Chapter 7-

True to her word, Anne devoted her time to teaching the Smith children to read. She made the journey every noon to the Smith's shack, and returned, exhausted, to Green Gables in time for supper.

Gilbert, inspired by Anne's commitment, also began brainstorming ideas for the New Years party. It was a feat that was to be accomplished in five days. Five days to visit each of the families in the outskirts again, to invite the children, to prepare the activities and refreshments. Could they do it?

What venue? Might be simplest to do it in the meadow that separates the outskirts from town. Anne spotted the perfect clearing…

"It's rather makeshift, this gathering." Anne said when Gilbert vocalized his thoughts. They were taking an after-supper stroll around the Lake of Shining Waters. It was a beautiful evening. The saffron sky enveloped them in its blanket of glory, as Anne noted.

"We have four days, what are we going to do? The old barn, at the edge of the meadow, is another option, but it would take time to clean it up."

" It is such rough terrain, though. How are we going to carry tables to lay out the food?"

"Anne, we might not be able to do this alone. I propose we call an emergency AVIS meeting tomorrow. We need the help."

"What we can do now, Gil, is sort out what tasks need to be done, and start delegating them. We could always readjust priorities tomorrow, once we have a sense of who else is willing to commit."

Gilbert gazed into Anne's eager eyes with admiration. She may have her head in the clouds, sometimes, but she is a very efficient event planner.

"Did we agree on the meadow, Anne?"

"I suppose…"

Reluctance.

"If we agree" he emphasized "we need proper picnic tables. I know plenty of folk have these stored in their barns until springtime, but perhaps some will be willing to bring them out."

"Shall we ask Alice Lawson? If we mention it, she will be eager to loan us the tables she has in stock at the store."

"Perhaps, but we oughtn't rely on Alice's generosity. Now, in terms of transporting the tables, I know that the Wright's have large buggies that they use to bring crates of produce into Carmody. I might even be able to borrow Father's for the day."

"What about food? I suppose I can rally a team of women to prepare the meal. Mrs. Lynde would be willing, what with her 'prize-winning pastries'." Gilbert chuckled.

"Decorations. Diana and Ruby have an eye for aesthetics," he suggested.

"Activities. The Sloane boys are good at organizing games. Josie Pye, knowing her, will insist on participating, and she might very well do a decent job with planning games for the children. She will have to let us know tomorrow if she is interested."

"Anne, we are almost at Green Gables. Why don't we write a message for all the core AVIS members, letting them know of the emergency meeting. We still have time this evening to write out the notes and deliver them before tomorrow morning."

Anne was staring in front of her, deep in thought.

"Gilbert. The meadow would be impractical. We can hold the party at the Grand Hall. You, Fred, and anyone else who offers, can drive the kids into town in your buggies."

I like this rational Anne Shirley. No. I LOVE this rational Anne Shirley

"Well? Gil?"

"Ok. Let's write the notes and deliver them promptly. Surely the others will have suggestions at tomorrow's meeting."


Gilbert had just driven the last couple of kids back home, and the AVIS members were left to tidy up Grand Hall. Josie sauntered over to Gilbert, who was pulling down streamers and other ornaments from the ceiling.

"It's so good to have you home Gil," she simpered. "Nice to know that you can take your nose out of a book once in a while and have some real fun with your friends."

"Oh? Yes Josie" he said absent mindedly. In his mind's eye, Gil recalled the vision of an erethral ruddy-haired maiden chasing squealing children around the hall. He smiled.

"I just got a new puppy from Halifax. A purebred jack russell terrier. Its got the most charrr-ming pink ribbon around its neck."

"Oh?"

"You will never guess what we named it. Blythe. Because it's the gayest little creature..."

Anne, who was within earshot, rolled her eyes at this exchange.

She was intercepted by Charlie. "Look at those two. Still thinks she can catch his fancy. They would make a fine pair, even if she IS a Pye."

" What do you want, Sloane?" She hadn't meant to express her irritation.

"Just to comment on how wonderful this affair turned out. Now, if you want my two cents..."

No thank you.

He proceeded, either too arrogantly, or too Sloanish-ly. Charlie was, by far, the most insufferable of Sloanes. Where was Oliver when you needed him?

No. Where was Gilbert?

Fortunately, he was chatting with Fred Wright now, who was telling him about the poor condition of his wagon, and plans for purchasing a new one for the spring. No Josie in sight.

At the games area, Jane Andrews and her brother, Billy, were tidying up. Jane whispered something to Billy, then nodded towards Anne. Anne approached her friend.

"Jane, dearest. We pulled that off. I am so relieved."

"Credit goes to you and Gilbert, Anne." Jane turned to the red-faced young man beside her. "Isn't that right, Billy?" He mumbled something unintelligible.

"Jane, you are still spending the evening at Green Gables with me, yes?"

"Indeed. I am so excited to catch up, like old times," Jane assured her.

"Anne," she said, casting a meaningful look at Billy, "there is something I've been meaning to speak with you about."