The Students worked through their morning lessons in an aura of restlessness. Everyone was practically bounding from their seats, eager to get out of the Classroom and gossip amongst themselves about the upcoming Carnival. Finally the moment that most of the Students, in this small Avonlea Schoolhouse, were waiting for had arrived! They were practically stumbling over each other to be the first to escape the disciplined confines of the one room Schoolhouse.
"Diana! Yoo hoo!" Diana, come over here, Dear!" Jane spoke up anxiously as she saw Diana Barry finally make her way through the front door of the Schoolhouse.
"I'm coming Jane!" Diana sighed as she made her past the younger Children who were running off to play in the surrounding field, on the side of the School.
"Now what are you so impatient about, Jane?" Diana wondered, trying to untangle her long Braid from a button on the back of her voluminous smock.
"Here, Diana, let me help you." Jane tells her as she carefully untwists Diana's long Raven Black Braid from her Smock button.
"You know what, Diana Barry! Did you bring Miss Shirley those flowers? Your Mother grows Gladiolas, after all!" Ruby speaks up before Jane has a chance to form the words aching to get out of her mouth. Jane just closes her mouth and looks to Ruby with some exasperation.
"So does your Mother, Ruby. No, I wish it was my idea but I'm so busy in the morning before School. I haven't much time to be so thoughtful. It is a delicious mystery though, isn't it?" Diana's eyes are so starry and their perfect shade of periwinkle Blue, could take your breathe away.
"Obviously Miss Shirley must have a Secret Admirer. How I wish I did! Not that I have never been given Flowers before. Even my Father has done that! Mother is terribly spoiled but she is such a Beauty! My Sisters have even had them delivered to them! It is a tradition to send Flowers to a Girl, when you are in College. Though not so much at Queens but at Redmond! Really only one of my Sisters ever truly attended there but Mother goes on to tell us how exciting it is to see Flowers arrive with your name on them!" Ruby said proudly. Almost haughtily, as she points her small nose primly up for comparison, one might guess.
"I would just love to have someone give me Flowers, for any occasion. They are such a lovely and thoughtful gesture." Diana beams, getting lost in her visions of Prince Charming, riding in on his huffing stead, to present her with his token of appreciation.Just for her's alone.
"Well, it is said that one's Beau or hopeful Gentlemen, always send a Lady flowers for his intended Sweetheart, on days of Dances, Recitals, Birthdays or Holidays. I almost want to go to College just so I can receive such tokens of recognition! I am hardly considered a Brain. Diana and Josie are much smarter than I believe I can ever become. Father said I should go to Queens, it's tradition in our Family but he presumed I will be Married and taking care of Babies of my own, while the rest of you are bound to be heading out for Redmond. I plan on becoming a Mother, so I really don't need to go to Redmond. Of course Father did attend, as did Mother but only Father went on to finish off his courses at Redmond. I think Mother attended for a year but I am not so very sure of that fact, I'm afraid.
Mother did tell me that she was the proudest young Lady at Father's Graduation. More attentive than even his doting Parents could ever hope to be! Why He told us that he had the Prettiest Fiancée in attendance! Could you ever imagine a Man saying such a thing! He was so ecstatic to see Mother's smiling face, why he had to sneak a kiss from her, when no one else was looking over their way! Now that is exciting, is it not? I would be so embarrassed!" Ruby finished, her eyes dancing with merriment and mischief over her exposed secret. Just the looks on the other two Girls faces was reward enough, for telling her sordid tale, to Ruby's eyes. She couldn't wait to be kissed and collect dozens of Beau's to whirl her around and rescue her from her boring routines at Home.
"I'll never kiss a Boy or a Man, like that! I suppose Ruby's Father must have been a Man by that time,but in public, no less! Even if he was my Fiancé!" Jane told them with her usual resolve that made almost everyone wonder if she will decide to be a Spinster yet.
"What about you, Diana? Would you take the dare?" Ruby pressed her Friend; leaning closer; to make sure she didn't miss even a sigh or whimper from Diana's shy response.
"Absolutely not! It isn't proper. My Fiancé will know better. He will be the perfect Gentleman. He will kindly kiss my hand and I will blush accordingly." Diana reminded them as if she had repeated her statement, many times before. Jane puts on a look of satisfaction while Ruby peers at her skeptically. Diana always tried to appear to be so perfect but Ruby suspected that Diana could be swept up in the moment, just like any other love sick Damsel, found wrapped up in her Hero's strong Arms.
"I don't know, Diana. In a public place? I'm not sure that it is even proper to do such a thing." Jane pondered the situation in her memory. She then feared that the opportunity to find out was something she will have a long time to think too much about..
"I think that kissing your hand is appropriate, as long as He is your Fiancé. Even if he was only your Beau. However will you capture a Husband, Jane, if you are to spurn Men's affections? They can't help themselves in these matters. It is quite an Honor to be had and should be viewed as such. Why, if you denied a Man such a request, it can be seen as a complete rejection of his attention. He will then surely put you aside Jane, for good!" Ruby stated primly.
"Perhaps it is as you say, Ruby, but if he cared for me, as he says he does, then he should be polite and show good manners. Mother has said as much, time and time again. Ruby,. You and your Sisters are much too bold. If I were you, I'd fear that my flirtations might be seen as flighty and fickle!" Jane pronounced sourly. "I would not allow such a sacred act to just any Boy and you know you wouldn't either Ruby. At least I know Diana wouldn't, right?
"Not just any Boy, that would be wrong. Though if it was the right Boy? A Boy I have been longing for attention from, maybe I would. It's not the same as real kissing after all." Diana explained to the group who pondered her direct statement carefully
"I guess so Diana but I am young. I refuse to take Courting, now, seriously. I don't have to encourage any Boys. They just can't seem to be avoided but Jane, they get so sensitive. Most don't take rejection easily, Jane. You would do best to remember my advice." Ruby told her matter -of- fact and Jane just blinked her eyes, trying to clear Ruby's warning from her stubborn resolve.
"So what Boy has been so bold with you, Ruby?" Diana was very curious, though undecided on whose logic she really believed in to be sound.
"Now Diana such a question! I am not at liberty to tell but He does go to Queens Academy and his Family is quite well off! Though don't look to me with those glares of yours, Girls, I am hardly old enough to make up my mind to choose only one Beau! Mother said I should date as much as I can. I will meet all kinds of interesting Men at Queens, as well as after I Graduate. I should just enjoy the Dances and Weddings while I am still young. Soon I will have to deal with Babies and Schedules that take up most of my free time. Isn't Mother such a Duck? Father says no one is good enough for me and He'll not even give audience to any young Man until I have graced the Halls of Queens Academy. I protested but he just waves me off, away from him. My Father is a very stubborn Man." Ruby said exhausted now with her words.
"Whatever, Ruby! I would feel rather queer, if someone left me Flowers, without my knowing who is could be. I mean, they could be from Charlie Sloane. What a scandal that would be! "Jane added with a shiver.
"That would be unfortunate, Jane. Actually it could have been from just about anyone. It is still a kind gesture. I am sure Miss Shirley will acceptit for what it is, a friendly token of appreciation for all of her devotion to her Students. Do you know she has plans on teaching a Special Class, just for Students who are aiming for Queens?" Diana exposed one of Anne's future tasks, in hope, to change the subject to something more suitable for the group to be talking about.
"Oh really? Thank Goodness! I mean I try hard, honest I do but I just can't seem to be able tomemorize everything Miss Shirley wants of me to. Father said that Girls aren't really meant to know so much. I should just do my best in all things. He will love me endlessly still. He also told me one night, when everyone else was out of the room, that he thought that I, was His closest Daughter to looking of Mother. My Sister's are all pretty enough but I was the one who carried on Mother's spirit and Beauty. He would always treasure me because of this gift that was given to Him." Ruby spoke with her eye's shining; almost dropping from the weight of her own Father's loving affection for her. He tried his best though, to treat all of his Daughter's fairly, for they all had gifts individually, as well as a group. He also wanted to keep his Daughter's aware of their Beauty and their responsibility to others, who might seek their favors because of it. He believes in Pride in ones Charm and Accomplishment but never encouraged Vanity in any of his Children. Conceit is a sad downfall and never brought about agood Suitor, only shallow Shells, that have no substance. Mr. Gillis was determined all of His Daughter marry well, with responsible Husbands to run their Household. His Daughters were too lovely to settle for just any fancy Rogue and inHis thoughts. Ruby knew it was His devotion and not restrictions that made him so conservative in His ways of Courting.
"Mr. Gillisplays too much the romantic! Father says he is too pre-occupied with his Wife and Family. It's a wonder he makes any money at all!" Jane lets out her indignation with a snooty attitude.
"That isn't very nice to say, Jane. Mr. Gillis did inherit a lot of His money but his Business forces him to Travel, so He doesn't have to work hard on a day to day basis. He does though have to leave His little Family more than our Father's do. Why even my very own beloved Father, must travel some because of his Business Deals with his Sister in Kingsport." Diana defends Ruby's Father's thinking because she felt her Father's affection just as keenly as Ruby does.
"True but that has nothing to do with His spoiling His Family too much!" Jane stabs at the two Girlsfor now she felt theywere rallying up against Her. This just made poor Jane turn red in the face and the steam boil over with her angry thoughts. She was finding herself fighting the confusing messages between her Friends and Parents stern logic. This made her feel very agitated, with worry, growing worsewith their every word. How can they be different, with their confusing theories floating about all around her, in Hermixed up head?
"Well, I can't help it! My Father loves us so much! He feels guilty when He has to leave us for a Voyage to England! How Mother just cries because she just misses him so! Father sends us Telegrams and Letters every night he can when He is away, just to cheer Mother up. He says he misses us all too much! Father says what good is Money if you don't spend it? He is just doing his part to support the Community. Making sure our little Town has the goods that it needs and Money enough to keep our Business' sound here in Avonlea. Father confessed that Gillis' make poor Farmers, so one must do what they are best at. We could live in some ritzy House in the City but Mother grew up here, in the Forested Hills of PEI and she wished to raise her Children here.Inits' colorful and imaginative landscape. I love the City, really I do, but Mother is right. I told you she is a Duck! The Country is just so Beautiful, so I am quite proud of my Father and to be called a Gillis!" Ruby gleamed with a wistful look of satisfaction on her delicate little face.
"So does that mean you too will marry a City Boy, Ruby? Like your Mother did?" Diana pondered this seriously. She herself was hopeful to woo a Handsome Stranger. One who stood both Tall and Stately, with an aire of Superiority in his mellow, seductive voice. His manners of course had to be impeccable to compliment her own sense of decorum and make her Father proud to announce His good fortune in a Son-in-Law.
"Who knows? He will have to have enough money to support me and a dozen Children, that much I am set on! I shan't budge an inch in this regard." Ruby was now staring stubbornly over at aclearing that lead her vision to the babbling Brook that now rippled and occasionally spattered, when a young Fish would try to clear a jutting stone in the Water. Every time it did, the younger Children would call out in amazement. Wishing they could just wade out there and capture that otherwise spawning Fish for their Supper! Ruby was brought back with Jane's sarcastic words to her reply.
"Only a dozen, Ruby? However will you manage them all? You're so slight. Do you really believe your Health will be strong enough for so many Children?" Jane brought up, thinkingRuby is just being ridiculous, as always.
"I am somewhat small and slim but so is Mother and my Oldest Sister have bothsurvived Child Birth, so of course, so can I, Jane! Babies are so precious and sweet. Especially Gillis Babies. Father told me there should be lots of them in the World. That is why he was blessed with so many Daughters! I mean sure my Parents spoil Abraham but they agree that pretty Girls are even better to show off. How I cherish my Parents so Girls. They are just trying to do their best with us, so don't be so huffy, Jane, just because we have more fun than you apparently do.
"You mean silly Girls!" Jane humphed, wishing she had Ruby's problems. One always does seem to long for what the other seem to have. We are unable to always appreciate what gifts, our Parents bring to Society at times,with their many different point-of –views.
"My Father isin agreement with Ruby's in this Logic. We really are so very lucky for such loving Parents, in the Barry Home as well. Jane, maybe your not being close to your Sister is causing you this disagreement. If she weren't away at Queens, maybe you wouldn't be so beside yourself over what other People's Parents do." Diana tried herself to reason with Jane's closed minded logic.
"What's the matter, Diana? All of sudden you looked so sad. Are you feeling well or should I run and go get Miss Shirley?" Ruby spoke up when a look of sorrow fell across Diana's normally cheerful stance.
"Well listen to us Ruby, Jane. We have Fathers. Your Father spoils you too Jane. He's just more practical about it. Miss Shirley has never met her Father. It makes me sad to think how miserable that must be for her?" Diana confessed with a tear welling up in her compassionate visage.
"That is a very sad thought, Diana, but my Father said that Matthew Cuthbert was awfully nice to her. He bought Her some really nice things, too, before his horrible Heart attack. I just hate Heart attacks. They come so suddenly and then take away from us the ones we so dearly love. I wish there never was such a thing." Ruby said angrily as she reflected on the many Avonlea folks that have left their young lives of such an ailment.
"I quite agree. It is such a harsh way to leave your young ones. Though it was nice to know they had at least some time on this Earth with us. That is what Mrs. Allan would tell me, when my Grandparents died in a Buggy accident. I barely remember their smiling faces and Mother was so very tragic. It still was very hard on Anne, to lose Him so early. My Aunt Barry said it was a very unfortunate affair for both Marilla and Anne." Diana mentioned to the Girls who now all tried to imagine how life must be for their Beloved Teacher.
"Really? You mean your Aunt Josephine Barry? That old skinflint!" Jane stated with dislike.
"She can be that way at times but you don't get as much as she does throwing money to the wind, you know! Well she grew up with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, so of course she would be concerned with their affairs." Diana explained to her Friends.
"I suppose so. Well enough of this gloomy stuff! I want to think about our Carnival! We will have to practice our Parts, make Costumes, bake Cakes and Pies! I wish Abe would hurry up and get back!" Ruby mulled sadly, failing in her initial attempt to bring everyone up from despair.
"How does he like Europe, Ruby? Does he even mention any of us?" Jane inquired hopefully.
"Abe is very busy right now. Grandfather insisted that Abe spend six months with him so that he could be tutored properly. Grandfather isn't getting any younger, so he just insisted Abe come this year at once. I am even starting to miss His pestering. He is looking forward to the Play though. Of course Mother will supervise all of that! She is a true Artist and will insist on everything looking simply Perfect!" Ruby reminded them.
"Of course! My Mother believes the same way! Our Costumes will be magnificent and regal!" Diana spoke up with pride in her Mother's own talents.
"As will our books and our Production on Schedule, in Perfect Order!" Jane added her contribution to the Project.
"It is fortunate we have such a wonderful assortment of talented Parents. Imagine if all any of them could do is just cook? I am confident that our Play and Carnival will just be divine! I can't help but dream of a snowy White Wonderland. All sparkling with reflective lights and friendly Folks gathered together for a Merry Event! I can hardly wait!" Diana decided and they all smiled at each other in great anticipation, forgetting all about the Flowers for the moment.
"I wish I could play the Piano." Diana brought up suddenly, thinking of all the things they will need for the Play at that verymoment.
"My Mother can but she hardly ever does. She says she hasn't the time to Practice, not with six Children, Grandparents to look out for. Father's traveling around and such, leaves more work for Mother to do." Now Ruby seems distracted by her roaming thoughts again.
"Well hopefully I will get lessons, after all. Father has said I will, if Aunt Jo helps us out." Diana replied
"Oh look! There's Miss Shirley, we better go now!" Jane exclaims, happy to be done with this conversation and on to working on something more worthwhile.