In The Beginning
Marilla Cuthbert watched from the Green Gables kitchen window as she set table for tea with her everyday set. She had baked her famous plum pudding and her renowned currant wine which was famous for its healing powers to cure any sickness even aliments of the soul, which occasionally plagued the quaint Avonlea folk. There were three places set one for Anne, one for Ms. Rachel, who was now a permanent resident of Green Gables after her husband Thomas's death, and one for herself. Marilla enjoyed the everyday routine, afforded to old maids of the Island. Suddenly, a flash of red hair appeared against the background of a gray sky. Marilla caught a glimpse of merry green eyes that flashed the fire of imagination she loved so in her Anne girl. To think she had not wanted in the first place. She had been unyielding with her and tried to repress her imaginative sprit and been willing to sacrifice Anne's happiness for the sake of being practical and respectable in society. To be honest, Marilla reflected now that she had never actually told Anne she loved her. In fact, she had not realized it herself until she feared it was too late. Anne was leaving the Island forever, even though it was with Gilbert, things would never be the same. From now on, Anne would only be a visitor at Green Gables. Marilla would fearfully lonely without her. She did not know what she would done without Anne. She have been her rock since Matthew had passed. She had helped with the housework and helped keep Marilla company during the lonely days after Matthew died, had given up her ambition in order to care for Marilla, given up her happiness even for Marilla's sake. She regretted this and that in the beginning " she had not know what treasure she possessed " as Anne had said about the Harris family years ago, in the beginning she had not allowed Anne to live as a young child, with the knowledge of unfailing support and love. As it was Anne continually worked herself to death always striving make Marilla proud of her. All these efforts had seemingly gone unnoticed by Marilla or so Anne thought. But she had seen them and felt them keenly and loved Anne for them. Now she had her chance at happiness with Gilbert finally but Marilla feared it was too late to explain to Anne things she had done in the beginning and say she was sorry and that she loved Anne with all her heart since the beginning.