One morning shortly after their honeymoon Rachel came to pay a visit. She had watched John go out and it seemed a good opportunity for a woman-to-woman chat. She wanted to know how Marilla was enjoying married life.
"So tell me Marilla, how is it going? Is it a big adjustment?
"Honestly Rachel, curiosity killed the cat you know."
"We're old friends, I think I can enquire about your life."
"Well" said Marilla thinking about how to word it, "It's marvellous, I don't know how I managed without him all those years. He is such a considerate man, in all respects." She blushed slightly.
"Oh do tell," gasped an excited Rachel.
"Well I'm not going into details, but you needn't have worried about that talk before my wedding day, that aspect of our marriage is all going very well, very well indeed." Marilla looked extremely satisfied thought Rachel with a smile, like the cat that got the cream.
John arrived home having been to town for the afternoon on some covert errand. Marilla had no idea why he had rushed off to town that afternoon.
"Did you have a good time?"
"Oh yes, it was very interesting". John replied secretively
"John Blythe, I know that look, you're up to something."
"No, no I'm as pure as driven snow, no mysteries here." But Marilla knew him better than that. He was hatching a scheme.
That night over dinner he divulged his plan.
"Marilla, have you ever left Prince Edward Island?"
"No, I've never seen the point. Everything and everyone I need is here."
"Well I think it's about time you broadened your horizons. I propose a trip, a vacation."
"A trip, heavens where to?" She couldn't imagine, Australia, France, England, Timbuktu?
"New York City."
"Oh heavens, it'll be full of Yankees."
"I dare say, being America and all, that it will be. But it's an architectural marvel and not too far away. We can take the ferry to the mainland and the train to New York. I've got some brochures here. What do you think?"
Marilla opened and closed her mouth several times in shock. Leave Prince Edward Island even for a vacation? It seemed impossible, but really was it so difficult? Anne had left and returned; maybe it could be an adventure.
They decided to leave in a fortnight. John organised the whole thing. He booked their ferry and train tickets and located a nice mid-priced hotel in Manhattan. On the day of their departure, Davy came to give them a ride to the station. Rachel came to see them off; she was excited on their behalf.
They were going to take the train to Glen St Mary first and visit Anne and Gilbert before setting off for the ferry and America. Marilla was quite nervous. She checked and rechecked her baggage.
"Marilla, it's alright, settle down. We have everything." Certainly looking around, John thought they must have emptied out Green Gables. They were surrounded by baggage.
"Oh, I'm so nervous, what if the train breaks down, what if the ferry founders?" John gathered her into his arms for a hug, "Shh, it'll be alright, shh."
The men loaded the trunks onto the carriage and Rachel gave Marilla a kiss and wished her bon voyage.
Marilla waved back at Rachel and her dear Green Gables. Would she see it again she wondered. She gripped John's hand as the carriage made its way over the red roads to the train station.
Once they arrived at Glen St Mary, Marilla felt a little calmer. Her adventure had begun.
Gilbert came to meet them at the station. He had bought Shirley with him for the ride and to be the first to greet his grandparents.
"Hello Grandpa, hello Aunt Marilla." The little brown haired boy cried.
John swung Shirley up onto his shoulders for a ride. Shirley was exhilarated to be up so high. "Have you done anymore sledding, Shirley?" asked John.
"No Grandpa, there's no snow."
"Oh of course, I forgot you do need some snow to make it work don't you. Silly me."
Shirley grinned at his Grandpa, maybe he was just teasing?
Setting Shirley back down on the ground, the men loaded up the carriage with the luggage.
"How long are you going for again?" asked Gilbert. "A year was it?"
"Oh shush," chastised Marilla. "A woman needs her wardrobe when she goes travelling. I had no idea what I'd need, so I bought everything"
Anne and the other children were there to greet them when they arrived at the house. "Come in, come in. You must be thirsty. Let's have some tea. The girls and Susan baked a chocolate cake."
They bustled into the parlour and took off their hats and gloves.
Di bought in a cake on a big plate. It was a bit lopsided, but it was very pretty being covered in chocolate icing and little sugar flowers.
They caught up on the news and Anne asked them about their itinerary.
"Well after we leave you we take the train to the ferry. From the port on the mainland we take the train down to New York. We're staying at a nice hotel in Manhattan."
"And what sorts of things do you plan to do?"
"Well there's the Liberty Statue*, Coney Island, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park," explained John.
"And I want to see a show on Broadway" interjected Marilla.
"Yes a musical, there are many shows playing all the time."
"Oh it all sounds wonderful. You must be excited."
Marilla nodded and bolted from the table. Everyone looked shocked at her sudden exit.
"I'll go," said Anne.
She followed Marilla up the stairs to the spare bedroom. Marilla was sitting on the bed looking quite green.
"Marilla, what's the matter?"
Marilla gulped a few times. Anne poured her a glass of water, which she drank down thankfully.
"I'm so nervous. I've never left the Island before." Tears were starting in Marilla's eyes. "John will think I'm a terrible coward."
"Oh darling, have you told him how you feel?"
"A bit, but I'm trying to hide it."
"It'll be alright, Marilla. John will look after you, nothing will go wrong."
"Hold me Anne." Anne hugged her tight. Marilla was shaking. They could hear the heavy tread of a man's footsteps coming up the stairs.
"Is everything alright sweetheart?" John was concerned, this was supposed to be a wonderful adventure, would they even get off the Island?
Marilla looked up at him, crying. "Oh you'll think me an awful fool, John. I'm just so fearful about leaving." Anne took her leave.
John sat on the bed and Marilla put her head in his lap. He stroked her hair. He could feel her trembling. "Shh shh shh, do you think I would make you do this if I didn't think you could? I'll look after you every step of the way." He stayed with her calming her down for a long while. John knew they would have a wonderful time once he got her to New York, it sounded like an amazing place. He figured they'd have to take it slow.
The next day Marilla woke up bright and early. She felt much better after a good sleep. Susan called up the stairs that breakfast was ready. Marilla was still a bit nervous, so she didn't eat much. Susan packed them a picnic to take with them on the train. "You never know what sort of food is available in the dining car, so I packed you some homemade treats." They thanked her and waved goodbye to the family.
"You're sure you'll be alright, Marilla?" asked Anne.
"Yes, John will look after me." She waved back feeling much better about the whole thing. John smiled at Anne and the children and gave a special wave to Shirley. "We'll write and tell you all about it."
The train journey to the port at Charlottetown was uneventful. For someone who had lived her whole life on a small island, Marilla was woefully ignorant about the sea. She looked in dismay at the small ferry that was to take them to the mainland. John held her hand tight. Once on board, he wondered about what sort of sailor Marilla might be. As it turned out his concerns were for naught. Marilla proved to be a fine sailor and they had a nice trip to the mainland. It was rather strange to see her island shore disappearing over the horizon as the ferry steamed out to sea, but she was ready for an adventure after her initial misgivings.
They found their way to the train station without a worry. John had booked a sleeper for them; the journey would take a couple of days. They stowed the baggage and made their way to their compartment. The sign on the door said Mr and Mrs Blythe. It was still a novelty for Marilla to see it written down and she pointed at it with a smile. It was very neatly appointed with a narrow double bed for them both which folded up into the wall during the day. The train took off down the line. "Hungry?" asked Marilla. "We have the picnic Susan packed for us."
"Or we could have a coffee in the dining car?" suggested John.
"Oh that sounds nice."
They made their way down the corridor, weaving slightly as the train rocked on the tracks.
The dining car was well appointed with neat tables and chairs. There were a few people sitting in there already. John found a table and he drew out a chair for Marilla. They sat down and a waiter came to take their order. "We'll have some coffee, please and some cakes" ordered John.
"Cream with your coffee?" enquired the waiter.
"No thank you."
The waiter weaved his way back to the kitchen.
Marilla looked out the window at the scenery rushing past. It didn't look that different to the Island. She said as much to John.
"Well we aren't actually very far from home yet."
In due course their coffee and cakes arrived. The cakes looked very fancy. They proved to be quite as delicious as anything Marilla could whip up with little flourishes on top. Once finished they made their way back to their compartment. They entered it and John locked the door. "Is that necessary?" queried Marilla.
"It is if we want some privacy," replied John.
"Cheeky".
He sat next to her and started kissing her neck. "Oh I want you, I want to make love on a train. I've never done it on a train before. I wonder how comfy the bed is?"
"It looks pretty narrow."
"I'm sure we can make do. Shall we pull it down?"
Marilla stood up so as to get out of the way and John fumbled with the catch. "Oh stupid thing … there it is."
"You're probably supposed to wait 'til night and get the porter to do it."
"Stuff and nonsense, who wants to wait hours and hours. I want you now, wife! Turn around so I can undo your buttons."
Marilla did as he asked; she was not unenthusiastic herself. The novelty of making love on a train was an aphrodisiac. Once undressed they clambered up onto the bed.
"Just put your leg there."
"Are you right?"
"Yes, ow, no … Okay I'm better."
"I hope I don't fall out." They struggled to find just the right spot in the narrow bed.
John kissed her greedily. He was extremely aroused.
"Better not make too much noise. We don't want to attract attention."
"Oh the train is too noisy anyway, I doubt anyone can hear anything, they're all probably busy themselves."
"Naughty! I'm sure everyone is very well behaved. Unlike you."
"And you!"
Marilla smiled and kissed her husband's cheek. John wrapped his arms around her. "Actually it might be better if you go on top." They carefully maneuvered around again, nearly falling out in the process, giggling all the while.
Marilla kissed him and trailed more kisses down his chest. John stroked her arms and breasts, tracing his fingers in concentric circles around her nipples. He reached down and rubbed her, feeling the moisture gathering. She could feel his erection and edged herself over him. She rocked back and forth enjoying the feeling of him in her. John was losing control now and grunted as he thrust into her. Marilla looked at him, he was quite absorbed in his rising orgasm and wasn't really looking into her eyes, but was looking in her direction. With a final gasp he came and let out a massive sigh. Marilla hugged him. They turned carefully again and spooned. John reached around to fondle her. He penetrated her with his finger, his thumb manipulating her to orgasm. She jolted into him as she came.
"Mmm that was lovely," sighed Marilla.
"What did you think of the accommodation?
"Well it was a novelty, and I'm sure we will repeat it before we arrive at our destination. But on the whole I prefer a wider bed."
John laughed softly "yes, but it will do in a pinch."
"I'll pinch you, husband."
They made the most of the privacy of the compartment for the next 48 hours. The Porter knocked on occasion, but they stayed inside. The Porter was used to people staying in their compartment during the journey, but he was shocked when he noticed them leave. Passengers who availed themselves of a locked door were usually considerably younger.
* Initially The Statue of Liberty was called this.