana, Anne........ Come here".
She got out of Diana's arms and came towards me.
" why aren't you at U of T? "
" I had to see you. I got permission from the principal. "
She smiled but then started crying, " Matthew " she said, sadly, and looked over at him on his bed.
It brought tears to my eyes and I hugged her.
" it's ok Anne,don't worry Anne, I'm here, " I said.
Marilla, Rachel and Diana disappeared, leaving Anne, Matthew and me.
" what if–if–he doesn't–doesn't make it? ", she cried.
" I'm here Anne, you'll be ok. He'll be ok, he's a fighter, just like you".
She pulled out of the hug, slightly, and looked into my eyes.
" Oh Gilbert ", she said, "I–"
She was I interrupted by a cough from behind her– Matthew.
She quickly turned around. " Matthew! "
"Anne..." , he croaked, holding her hands.
" I'll get Marilla", I said and shot out of the room and down the stairs.

Rachel's  POV
" Miss Cuthbert! " Gilbert said, coming down the stairs.
" what's wrong Gilbert? ", said  Marilla ,  " is it Matthew?is he ok? "
" He's awake! " Gilbert said, happily.
"Oh thank god."  Marilla  and I said at the same time. All four of us went upstairs to Matthew.

When we got there Anne was crying happy tears and saying " Matthew you're ok! "
" I'll get Jerry to fetch the doctor" I said.
" thank you Rachel" all four of them said to me.

Chapter Text

7th October 1899

Gilbert's diary
It was such a relief when Matthew woke up.
After making sure Matthew was ok, the doctor, left and said he'd make a full recovery but would need a lot of rest.
We all went down for dinner except Rachel who stayed with Matthew. I was relieved to see Anne eating, as was Marilla.

After eating, Diana said goodbye to us all, and went back home, and Marilla took some food up to Rachel and Matthew, which left Anne and me on our own.

She hugged me and said " you were right, Gilbert "
" I'm just glad I was"
Then she looked into my eyes and kissed me for a few seconds. I pulled her gently nearer. She ended our kiss and said " I'm so glad you're here, Gilbert"
I was as red as a beetroot because of our kiss and could only smile. I managed to say, " I love you, Anne. "
" I love you, too, Gilbert "

There was a cough behind us; somebody clearing their throat.
" Miss Cuthbert! " I said, " we were just-"
" don't worry, Gilbert, you have my permission, and I'm sure, if Matthew knows that you make Anne happy, he'll give his permission too. "
"Thank you, Miss Cuthbert" I said. " I don't know what to say"
" Anne" said Marilla, " can you take Matthew and Rachel some tea please? "
" of course, Marilla "
As soon as she had gone upstairs, Marilla said " Gilbert? "
" Yes, Miss Cuthbert? "
" if your intention is to marry Anne, I give permission. You are a lovely young man and you are just right for her. I could not see her with anybody else but you. "
" Miss Cuthbert, thank you so much. I will look after her don't worry. I love her very much . I was going to ask you and Mr Cuthbert for permission but you beat me to it. Thank you. I'm so glad Mr Cuthbert is ok"
" he will give his permission too, I am sure" said Marilla.
" there is no guarantee she'll say yes, though" I said.
" Oh I think she will, you won't know unless you ask. I'm sure John would have liked her, Gilbert "
" oh, he did like her" I said.
"They met?" She asked.
" Anne came to give me my books, and dad answered the door. Afterwards, he told me that she was a nice girl, and that I should get to know her better.", I said, " he said that she was sure to be nice because she was being raised by you"
I noticed some tears in her eyes, " I'm sorry, John" she whispered to herself.

Chapter Text

Monday 22nd October 189 9

Dear Gilbert,
Matthew has now recovered, and started to walk around the house, though  Marilla  doesn't like it, as she told me this weekend when I came to visit Green Gables. She told me that Bash is waiting to hear from you, Gilbert. You haven't written to him since you left in September.

I have now got used to being at  Queen's  , but I still wish you were here with me.
How are you getting on at university, Gilbert? Are you enjoying it?

It was so lovely to see you earlier this month. Sorry that I haven't written yet, I have been busy looking after Matthew, and then busy working at  Queen's  to catch up on three weeks' work.

Thank you, once again, for coming to see me at Green Gables, Gilbert.
I think the 23rd December will be ok.
I look forward to it.

Anne xxx

PS  Marilla  has invited you, Bash,  Delphine ,  Hazel and Elijah to Christmas' dinner. Will you come?

Chapter Text

October 25th 1899

Dear Anne,
I am very glad to hear that Matthew is feeling better.
Thank Marilla for her invitation to Christmas' dinner; of course I'll come.

I haven't had a chance to write to Bash since I got back in Toronto because I have been catching up on work too, but only a few days' work. I haven't really known what to write to him about, but I will try.

It was lovely to see you, too, Anne. I am impatient for our next meeting, and am excited about the 23rd December.

I must tell you that I would do anything for you,even slay a dragon. You are the most important thing in my life.

The work was hard at first but I have a good teacher, luckily, nothing like Mr Phillips.

With love,
Gilbert xxx

PS I have noticed that Bash seems to spend a lot of time with Miss Stacy, I wonder why?
PPS Delli called Bash dada one of the days that I was there— her first word!

Chapter Text

October 30th 1899

Dear Gilbert,
Marilla  said that you are always welcome at Green Gables.

Gilbert, would you really do anything for me?

Do you think Bash fancies Miss Stacy? I feel it's too soon after Mary's death, though. He loved her so much. It's so sad that  Delphine  will never call Mary mama.

I just thought, Gilbert, that Bash and Miss Stacy have both had tragically romances, so they can probably sympathise well with each other. Maybe each other is just what they need.

I,  too, am excited to see you. It is less than two months now until we meet again.

Lots of love,
Anne  xx

Chapter Text

November 2nd 1899

Dear Anne,
That was nice of Marilla to say; she is lovely lady.

I would do anything for you, Anne, I mean it.

I think that Bash could be starting to like Miss Stacy, after all, who doesn't like her? She is the best teacher ever in PEI, and perhaps the whole of Canada. She is who got me into this course. I have so much to thank her for.

Only less than two months! That has gone quickly, Anne.

How is Matthew doing? And how are you, my lovely Anne?

I really miss you, Anne. At least this hard doctor's course is keeping me busy. It is worth it though. I can't wait to get out there and save people.

Love always,
Gilbert xx

Chapter Text

November 5th 1899

Dear Gilbert,
I can't believe we've come so far. I'm sure some people find it hard to believe that we are even talking to each other after what happened with my slate. I have never told you I am sorry for hitting you, Gilbert.

Miss Stacy is a kindred spirit. She is one of my favourite people.

Matthew is much better now, Gilbert. And I am very happy but I really miss you. I am also worried. I haven't heard from  Ka'kwet  or her parents. I don't know what has happened to all three of them.I wonder if they got her back?

As I said before, Gilbert, you will be a wonderful doctor.

I will write to  Marilla  to see if she can find anything out about  Ka'kwet .  I need to know if she is ok.

Love,
Anne  x

Chapter Text

November 9th 1899

Dear Anne,
Did I ever say sorry for calling you carrots, Anne? I am very sorry, I was only trying to get your attention. I love your hair, Anne.

I am glad to hear about Matthew, but I am very worried because you are worried. Is Ka'kwet your Indian friend? I really hope Marills has good news. I am sorry that you don't know what happened to her. I'll pray for her, and her family, and for you too, Anne.

Thank you for saying I'll be a wonderful doctor.

I love you, Anne,with an e, of Green Gables.

Gilbert xx

Chapter Text

November 12th 1899

Dear Gilbert,
Thank you for praying for us, and don't worry about 'carrots' , it was so long ago. I forgave you a long time ago.

I love you, too, Gilbert  Blythe  of  Avonlea  and Toronto,

Yours,
Anne  xxx

November 15th 1899

Dear Anne,
I am not technically from Toronto, but you can call me Gilbert Blythe of Avonlea, Anne.

Do you really love me, Anne?

I have exams coming up soon so may not write to you for a while. I am sure that you must have some soon too, Anne.

See you next month. I can't wait!

With love,
Gilbert xxx

PS I guess you must love me, you have said it so many times.

Chapter Text

November 23rd 1899

Dear Gilbert,
Yes, Gilbert, I love you, stop asking me.

I have had many exams this week.
Last night, Moody  Spurgeon  and a man called Fred Wright came to visit Ruby and Diana. I was very surprised that Diana had a Beau. Fred is very nice, but just like any other boy. Ruby seems to like Moody a lot. I find it surprising that she likes somebody so much after liking you. She used to go on and on about you.

Matilda said that she could find out nothing, and that the Indians in at their old camp said that they hadn't heard from them. I don't know what to do, Gilbert. I fear that  Ka'kwet  has gone forever.

With love,
Anne x

November 27th 1899

Dear Anne,
Ruby liked me?!? I never really noticed.
Well, thinking about it, Tillie said she was "preoccupied with a certain someone" that day we were ice skating. I never properly noticed though.

I'm sorry that I can't come on Fridays to see you, Anne.

I am very, very sorry about Ka'kwet.
I'm here for you, Anne.

With love,
Gilbert x

December 1st 1899

Dear Gilbert,
Not long left now, Gilbert, until we see each other.

Yes, Ruby liked you. She has liked you for longer than I have been in  PEI ,  but I think she likes Moody now.

I am here for you, too, Gilbert.

See you in twenty days,

Love,
Anne x

Chapter Text

December 6th 1899

Dear Anne,
Fifteen days now.

I can't believe that Ruby liked me for that long. It's almost impossible to believe.I

I won't be able to write for a while, Anne. I have even more exams, and I am going to have some experience in a nearby hospital as well.

I hope Matthew is well, and Marilla.

Are you alright, Anne?

Love,
Gilbert x

December 15th 1899

Dear Gilbert,

Only six! It has gone so quickly.

I have had many exams too.

Matthew is great, and  Marilla  too. We went to church together today, before I caught the train back to Charlottetown.

I can't wait to see you, Gilbert.

How's it going at the hospital?

Luckily, this week is going to be a relaxed week. We are going to do some cleaning on Wednesday, and we leave on Thursday. It's a pity you won't be in  Avonlea  until Saturday, but at least I'll be back home again.

See you soon,
Anne xxx

P.S. I love you x

Dear Matthew, Marilla and Anne,

I don't know which will reach you first, me or this letter, but either way, I'll see you all soon.

Thank you for inviting me to Christmas' lunch, Marilla, that was so kind of you.

I hope to see you very soon,

Gilbert Blythe.

PS I hope you are well.
PPS thank you for agreeing to let Anne come with me to Charlottetown on Monday.

Chapter Text

Gilbert's diary

When I arrived at Green Gables, Jerry was just collecting a letter–—my letter!— from the postman.
I would have offered to take it in, but I thought it would be better if Jerry took it.

I opened the door behind Jerry, to see Marilla reading my letter out loud to Anne.

" Gilbert! ", Anne rushed at me, and gave me a hug, " did you just give that to Jerry? "
" No" I laughed, " I posted it on Wednesday. It is so great to see you, Anne, and you Miss Cuthbert.How is Mr Cuthbert and yourself? "

Anne was now facing Marilla, but was holding my left hand.

" Gilbert, just call me Marilla please, and we are both great, thank you. "

" I'm glad, Marilla, and how are you, Anne? "
" I can't believe it's almost Christmas, Gilbert. Time has gone so quickly ", Anne said.

After having some tea, I went home to unpack and settle in.

" Hello, Mr Blythe, it is good to see you" said Hazel as she opened the door to me.
" Hello Mrs Larcouix, how are you? " I said.
" good thank you . Dolphins is with her big brother, and Bash is out fishing with Miss Stacy. "

" Sebatian! " I called.
" Blythe! " He said, and gave me a friendly hug.
" Hello Gilbert " said Miss Stacy, "it's lovely to see you. How are you getting on with your course?"
" Great thank you. Thank you so much for helping me get to Toronto, Miss Stacy. "
" Oh don't worry, Gilbert, I care about the futures of all of my students very much, and you are no exception. " she said.
" thank you. "
" I should we go to dinner now, Gilbert? " asked Bash.

When we were all sitting down to dinner (Miss Stacy too), Bash asked "have you been to see the Cuthberts?" .

" yes, I went there before coming here. "

" how's Anne? ", he asked slyly, Miss Stacy gave him a look between excited and worried.

" very well"

He was grinning widely " I win! I win! "

"Bash" I sighed.

" when are you getting married? "

" Bash! " hazel shouted at the same time as me,and Miss Stacy looked annoyed but excited.

" We are going to tea in Charlottetown on Monday" I said in the pause.

He got up from the table and said " so I do win! what happened? I thought she said there was no chance? "

" I think I misunderstood her"

" typical Blythe. So? "

" so what? "

" does she love you? " Bash said, and Miss Stacy looked very excited.

I blushed red and didn't answer.

" I win! I win! "

" Bash, stop saying that! "

" can I come to your wedding? " he asked, grinning.

" Sebastian! " said Hazel.

I cleared my throat, " if I am to get married, you'll be the first person to know"

" yes!!!!! " He said.

Miss Stacy looked very happy and said " I am so happy for you, Gilbert. Don't think I didn't notice how you acted around Anne, and how she acted around you. I think I noticed it more than you two did. I have been waiting for you to get together ever since I came to Avonlea"

I looked very embarrassed and shocked, and Bash just laughed " I have been trying to get Gilbert to admit his love for Anne since he got her letter on the ship! "

I blushed even redder. " you got me" I whispered.

Chapter Text

23rd December 1899

Rachel's POV

I am going to visit Green Gables today.

When I got there Anne was nowhere to be seen.
" Hello Rachel, come and sit down, " said Marilla
"Where's Anne?" I asked.
" doing her hair she's about to go out to tea with Gilbert. "
I sighed, " I remember her the day I met her, and now she Is soon to be married. "
" What will I do without her, Rachel? Gilbert asked our permission yesterday. " Marilla said sadly.
" you'll see her often, I'm sure. At least she will be happy. I remember how easily were that day When you refused John Blythe. You—"
" Yes Rachel " she interrupted.

Anne came down the stairs. Marilla and I gasped "Anne....." Said Marilla.
" you look very beautiful, Anne " I  said.
" you look so grown up" said Marilla.
She smiled and was about to reply, but her attention was on Gilbert coming through the door.
" Anne....... " was all he could say "Anne, you......." He was lost for words. They both were.

" go on" I said.
" Oh sorry Mrs Lynde" they said at the exact same time.
" bye Marilla. Thank you" Anne surviving her a kiss on the cheek. " love you. "
"Goodbye Anne, have fun."
And they were gone.
I noticed her hug Matthew as they went last him by the barn.

Anne's POV

Gilbert held my hand as we walked to the horse-drawn carriage. "Anne, you look so beautiful" he said.
" thank you, Gilbert. You look very handsome" I said, blushing. I can't believe that I didn't realise how much I love him until now.

Gilbert helped me into a train carriage when we got the station. " Goodbye cherry tree" I said, at which Gilbert laughed. " she was my first acquaintance on the island" I said. " I see"

After eating and talking about college and anything that came into our minds, Gilbert stood up, cleared his throat and said " Anne? "
" yes, Gilbert? "
" you are the only woman for me. I love you. Will you be my wife Anne Shirley-Cuthbert? " he took a ring out of his pocket and held it out to me whilst on one knee.
" Gilbert,  I...  "
I didn't know what to say, but then I looked into his eyes and looked at his splendid chin, and suddenly I could imagine myself living with him and looking at him whenever I wanted. " yes, Gilbert I will. " we both grinned.
I got up from the table and he got off the floor. We hugged. After a minute or two, we came out of the hug and he held my hands. He gently lifted up my left hand and slid the ring on. We looked into each other's eyes for what seemed like hours.  Closing and opening my eyes, I said, "Am I dreaming, Gilbert?"
" Oh Anne, " he said, happily. A tear came into my eyes. He leaned in closer. We were about  to kiss, when somebody cleared their throat behind us. " hello, can I get through here? " a male voice asked.

Chapter Text

23rd December 1899

" Cole! " I shouted, rushing to hug him, " I missed you so much! " we both said.
He lifted my left hand, saw the ring, and raised his eyebrows. " I told you! " He said.
Gilbert was watching us both. " you told her what? "He asked
" that you have a crush on her, and obviously she has a crush on you, Gilbert " Cole said.
" I love her! " Gilbert said to Cole. I looked at Gilbert and blushed. " and we are engaged. "
" I'm so happy for you, Anne. " Cole said, " you've found your kindred spirit. "
" how's Miss Barry? "
" dying to see you. "
" I'm longing to see her, too" I said .
" I have a gift for you, Anne. " Cole said.
"Thank you." He placed the gift in my hand.
" I'm going to leave you two lovebirds now" he said, grinning.
" bye Cole " we both said.I

Once he had gone, I kissed Gilbert, passionately.
"Wow" he said, under his breath. "What was that?"
" Gilbert " I laughed. "Yes Anne?" I kissed him again.
" I love you, Gilbert" " I love you too, Anne "
" when are we getting married, Gilbert? "
"  er  maybe when we've finished our courses"
" but how long is that? "
" years, I'm afraid, Anne. " he sighed.
" why did you propose now? "
" I couldn't wait any longer, and it is my promise to you that I will marry you, it may just take a long time. But even then there won't be diamond  sunbursts  or marble halls" he said.
I laughed, " I don't want diamond  sunbursts  or marble halls, I just want you, Gilbert. "

24th December 1899

Gilbert's diary

I can't believe the events of yesterday. Anne and I are engaged and I am the happiest I've ever been. I am so glad I didn't propose to Winnie, it would have been the biggest mistake of my entire life.

Anne and I got back late last night, and we had to part ways at the gate outside Green Gables. We shared a very long kiss and spent a long time staring at each other. It was hard to leave. I promised I would see her today, at Green Gables. I told her she could come for lunch with me, Bash and Marilla.
I kissed her hands, like I did back in September, and said "goodbye, my Anne with an e" .She said " goodbye, Gilbert, see you tomorrow. "

Yesterday, Bash saw me come in and as soon as he saw my grin, he said " well? "
I couldn't keep it in any longer, " you win, we are engaged! " I couldn't help smiling.
" YES!!! "He shouted, and clapped me on the back, " I knew it! Good going Blythe. "