Dedicated to my friend Taurian (A.K.A Luck9000) because he typed this entire chapter for me
A/N This takes place during the March/April before they go to Redmond.
"Where on earth are we going, Gilbert?" An exasperated John Blythe asked, as his son cracked the reins, making the horse go substantially faster.
"We're going shopping." Gilbert informed him.
"I'd never thought I'd see the day when the son would force his parents to go shopping." said Mary Blythe teasingly.
"Sorry," Gilbert apologized sarcastically. "It's just I need to get something for Anne and I want your opinions."
"It's nice that our opinions matter to you, but you shouldn't spend all your money on that girl, when you could help us pay your tuition for medical school in the fall." John stated openly.
"I know, and I'll help you pay for my tuition in a few months, but this is a necessary investment." Gilbert assured his parents, "We're here."
John looked at the sign that said 'Madame Manoir's Exquisite Jewelry'. "Jewelry, are you sure that this is necessary?"
When they entered the store, Gilbert rushed to the sales counter, saying excitedly,"I picked something out of a few days, but I want your say before I buy it." John and Mary walked over to the counter and looked at where Gilbert was indicating. Mary gasped and exclaimed.
"Oh my goodness! A ring! Are you going to propose to Anne?"
"Not so loud Mother! And yes, I am going to propose." Gilbert chided.
Then a woman came out from the back room. She was rather plump, with lots of white hair piled on top of her head. She was wearing an extremely tight dress in a sickly bright pink colour.
"I'm Madame Manoir, what can I help you with?" She asked in an overly sweet tone of voice.
"Yes, in fact you can" Gilbert told her beaming, "I'd like that ring there, with the pearls."
It was a beautiful ring, a gold band set with pearls all around it.
"That will cost you fifty dollars." Madame Manoir told them smugly, smiling at Mr. and Mrs. Blythe's faces of shock. Gilbert gladly gave the money. He was given a small red box containing the ring.
"When are going to pop the question?" John asked on their way home.
Gilbert replied, "At the right time."
A/N I know by this time in the books Gil does not yet know that he wants to be a doctor but if he's proposing then I guess he has to figure out what he wants to do with his life