Hi everyone! I come asking forgiveness for this inexcusable delay in posting. Unfortunately, I was rather under the weather all week last week, which was not at all conducive to good writing. But I am finally feeling better so I got back at it as soon as I could! I find myself at a strange point in this story. There's so much I could focus on and if I wanted to drag the story out indefinitely I might give even more consideration to certain parts, perhaps this jaunt to Boston being one of those things. But as I think of the story I set out to tell, I am reminded of why I began this story in the first place. I wanted to tell this what if of Anne and Gilbert "walking hand in hand through life" so we could imagine what other happy memories they might have shared. This story shows how profoundly different things could have been. That said, with perhaps only maybe 4-5 more chapters to go, I want to make sure I am focusing on those parts that tell my story, not write around it just to hear myself. So without further ado, I take you all to Boston for a little fun. Many profound thanks for all the reviews, follows and PM's. They mean the world to me and can carry a sometimes reluctant writer much farther than she could ever go on her own. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you!
~Lizzy
Arriving in Boston was far from a solitary event. Anne had unwittingly gained a rather substantial entourage in her travels and as the ship docked in the harbor, Phil beamed.
"Boston, can you believe it, Anne? I've never been this far from home before you know! I am so glad my father allowed me to come with you!"
Anne was nervous enough without Phil's raptures, but she had to admit it did feel comforting to have Phil standing on one side and Gilbert on the other. It had been a long journey. Although, it was shorter than Anne had expected. The world seemed to be getting a little smaller somehow as she began to discover its vastness. Over the past few weeks, as Anne began to truly digest all that was happening, she suffered through nearly every emotion for pure joy to utter terror. But as she stepped off the boat at Boston Harbor all she felt was excitement.
The intervening weeks between receiving the letter telling her that her book would be published and this moment passed in a blur. Anne decided immediately that sooner was better than later and made plans to skip Easter at Green Gables to go to Boston. She hated to miss Avonlea in the spring and hated even more the thought of a holiday passing without her. But when Gilbert had told her he would have to stay in Kingsport for the summer to work, the thought of going without him was not worth considering. Besides, waiting until summer seemed too long a time to wait. So plans were made, letters dispatched, tickets redeemed and purchased, and a merry party of five left Kingsport bound for Boston as the warm April air began to settle in.
Phil had insisted on accompanying Anne to Boston. Anne protested about it being needless and expensive, considering she only had two fares to her credit. But Phil had waved her off with laughter, as though the consideration of money gave her no cause for concern. In truth, it didn't. Phil hadn't worried about money a day in her life and she was not about to miss out on seeing her beloved Anne make this wonderful trip without her. Phil considered it some sort of sacred duty of friendship.
Gilbert, of course, stood on Anne's other side, proud as any man could be of the woman he loved. The truly surprising fourth and fifth passengers had sworn up and down they were not really traveling to Boston for Anne, but because it seemed as nice a place as any to enjoy a small spring vacation while school was on break. Anne of course knew better, but Professor and Mrs. Sanderson had insisted on accompanying Anne and were in fact so insistent that the mode of their declaration left her no room for argument.
She pleaded for Gilbert to intervene when her protests fell on deaf ears, but he likewise insisted it was their money and their vacation and they could spend it where they would. He had advised Anne, rather wisely, to appreciate the gesture for what it was and understand that if it hadn't been important to them, they would not be making the trip.
In truth, Professor Sanderson would not have missed this moment for anything and luckily given his situation in life, he wouldn't have to. He had never had student of his published. At least not while they were still in school. This was truly a high point of his career and was only made better by the genuine affection he had for Anne.
As he watched her take her first steps on American soil, he beamed for her and his thoughts went back to the day she had told him she received the letter from Davis Callaghan.
Thomas had just been settling down in his office after his last class of the day when a rather aggressive knock came at the door.
Too tired to bother standing up to answer it, he simply beckoned the person to enter, hoping with every breath it wasn't Anthony Carmichael. Anthony was a fourth year student who had gained the unfortunate habit of arguing with professor's over his grades. Thomas was not aware of the success of any of his arguments, but Anthony fought like a dog anyways. Thomas was sure the lad just liked a good row every now and again and didn't have a good girl to do it with. He momentarily felt sorry for the future Mrs. Carmichael.
This thought made Thomas chuckle and thus he appeared to Anne when she opened the door and stepped in his office.
"Anne, hello! It's nice to see you. Please come in," his countenance brightening even more.
"Sorry to bother you, sir. I know you're busy."
"Nonsense, I always have time for you." He gestured for Anne to have a seat but she remained fixed by the door, not moving, a queer smile on her face.
"Anne is something the matter?" he finally asked.
"No, no, nothing is the matter. I just came to show you something, Sir." With those words, her feet finally shuffled forward and she rather determinedly slapped a paper down on his desk.
"What's this?" he asked intrigued.
"Read it and see for yourself," she beamed.
Thomas picked up the letter and recognized the handwriting immediately. He gave Anne another look and her beaming face told him everything he needed to know. But he read it anyway.
Thomas Sanderson had lived many years and had experienced his share of feelings among them. But very little in his experience had ever prepared him for the sheer pride and joy he felt when he read the words written by his dear friend about the woman standing in front of him.
Before looking up, he choked back a tear and smiled brightly. "Anne," he said standing up and walking around the desk to face her. "Oh congratulations, Anne! I am so very proud of you." He took her hand in his and gave it a fatherly squeeze of encouragement. "I can't tell you-" suddenly he felt a little overcome again and stopped.
Anne only smiled brighter, if that it was possible, and rescued him. "Thank you, sir. I still can't really believe it!"
"Well it seems you must, Anne! I knew your stories were special. I am just glad Davis thought so too. It proves he's as smart as I have always believed him to be."
Anne laughed, "Well I am happy he didn't disappoint you."
"I knew he wouldn't!"
At that, Anne's face lost a bit of laughter and she looked at him seriously for a moment. "What is it, Anne?"
"Sir, I can never repay the kindness you've shown me during this entire process. This would never have happened had it not been for you and I owe you a lifetime debt of gratitude."
He tried to interject, but Anne held up her hand, "Please sir, let me say this. I know you believe in what I have written and I would gladly die happy with that knowledge. But now that I am standing on this precipice I am realizing how important it is to me to stand on my own merits. I couldn't bear it if I thought-" she trailed off, unable to finish the thought and ashamed to have even have had it. But she had to admit that she wondered just how much influence Professor Sanderson had had during this entire process.
He understood immediately what she wanted to know and he wasted no time in setting her mind at ease. "Anne, listen to me. I will not deny that when I sent my initial letter to Davis I painted you in the best light possible. But let me assure you that even if I could have influenced his decision regarding your manuscript, I wouldn't have even tried. Everything you accomplished was your own. I hope you believe me when I say that."
Anne read the truth of his statement in his eyes and felt her heart climb just a bit, as though that thought was the last part of what had held her back from true elation.
"I do. Thank you, sir."
"You're welcome, Anne."
"Well I should go, I have another class to get to."
"Yes, well you have to promise to come have dinner with us again soon. Mrs. Sanderson will want to celebrate."
"I would like that, thank you."
"Excellent," he said and Anne readied to leave. "And Anne, Congratulations! I am sincerely proud of you."
Anne smiled with no small amount of emotion and before she knew what she was doing she propelled herself forward and hugged Professor Sanderson with much force. That he was surprised by the contact was evident but he returned her embrace with equal regard. If he thought before that he was beginning to know the pride of a father, this gesture confirmed it for him.
Anne left his office swiftly after, embarrassed by her own action. But Thomas would forever remember that moment as among of the best of his life, personal and professional.
And now, standing on the platform, he was overjoyed he could be here for this achievement for Anne.
"Welcome to Boston, Anne." Thomas said, coming up behind her, Phil and Gilbert.
"Thank you, sir! It's so big! How will we ever find our way around here?"
"Oh Anne, if I know Davis, he has everything worked out perfectly. In fact, I bet if you'd like he would set you up on a guided tour of the city while you're here."
"Well, that sounds wonderful, doesn't it, Gil?"
Gilbert only smiled, thinking to himself that what sounded even better than that was getting lost with Anne in this vast metropolis and discovering the city their own way. Just like they had in Kingsport. Gilbert smiled at that memory as he remembered back to the days of those accidental touches and light hand movements at the small of Anne's back that sent a flutter of heat through him. That was the way to explore a new city!
True to his reputation, Davis Callaghan had transportation waiting for them to transport everyone to the hotel. All of them were to be his guests at dinner that night. The cab took them around the city for a fair while before the stopped at the entrance to one of the most beautiful buildings Anne had ever seen. The Parker House Hotel was one of the nicest and most prestigious hotels in Boston. Professor Callaghan had told Anne that it was also known as a haven for fellow authors as it was rumored a prestigious bunch of them attended a literary club at the hotel's restaurant.
Upon being shown to their room, Anne could hardly believe the accommodations. The rooms were exquisite and Anne felt afraid to even touch anything. Phil, however, felt right at home in their shared room and began unpacking her things while Anne still tried to take in the expensive furnishings and ornate decorations.
She felt a shudder of uncertainty go through her at that moment.
Would this be what they expected from her?
This level of refinement and class?
Was she equal to any of this?
What if she said or did the wrong thing?
What if they took one look at her and realized she wasn't from this world and never would be?
Anne felt herself beginning to panic. A cold chill travelled up her back and settled in the pit of her stomach, robbing her of the joy she had felt only moments ago.
She needed to see Gilbert.
Leaving Phil in raptures over the size of the tub in the bathroom, Anne hastily retreated from their room and walked the next door down to where Gilbert had gone. She knocked on the door and he opened it to a bewildered Anne.
"Anne, what is the matter?" He asked with concern upon seeing her pale face.
"I can't do this, Gil. I can't!
"Anne, what are you talking about, do what?"
At this she blew past him through the door and walked into his room and stood in the center of it, staring at him.
"Anne, you shouldn't be in here," Gilbert protested, leaving the door open so Anne could walk back through it just as easily.
But Anne either didn't hear him or didn't care what he said because in the next moment she continued without a breath. "Gilbert, what if I can't do this? What if I don't belong in this world? Look at these rooms and those taxis we took here! I can't imagine what finery awaits us at dinner. I am just an island girl, Gil. I can't live in this world can I? Can I even fool them for less than week that I could fit in among them? How can I ever do it?"
Gilbert still stood with his hand on the door, looking at Anne as she panicked. Finally, he resigned himself to the fact that Anne wasn't leaving and ignoring the voice in his head that told him not to, Gilbert swiftly and wordlessly closed the door to his room.
Walking slowly over to her, he gently took her face in his hands. "Anne-girl, what is all this about? Why are you so stressed?"
"Gilbert, I don't belong here!"
At this, he kissed her lips gently, willing her to relax into him. "Actually, Darling, I've read a letter from Davis Callaghan no fewer than a dozen times now that suggests otherwise. Of course you belong here! Why would you ever doubt that?"
"But, Gil this place is so different from our world."
"Why, because of the fancy bed linens and ornate chandeliers? Those are just things, Anne. Kingsport has heaps of those things too. Just perhaps not in the places we frequent." He wrapped her now in a tight embrace and pulled her head to his chest. "You belong just as much as any writer who came before you and stayed in these rooms and looked in awe at their surroundings. You are here as their guest, Anne, not for a spectacle."
"But that's just it, Gil, what if I make a spectacle of myself? What if I say the wrong thing or what if Davis Callaghan is an awful human being and I can't stand the sight of him? What if they want me to live in this world with them in order to have my dream?"
"Anne, Anne, please slow down, darling. Why are you panicking like this? Where's my confident, fiery, redheaded fiancé? What have you done with her?"
Anne sobbed a bit. "I think she might have been left on the platform back in Kingsport. I am afraid this Anne here is terrified and unsure of herself now that she's beginning to understand what it all means."
Gilbert put just a bit of distance between them and looked into her eyes. "Hmm," he said, and shook his head. "Well I am afraid I didn't sign up to marry this Anne so we might just have to call off the engagement until we can get the other one back."
"Gil!" Anne scoffed.
"Oh, no I am quite serious! The girl I was courting had spirit and fire. She was the master of her own destiny. That girl knew what she wanted and went for it with gusto, never letting anything stand in her way. She would never be intimidated by fancy furniture or bed sheets. That girl believed in herself. And what's more so did I. She was the girl who made me believe in my own dreams because she had the nerve to go chase her own. That girl was the reason I am fighting for the Cooper Prize as we speak! And now you're telling me she's gone? What am I to do? Tell me how I get her here with me?"
"Gil," Anne whined, but he silenced her with a kiss. It wasn't just any kiss, but one Gilbert tried to pour his own confidence into so that Anne might grab onto it with a new perspective. He couldn't immediately tell if he was successful so he graciously continued for some time until they were both a bit breathless.
"Anne, you belong here. You belong here because you created something truly amazing. You are here because they want you here! You are here because they saw what I did and what Professor Sanderson did. That you're immensely talented! They believe that or you wouldn't be here. I can't promise that every person you meet will be the salt of the earth or that you won't make at least a tiny spectacle of yourself, because, well it is you after all. But I can promise you belong here, darling. Just as much as anyone ever did. You will win over Boston the way you've always won over every place you've ever been. This town won't know what hit it when Anne Shirley is done with it! And do you know how I know that?"
"How?" she asked in a weak voice.
"Because as much as you might not feel it right now, I can tell just holding you in my arms that that other Anne isn't on the dock in Kingsport. She's right here inside you. I felt her when I kissed you. She just needs you to believe in her. She just needs you to remember that every obstacle that's ever been placed in front of you has never stood the slightest chance of stopping you. You're a juggernaut, Anne Shirley and no one, not Boston, not crystal chandeliers, not Davis Callaghan, not anyone, can intimidate you." Gilbert finished his speech by once again wrapping her in a kiss, kissing her more passionately every minute, stopping only to demand that she say she believed in herself. Anne felt the tension leave her body as she surrender to the power of Gilbert's kiss and let his words penetrate her brain. He was right and she felt that other Anne gaining more strength by the minute. Gilbert knew he had his Anne back when she finally began to kiss him fervently. After a few moments he pulled away, "I believe we understand one another now, Miss Shirley?"
"Perfectly, Mr. Blythe."
"Good!" he replied, quite pleased with himself he weakened his hold on her and she slipped out of his arms and walked towards the door. "And just where do you think you're going now?"
Anne threw him an innocent look and smiled sweetly, "I have it on good authority you do not like women in your room. In fact, I am liable to scandalize all of Boston if I stay another minute."
Gilbert laughed, "Anne, you're not honestly mad that Ronald wouldn't let you in my room are you? And if you are you can hardly blame me!"
"Oh Gil, who says I am mad? I am trying to pass myself off here in Boston with at least some degree of credit. You wouldn't want tongues to wag would you? What would they say if they saw little old me in your hotel room, Gil? Word might get back to Rachel Lynde by supper and she'd be on the next boat to Boston. Ask me how we might explain her presence to Davis Callaghan!"
"Well when you put it like that, I suppose I can't argue with you leaving." He slowly made his way beside her by the door and gently moved her backwards until she was pinned between him and the wall. "But Anne, just so you know it's not that I don't like women in my room. This is the first time a woman has ever been in my room aside from my mother and my aunt and I have to say it's truly a singular experience. One I'd like oft repeated," he said as he captured her lips. "But, until we are safely married, I believe it's best not to let this be repeated with any frequency. Just as you want to pass yourself off with some degree of credit, I would like to pass myself off as a gentleman." He kissed her again and Anne ran her fingers through his hair. They stayed that way for a long while, neither of them even coming a single inch closer to, nor looking in the direction of, the bed. Eventually, Anne finally pulled away. "Safely married, you say?"
Gilbert smiled dreamily, "Yes, quite safely married, Anne. So that you never have to leave my room - our room- ever again." He gently kissed her forehead and released her.
"You should go get ready, Anne. We have to leave for dinner soon."
"Right. Thank you, Gil."
"For what? Scandalizing you in my hotel room?"
"No, you know what for. For believing me and reminding me who I am and what I have accomplished."
"I'll always believe in you, Carrots. Always."
Gilbert gave her one last sweet kiss on the forehead and opened his door to make sure the coast was clear. Anne gave him a quick kiss and said, "And now I know just what to say to gain access into your room. That's wonderful knowledge for any of my future uncertainties, Mr. Blythe." She winked at him and skirted out of his room and back to her own, full of much more confidence than she had felt since they had left for Boston.
Anne would remember dinner that night as one of the most elegant and wonderful evenings of her life. As much as Gilbert had helped put her at ease earlier in his room, she was still slightly nervous when they arrived at the restaurant. Gilbert stayed close to her side and every time she felt herself lose confidence, she felt his touch give her reassurance. As she looked at him in his suit as they were escorted to their table, she had to once again marvel at the man she loved and thank her own good fortune that it was she whom he had chosen. He looked as handsome as ever and carried himself with such confidence and forthrightness that Anne couldn't help but be energized and a bit inspired by him. She smiled widely at him as they walked together and Anne was perfectly content to be the woman on his arm for the evening, no matter what important people awaited them when they finally made to their table.
"What is it, Carrots? Do I have something on my tie?" Gilbert whispered to her as they walked.
Anne chuckled, "What, can't a girl admire her fiancé in his finery? It isn't often I get to see you all dressed up. It's a far cry from the boy who crawled all the way up our apple tree!"
"Ah yes, well that boy is still here, very much inside of this ridiculous suit, just wishing he had an apple tree here he could climb for you, Anne. But tonight, you are going to climb your own tree, darling. You are going to dazzle everyone with your brilliance and tie Davis Callaghan in knots just like you do to me. And before someone beats me to it can I tell you how very beautiful you look tonight? You took my breath away when I saw in the lobby." Gilbert looked at her with such admiration that it was almost his gaze rather than his words that melted through to her soul. She could stand anything with this man at her side.
"Thank you, Gil. You have to give some credit to Phil. I couldn't have put this all together by myself. The dress is hers you know."
Gilbert only sighed at her, "Anne when are you going to learn that's it's you I find beautiful. The magnificence of your eyes and the brightness of our lovely face. The dress is lovely, but only because you are wearing it, my love."
There was no time for more as they arrived at their table and a rather unexpected exuberant eruption broke out between the Professor Sanderson and the man Anne could only guess was Davis Callaghan.
"Thomas, my friend," bellowed Davis, giving his friend a warm hug, "it's good to see you! If I would have known the way to get you back to Boston was to publish one of your students, I would have done it years ago!"
"Nonsense, you know we were just here two years ago!"
"Yes, I do know. I am afraid you are going to have to beg Kathleen for forgiveness for not staying with us this time around. She's been quite put out about it all week."
"Oh Davis, stop it," Kathleen Callaghan interjected, turning to the Sanderson's, "He's jesting I assure you, although you know you are welcome anytime. How are you both?"
The reunion lasted several more minutes as the old friends reunited, exchanging hugs and warm welcome. "And which one of these beautiful young ladies in the illustrious Miss Shirley whom I have heard so much about?" Davis asked looking between Anne and Phil eagerly.
Thomas touched Anne's arm and brought her forward, "Davis Callaghan, meet Anne Shirley, one of my prized students and your newest author."
Davis Callaghan smiled warmly, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Shirley."
"The pleasure is all mine, sir," Anne replied, holding out her hand. "Thank you for having us. I have to say that we've only been here a few hours and this trip is already one I will remember for a lifetime."
"I am glad to hear that. We are delighted to have you. It's not often a writer as young as you comes to us so highly recommended. And given that Thomas is never one to throw away a compliment, I knew you would have to be rather special."
Anne blushed at his words, bringing a smile to Davis's face. If this girl was truly the gem that Thomas believed her to be, Davis had just seen the first evidence of it.
"Would you do me the honor of introducing me to your companions, Miss Shirley?"
"Oh yes, of course. This is my dear friend and housemate, Philipa Gordon."
"How do you do, Miss Gordon."
"Very well, thank you Mr. Callaghan. I appreciated the invitation to dinner." Phil answered with all the confidence Anne expected.
"And this is my fiancé and fellow Redmond student, Gilbert Blythe."
"How do you do sir," Gilbert said holding out his hand. Davis took the hand eagerly and shook vigorously. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Blythe. Don't think you've escaped your share of praise from this one either," Davis replied motioning to Thomas.
"Oh," Gilbert said momentarily surprised, but he managed to school his features and reply, "I am sure everything you heard is 100% accurate. If you need some embellishments, just ask me." This earned Gilbert a hearty laugh.
"Oh I think we will all get along famously won't we?" said Davis
At this point everyone was introduced to Kathleen and the party finally sat down at a large round table and ordered drinks. They made small talk among themselves for several moments.
Whatever anxiety Anne felt was washed completely away as she fell into easy conversation with the Callaghan's. They asked Anne dozens of questions about herself, which she answered in detail. They were nothing like she expected, not that she really knew what she had expected. Nor was dinner the stuffy, canned, elegant affair she had feared. The Callaghan's were eager to learn about not only Anne, but of her companions as well. Anne felt relieved that she wasn't in the spotlight the entire time and gladly hid behind her glass as Davis peppered Gilbert with questions.
"A farmer you say?" Davis asked. "And may I ask if you intend to follow in his footsteps?"
"Not if I can help it, sir. Farming is a wonderful way to earn a living but I have to confess to it being my father's legacy."
"I see. So then what will you do when you've completed your education?" asked Davis.
Gilbert put down his fork and briefly smiled at Anne before answering. "Well, I would very much like to enter medical school."
"A doctor! My word, Mr. Blythe that's a noble profession. And a difficult one. You must be a very bright young man."
"Gilbert is top of our class at Redmond," Phil interjected.
"Is that so?" Davis smiled looking a Gilbert knowingly.
"I've never seen anyone study quite as hard as him, I assure you," said Phil.
Gilbert merely shrugged, "I work hard, sir."
"That he does, I can attest to," replied Thomas. "I've seen him close down the library on more than one occasion."
"Gilbert has also just declared his intention to compete for the Cooper Prize. It's a very prestigious award at Redmond that hasn't been taken in several years," Anne offered, beaming with pride even as Gilbert reddened a little from embarrassment. "The Board of Trustees believes Gilbert has an excellent chance of winning it."
At this Gilbert saw fit to join in, "If I can with the award, it would mean medical school upon graduation, all paid for. I am sure you can imagine what a wonderful help that would be to a struggling student."
"It sounds like a good deal of work," said Kathleen, clearly impressed.
"It is and it will only get harder over the next two years. But I've never been afraid of hard work so I will do what needs to be done and hope for the best."
"Well, we offer our sincere best wishes, Gilbert. It sounds like you and Anne make quite the pair," said Davis.
Anne and Gilbert looked at one another and both began to laugh a bit. "You could say that, sir!" said Anne. "Quite a pair indeed."
Phil was the next one to undergo interrogation, and as expected, her disposition confused them at first as she went about talking in circles, but the Callaghan's both found her charming beyond words. Anne and Gilbert could only smile and marvel at her way.
"And so then what about you, Miss Gordon. What are your plans for life after Redmond?" Davis asked.
Anne found herself rather intrigued at the answer to this question she had never even considered. What awaited Phil Gordon?
Phil smiled with ease and went about her answer. "I suppose with Anne becoming an author and Gilbert a doctor I should tell you something wonderfully amazing awaits me after Redmond. I have a fair head for figures and I often joke about becoming my father's man of business, much to the horror of my mother I assure you."
This earned a hearty laugh around the table. "And what does your father say about this?" asked Davis, his eyes dancing with mirth.
"Well he rather delights I vexing my mother so he plays along quite well. My father even went so far as to hand me a ledger at dinner one night, which sent my mother into a fit. She did not appreciate the joke in the least."
"That sounds like something my father would do," replied Gilbert, laughing.
Anne rolled her eyes, "Oh, so you are saying your mischievousness comes from that quarter? Hmm, I will have to remember that next time I speak to your father."
Gilbert chuckled, "I am afraid the Blythe mischievousness is the work of many generations."
"Each one building on the last no doubt," offered Thomas.
"Exactly!" Gilbert replied.
"Sounds like there is more than one story in there, Gilbert," said Kathleen, intrigued by these young people with so much spunk and personality.
"Ah there is indeed, but since I promised Anne I would attempt to pass myself off with some degree of credit this evening, those should at least wait until our next meeting." Laughter once again broke out among the group.
Davis Callaghan looked around at the smiling faces of the group surrounding him and sighed contentedly. His job often placed him situations of entertaining strangers. He was good at it, although it was not always enjoyable. In fact, some days it was downright tedious. He wasn't sure if the presence of his dear friend helped or if the three other companions were simply charming people, but Davis had to admit that this dinner felt less and less like work and more like a delightful night out among friends.
"Having heard a few of those stories, I have to encourage you to make him tell you, Kathleen. You won't be disappointed," Thomas said.
And encourage Kathleen Callaghan did, until Gilbert had the table in stitches as he spun several yarns from boyhood, carefully avoiding the slate incident and any other reference to Anne. Those antics were most assuredly second dinner revelations!
Over three hours after it started, the dinner finally came to an end with all parties quite pleased with the evening. As they made their way to the lobby of the restaurant, Davis turned to Anne and said, "I will send a cab for you at nine o'clock tomorrow, Anne. We have much to discuss, as I am sure you are aware."
"Of course, I will be ready."
"I hope you don't mind but I've asked Thomas to come with you."
Anne began the first breath of protest, but her words never made it past her lips.
"Forgive my presumption, Anne. But trust me when I say even the most seasoned writers find this process rather intimidating. I don't mean to hold your age against you, but you are the youngest we've ever considered signing. Thomas knows this process. He will be a big help to you and he's someone you trust. Would you please indulge me?"
Anne looked at Davis Callaghan and tried in that moment to decipher if she should feel offended by his speech or grateful for his kind consideration. There was something in his eyes that told her he meant what he said. He had her best interest at heart. And truthfully, she would feel better having Professor Sanderson there.
"I would be happy to have Professor Sanderson accompany me, sir. I have no objection other than trespassing on his vacation plans."
Davis chuckled at this, "I tell you what, I will make it up to him and Sarah with a dinner their favorite place in the city if that placates you."
Anne smiled and nodded.
"Excellent!" Davis held out his hand and took it. "You're everything I hoped you would be, Miss Shirley. It's going to be a pleasure working together I am sure of it."
"Thank you, sir. And thank you for giving me this opportunity. You can't know what it means to me."
Davis looked at Anne and then to Gilbert for a moment and then back again. "I think I do, Anne. I think I do."
Anne awoke early the next morning wondering if she had slept at all. She stopped herself from shaking Phil awake before the sun even rose. She sat down at the window and watched the city below slowly come to life. It was something she had never seen before and she found it oddly inspiring. Gilbert's word rang in her head.
'You're a juggernaut, Anne Shirley and no one, not Boston, not crystal chandeliers, not Davis Callaghan, not anyone, can intimidate you.'
Looking down on the sleepy city, Anne felt the truth of his words as they echoed in her mind. She would not be intimidated. She might be a bit nervous. She might feel slightly out of her element. But she was here because she was good. She was here because what she wrote had touched someone profoundly. That thought alone could give her all the confidence she needed to make her way through Boston unscathed. And if she needed help, she had to look no further than the heap of brown hair sleeping peacefully in the bed or the handsome boy with the hazel eyes in the next room who she doubted slept any better than she had. They were here for her. They were all she needed.
So at nine o'clock sharp, Anne was waiting for the cab, smartly dressed and ready to greet the day. Professor Sanderson accompanied her to the offices of Curtis Publishing, where they would settle Anne's future as an author. On the cusp of such a wonderful dream come true, Anne felt rather self-assured. It was almost as if her dream had already kissed her good morning over breakfast and then held her hand under the table. Yes, that dream had indeed set her mind into the perfect balance she needed to go attain yet another one.
It wasn't until hours later, when Anne was staring at a contract in front of her, that she began to truly comprehend in a way she hadn't even considered before what this dream of being an author might mean for that other dream, the shared one. The one too distant in the future. The one too uncertain in its timetable. The one that was promised, but that neither Anne nor Gilbert truly knew…or were too scared to say…when it would be fulfilled. This contract, countless pages of Anne's commitment to her professional future, changed absolutely everything.