Hello all,

I recently re-read Rilla of Ingleside during my yearly Montgomery re-read, and I just cannot get over Walter and Una. That's how the idea of this story popped into my head. Yes, it's AU, and Walter will be returning (albeit a bit later on in the story), but I wanted the chance to develop Una's character and discover her a bit (as well my other neglected favorites Di and Shirley).

I thought that Una's fate was very unsatisfactory in canon, especially after reading TBAQ, and so I decided to make my own amends to her character through this piece of work. I know that Walter had to die, but I found it quite sad that Montgomery basically related Una's entire existence to the presence of a man in her life. It was also very sad to see how Una's life contrasts with the full and fulfilling lives of the families around her. I also found it strange that Di and Shirley were hardly mentioned, so I decided to make my own arcs for them as well.

I will keep ROI as it is, but will not be using TBAQ as refernce. I hope you all enjoy this, and I'd love to know what you think in the comments.

Cheers,

jJustadreamer

Disclaimer: This story is completely fictional and all right are reserved to L.M. Montgomery. I make absolutely no money from this work.

July, 1920

"Bridesmaid's duties are quite fun," Una Meredith mused as she helped Rilla into her dress.

Rilla and Ken would be married this afternoon in the courtyard of the Glen, and Una and Rilla were finally finishing the preparations that had started months before. The wedding dress that Rilla had chosen was beautiful, no doubt, with the most elegant silk fabric and drapery, lace trimmed at the hem and delicately gathered at the wrists. The neckline was low, reaching just under her collarbones, stiffly starched collars now a thing of the past. But the beauty of the dress was incomparable in front of the bride, who was simply glowing with happiness on her big day.

"Rilla, you look gorgeous!" Una exclaimed, tucking in the last piece of hair into the updo at the crown of her head. "Ken will be left speechless, I'm sure of it!"

"Oh I do hope not," Rilla laughed, looking at Una's handiwork in the mirror. "I so would like him to say his vows."

Una's lip quivered as she looked at Rilla, now 21 years of age, ready to walk down the aisle to her Prince Charming. She could hardly believe this was the young girl and roly-poly baby of years past, grown up to a woman too fast because of the war. A single tear slipped out of Una's dark blue eyes and clung to her dark lashes, and she hastily wiped it away, not wanting to interrupt the joyous occasion.

But Rilla had taken notice. "Please don't cry, dear Una," she said, turning to face her, pity in her hazel eyes. "You have always been the bravest out of all of us. You are the one who has truly "kept faith," and who knows," she added, "You may even find love again."

Una knew the last part of her statement would not come true. Walter had been her true love, and no love would ever come into her life again. But she would bear the storm, continuing to steer her ship through it carefully just as she had for the last four years.

The dark haired woman reached out to clasp one of Rilla's hands in her own. "I'm not crying for me, you goose! I'm so happy for you, I can't even begin to explain my joy! You have stayed so strong for so long, and now it is time for you to begin your new life with your beloved."

"Una, you are too much too good to me," Rilla said, a tear of her own now slipping out. " I don't know how I would have survived this war without your friendship and support. I think we are true friends now, yes." She kissed Una's pale cheek. "Kindred spirits, as mother would say. And you always have a home with Ken and I in Toronto."

They embraced for a few seconds, too overwhelmed with emotion to speak. The happiness that had been fought for was finally here, and it was now time to wipe out the cobwebs of the past. The whole family, well not the exactly the whole family, but Una choose not to dwell on it now, was reunited to celebrate the union and to begin the new decade on a good note. They all deserved this.

The two women made their way separate ways down to the courtyard, with Rilla going down to the foyer first for pictures, and Una slipping her way unnoticed through the back door to make her way to the verandah for her maid of honor duties. The structure was freshly painted and decorated with fresh flowers from the Valley for the occasion and the chairs were filled with countless Blythes, Fords, Merediths, as well as all their chums, all chattering away about the festivities. Rilla had wanted a big wedding, one that would never be forgotten, and she had certainly pulled all the strings to get her way.

Nan and Di were waiting for Una near the verandah, dressed in the loose fitting pale blue dresses Rilla had picked out for all three of them. The twins had both gotten their hair bobbed in a bold move, and had adorned their heads with the jeweled headbands now in style. Dr. Blythe had not been happy at this at first, asking if the New World really required "new hair" as well. Una had half a mind to bob her hair as well, her kinkless dark hair reminding her too much of the past, and of someone, that she was trying hard to forget.

"Jem and Faith look rather pleased," Di Blythe pointed out the two figures to Una when she had taken her seat beside them. "I suppose they're looking forward to their own wedding next summer."

Faith and Jem sat shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, next to Jerry (who was giving Nan a saucy look of his own), and Shirley and Carl, both of whom seemed to be in deep conversation as well. A new ring adorned her sister's hand, a single diamond surrounded by white gold in the new art deco style. Jem had been saving up for months, and Faith had almost fainted with joy. Jem was set to graduate from medical school next summer, and their wedding was scheduled to be directly after. "It's time for Faith and I to start our new life as husband and wife in this New World," he had said proudly when they announced their engagement to the clan.

"They've both worked very hard, and they deserve their happiness. I'm set to be maid of honor again, and now that I've finished my Household science course Faith has been begging me to go dress shopping with her." Una replied.

"That sure sounds like Faith to me," Di said, chuckling at the behavior of her best friend. "Do you know what color our dresses are to be?"

Di was also set to be a bridesmaid in the wedding next summer. When their positions had first been announced, much to Rilla's displeasure (as the attention would no longer be just be focused on her), Una had wondered if Diana was disappointed that she was not maid of honor. After all, Faith and Di had been bosom friends for years, and Una had been a much quieter companion. But over the last few months Una and Di had gotten to be closer friends, confiding in each other their shared grief over the loss of Walter and spending many happy days reminiscing over the past, so there were no hard feelings. Una had even helped her keep her secret while she was applying to medical schools over the last year.

"They're to be silver if Faith gets her way. Father and Rosemary disagree, saying that the extravagant new styles don't leave room for God at the wedding," Una said simply. "I find myself conflicted. I want to support my sister, but I also miss the simplicity of the past."

"Everything's changing." Di paused. "For good or for bad, I can't tell say. But I do have something I'd like to share with you-," she was interrupted by the start of the music as Dr. Blythe and Rilla finally entered the scene.

Rilla looked every bit the goddess, her dress complimenting her stature and her hair, pinned up, bringing out her beautiful features. She was glowing, grinning from ear to ear, and the happiness was simply infectious, turning the Glen into heaven on Earth. Dr. Blythe was smiling as well as he walked his daughter down the aisle, pride in his hazel eyes. The war had been hard on all of them, but this was a new beginning.

Kenneth Ford's chest was puffed out as he looked at his bride, his eyes glistening with tears of joy as she made her way up to him. He was dressed in a sharp tuxedo, his military badges displayed proudly on his coat. Rilla turned to face him, and he lifted the veil off of her face with tender hands. Rilla turned her chin up to look him in the eyes, and grey met hazel with such beautiful intensity that Una thought she might begin to cry. She had never seen two people so utterly and completely in love.

Their vows were equally as beautiful as the look they shared.

"Rilla-my-Rilla," Ken began, his voice shaking a bit at first before gaining confidence. "You are the most wonderful woman that I have ever met, and I am so grateful to spend the rest of my life with you. Ever since our first dance six years ago, I knew that we had something special. The memory of you kept me safe through the war, and I promise that I will spend every waking day of the rest of our lives showing you how much I love you."

Tears spilled freely along the entire congregation's cheeks now at the young couple's love, and it took Rilla a few seconds to recover herself before she could speak.

"Ken, my brave soldier, and now my soon-to-be husband, I cannot express in words how much I love you. You fought for what we stood for, and now we face each other with the happiness that we have won. Everyday after this, our love will continue to make this New World into a one of our dreams, and this is just the first step.

Wedding bands were exchanged, and a chaste kiss was placed on each other's lips. Rice was thrown as the union made their way back down the aisle, their faces gleaming with their shared joy. Rilla threw her bouquet of flowers behind her, and Di caught the bundle, blushing a deep shade of crimson.

But unbeknownst to everyone else, a flower from the bouquet had slipped away and landed in Una Meredith's outreached hand as well. She curled the pads of her fingers around it, tucking it neatly in her clutch. She would not think about him now, not here.

Some time later, Una found herself sitting with Di at one of the reception tables, drinking sparkling cider (for prohibition had taken its effect many years ago)*. Di had grown tired of dancing with the various suitors at the party, and the soles of her feet had begun to hurt because of the new style of heels that she taken to wearing. Una had never liked dancing, it was just not her way, so she had quickly found a seating place to observe the festivities.**

"What a wedding!" Di sighed as she looked into the evening sky. "It's so beautiful out here tonight, you can hardly tell that there was ever a war."

Una took another sip before responding. "It certainly seems like that, doesn't it? Little Rilla has grown up to be a fine woman."

"I remember thinking that she'd always be Spider," Di laughed, both happiness and sadness reflecting in her grey eyes. "But she's blossomed and spread her wings farther than I could have ever imagined." Di paused, hesitating. "Una, I have something important to show you."

"What is it?" Una stiffened, hoping that it would not be more bad news. Happiness had finally come back after so long, and she did not want it to be hidden behind the clouds again.

Di handed her a small card, a smile on her lips.

Dear Miss Diana Blythe***,

It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you that you have been accepted for admission into the University of Toronto Medical School Class of 1924. You have every right to feel proud of your accomplishment, and we are delighted that you will be joining our community in the fall...

Una couldn't even finish the rest of her card as she reached over to tightly hug her friend. Tears of joy threatened to spill once again.

"I'm so happy for you! This is wonderful news- I told you that you could do it!" She exclaimed, almost shouting. She composed herself before speaking once again. "Have you accepted yet? Or at least told the family?"

Di sighed, biting her lip. "You're the first person I've told. I-I don't really know if I should go really."

"You've done so much to get here. You worked with the Red Cross, studied, passed all your entrance exams, and wrote so many essays. How can you just say no? You've worked so hard!" Una asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"It's just that everything is finally getting back to normal, well at least as normal as it will ever be. I am nervous, about what becoming a doctor will mean for me, to be honest. The world might be changing, but a woman doctor may be too much of a change yet." Di put her head into her hands. "I've always wanted this, and now that the time has finally come, I'm a coward."

Una put her hand on Di's soldier in a comforting gesture. "We're all scared, Di. Peace may have come, and change too, but that does not mean that it will stay this way forever." Una's voice wavered as she thought about the possibility of another Great War. No, she chided herself, We've learned our lesson, and there will never be another war like this one. We have already sacrificed too much. "You must go, Di and take your chances. You may never get another opportunity like this again. And I know that you will make a wonderful physician, soon-to-be-Doctor-Diana-Blythe."

The red-haired woman brightened up at this, and she took Una's hand into her own. "You always know what to say to make people feel better. Your letters of encouragement and all your support reading my essay drafts, have made me feel as if I could do anything.**** Thank you for believing in me." Di looked Una straight in the eyes to make her next point, speaking gently. "You believe so much in others, Una. But you forget that you must also believe in yourself."

Una's face turned pale, paler than it already was, and her lips turned white as she pressed them together. How dare they tell me how to feel! For four years, I have been nothing but strong, and gracious, and kind to everyone around me. No one has seen my pain, and yet they all feel as if they can give me advice on how to live my own life! She felt anger (or was it sadness?) bubbling up inside her, threatening to spill over the top. But it was not her way.

"I, um, I suppose you're right" Una excused herself from the conversation, saying that she needed to fill her cider glass once again.

For the rest of the party, she avoided Di, mostly because Una knew that she was right. She had lived her life as a mouse for far too long, and it seemed as if the rest of her life would be the same. She had "kept faith" because she had believed in Walter and she would continue to do so, but she did not know if she had the strength to be alone for fifty more years while the world around her changed and her siblings and friends moved on to find love and have families of their own.

But this New World was changing, and she supposed it was time to make her own life rather than always helping others create theirs. Una even took a dance tonight with a man at this revelation. She imagined him as Walter, of course, and could not bring herself to look at him in the eye very often, but she had to admit it was quite fun. Perhaps Faith had been on to something when she would secretly steal dances with Jem at parties.

Later that night, Una found herself writing a letter to Di in her room at the Manse.

Dearest Di,

I'm sorry I behaved so rashly at the reception tonight. It's not like me to just run off like that; I was just so overwhelmed at the joyous occasion that I must have lost sight of myself.

You are right, it is time for me to create a new life for myself. After all, why did I take the Household Science course if I was not going to use it? I have decided to apply as a matron for a Settlement House in Toronto, near you and Rilla. It's a small step, but I will find my way from there and I will be doing something that I love. I do so adore children, and I hope that I can better their lives through my service.

Would you like to meet for tea tomorrow afternoon? I will make a crumb cake that I learned at Redmond during my time there.

Love always,

Una

She had Bruce deliver the letter carefully to Ingleside in return for a slice of the cake, and she found herself sitting with in her bed, staring up at ceiling above her, unable to fall asleep. She had placed the single flower that had flown over to her from the bouquet in a glass vase near her bed, filling it with some water to keep the the plant alive.

She spent her time thinking of Walter, as she had for many years. She had once dreamed of his form sleeping next to her, and had even created a dream life in an imaginary castle in the sky for the both of them. By all means, Una Meredith was a kind and sensitive woman, the well-mannered daughter of a minister. But that did not mean that she did not have fantasies and imaginings of her own. She had an imagination when she was younger, quite an active one, but after the death of her mother she had learned to reign it in, knowing that unleashing it would only cause her great pains.

Perhaps that's why she had fallen in love with Walter, because of his fancies and beautiful words and thrilling tales. He could live the life she could not, but maybe if they lived together he could have coaxed this hidden side out of her and seen her own hidden beauty. But he had fallen in love with Faith, who said what she felt and had the temper to do whatever she wished. Faith was a beauty, both body and soul, and Una could not even fault Walter for falling in love with her. Who would fall in love with a woman of few words anyway?

With that, Una began to sob into her pillow. She was mourning like a war widow, yet the man she was grieving over did not even love her back. He was in love with her sister who was in turn in love with his brother. She found herself laughing at pitiful situation, wondering what she had done to deserve this life.

I keep faith, Una told herself, I keep faith. She repeated this mantra over and over again in her head, thinking of his last letter which she had placed carefully wrapped and locked in her desk. He thought of my eyes, my steadfast eyes, not Faith's. Eventually she was lulled into a deep sleep and haunted by grey eyes and poetry in her dreams that night.

*Prohibition begins in PEI in 1901 and lasts until 1948, so its residents are most likely used to a non-alcoholic existence.

**ROI: Chapter 3 "Una doesn't care, of course. She has never hankered after dancing."

*** The University of Toronto trained Maud Leonara Menten, the first Canadian woman to receive a medical doctorate, in 1911. The school also trained Victoria Chung (who happened to be of Chinese descent) who graduated in the year 1922. The University of Toronto was one of the only schools in the country at that time to accept female medical students, and so I thought it would be a good fit for Di (actually it was the only fit, based on the era). The University of Toronto certainly has a strong legacy to be proud of! For the sake of historical accuracy, I will also mention that McGill University in Montreal also admitted female medical students, but seeing that it's located in Quebec, and knowing about the rocky relationships between English and French Canadians, I decided it would be much more realistic to send Di to Toronto (especially considering she has family already living there).

Source: University of Toronto and McGill websites and Wikipedia (I'm not in English class any longer so I can use it as a source now.) :)

****ROI: Chapter 10 "...there's something in [Una's] letters—I don't know what—that makes me feel at least while I'm reading them, that I could even go to the front."

Oh Walter, if only you knew the deeper meanings to Una's letter...*sigh*...men...