I've played around with dates in this AU. The Klondike gold rush occurred between 1896-89 so that's grounded the story although in canon Jem would be around 4, obviously I've made him older.

June 1897
Dear Anne

I hope this letter finds you well. Millie and the children are in good health.

*Several paragraphs omitted*

Anne, the reason I am writing is that we are finding it hard going finding men to help with the harvest, they've all disappeared to find their fortune in the Klondike* I was wondering if you thought Jem might be old enough to help me out? I would look after him and not work him too hard. He could board at Green Gables with Marilla and John.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Your brother

Davy

Anne read the letter and thought it through. She was concerned for Davy and the farm of course, but Jem was young yet. She wasn't sure he was up to the long hours of physical labour. She'd have to discuss the idea with Gilbert first. Jem overheard his parents talking. He could hear Mum saying "Davy ... harvest ... Klondike..." Then her voice became quieter as she moved away from the door. That sounded interesting. Jem had heard of the Klondike, the near mythical river up in the Yukon where gold had been discovered the year prior, even in sleepy Glen St Mary men were disappearing, off to seek their fortune. Still it was hard to believe Davy could be off too.

Jem could barely sleep for excitement, something was up, he just wasn't sure what. He finally dropped off and dreamt about mountains of gold in the snowy wastes. The following day his parents called him into the parlour.

"Jem, your Uncle Davy wrote to ask us if you could help him with the harvest at Green Gables. All the able-bodied men have gone off to the gold rush and he needs help. Your Dad and I have thought about, but we want to know what you think? It would be a great deal of hard work, and of course you'd miss out on a few weeks with your friends. On the other hand, we think it would be good for you and it's wonderful that we can help Davy out at this time. What do you think?"

"I, um, wow." Jem was lost for words, it wasn't a gold rush, but it sounded exciting nonetheless. He was sure it would be tough, but he was nearly a man now and he was pleased that his family recognised that. "Where would I stay?"

"At Green Gables." Jem had always adored his grandparents, so this was the icing on the cake, so to speak.

Jem packed his bags and was placed on the train to Bright River. He had travelled by train plenty of times, but never on his own. He couldn't help but feel nervous and excited. The train was full of all sorts of people and he hoped he didn't look too young. A woman on the other side of the carriage saw him sitting there, somewhat nervously; a young lad on the cusp of adulthood, his red hair glinting in the sunlight.

At the station, Davy enveloped Jem's hand in his mighty fist. I'll take you to Marilla and John's first and you can get settled in before work tomorrow morning. I'm really delighted you could help out Jem. It's too big a job for one man, but all the labourers have disappeared. I guess the lure of gold up there on the Yukon was too attractive."

They reached Green Gables soon enough, the familiar farmhouse nestled in amongst the trees. It was like a second home to Jem. His grandparents were on the veranda as the buggy pulled in. Jem noticed that they looked older and a bit smaller, was that a walking stick that Aunt Marilla was leaning on? Marilla and John greeted their eldest grandson with glad hugs and pulled him into the parlour as Davy waved goodbye with a happy smile. "So, tell us all the news? How are your parents?"

Jem filled them in on all the latest gossip, Rilla had lost a tooth, she had been most insistent that he tell them. Di and Nan were well, Walter and Shirley were growing. Sharing the news made Jem realise how much he would miss them, but he was here for an adventure and to help out like a man; it wouldn't do to cry. Marilla could just see the glimmer of a tear in his eye, so she bustled off to fetch some afternoon tea. She had prepared a spread of raspberry tarts, her famous plum puffs and an apple cake. Of course, she always had some treats in the pantry, but she knew Jem would be ravenous after work this month, so she had laid in extra supplies. Jem looked much brighter when she returned with a fully laden tray. "Will you have coffee now, Jem, or would you prefer milk?"

"Just milk please Aunt Marilla."

Marilla was shaking him awake in the dark. "Wha, what is it?"

"It's time to get up, Jem. Time to go to work."

Jem was well used to lavish breakfasts, but Marilla knew a simple Glen St Mary breakfast wouldn't sustain him for the long day ahead. On his plate were piled eggs, bacon, black pudding, toast, bean, sausage and cooked spinach. "Gosh Aunt Marilla, is all this for me?"

"Yes. Eat up then Grandpa will take you out to Davy."

Davy was waiting for him by the barn. Dawn's first rays were peeking over the horizon as the men walked out to the field.

Jem staggered in the door absolutely exhausted. Covered with dirt he sank down on the kitchen bench with a groan. Marilla walked over. "I know you're tired Jem, but you have to clean up outside. Dusty boots on the veranda, please, and the water butt is out there for a quick wash." Jem looked up at her with dismay in his eyes. Although she felt sorry for him, Marilla was resolute. All workmen followed her rules. With a sigh Jem rose to his feet to do as she bid. "I'll have some tea ready for you when you're finished." She reached up and ruffled his red hair as he walked past.

"I'm sorry Aunt Marilla, I'm too tired to eat, may I go to bed?"

"Yes, that's fine. I'll pop in soon with some liniment. That will help with the stiffness tomorrow. Supper will be ready in an hour."

Jem nodded as he made his way to bed, slightly dismayed at that moment that was all the way up the stairs. Since he had visited last, Marilla and John had swapped bedrooms so that they were now sleeping in Matthew's room on the ground floor to save Marilla's hips. He understood why as he achingly walked up them himself, every step feeling like a mountain. Collapsing on the bed, he was asleep before his head hit the pillow. Marilla crept in shortly after to find him lying on top of the covers fully clothed, sound asleep.

John came in from the barn. "Where's Jem?"

"Fast asleep. I don't expect he's ever had such a hard day's work."

"He'll need some liniment before the morning, shall I do it? He might prefer it if a man sees him."

Tears came to Marilla's eyes. She and Jem had always shared a special bond, but John was right. Jem was no longer a small boy and he might be embarrassed to have his grandmother apply it. Silently she handed the liniment over. John patted her on the shoulder and gave her a kiss on her cheek. "You can slather me with liniment whenever you like, Mar." She smiled back at him through her tears.

The next morning Marilla couldn't rouse him. She walked out to the barn to meet Davy at the start of the work day. "No Jem?" He enquired.

"I think he may have overdone it yesterday, he's slept for fourteen hours."

"Sorry Marilla. He worked really hard. I kept trying to make him slow down."

"I'll send him over after morning tea." Davy nodded. He could recall the time he started helping out. Youthful enthusiasm didn't last much past the first day. The harvest was arduous work, it was best to pace yourself.

When Jem did wake he momentarily forgot where he was. When he moved his muscles ached, it all came flooding back. It was very light in the room and he panicked knowing he had missed some hours of work. What would Davy think of him? He struggled to his feet, amazed to see he was wearing his nightshirt. He didn't remember putting it on last night. Hurriedly he got dressed in his work clothes. He washed his face and noticed that his face was bright pink with sunburn.

Sheepishly he made his way downstairs to the kitchen. Marilla was waiting for him. "Sleep well darling?"

"Yes, seems I slept in, is Davy angry?"

"Not at all. We'll get you fed and you can go and find him when you're ready. Are you in pain this morning?"

"I'm in agony, Aunt Marilla. I didn't even know I possessed these muscles, now they're really sore."

Marilla smiled at him. It was always somewhat a baptism of fire when a town boy came to do some real work in the country. "That will only last a couple of days, Jem. Then your blisters will settle down and your sunburn too."

August 1897
Dear Anne

Your darling Jem arrived safely and is happily settled in. He had a bit of a rough beginning as he proved to be somewhat too enthusiastic on his first day at work and slept for sixteen hours straight. He was a bit sore the next day, poor lad. We covered him in liniment and gave him a bath to aid his recovery. He started a little later on his second day. Davy reminded him that the harvest doesn't need to be finished in one day, and he is working more calmly now.

It is such a pleasure having a young boy about the place again, though he's quite different to Davy at that age. We have had some lovely chats about school. I always knew your children were close to the Meredith children, but it seems they are more enmeshed than I knew. He mentions Faith Meredith quite frequently. Do you think anything will come of that?

Much love from John and myself,
Marilla

*.*.*

August 1897

Dear Mum

Well I've been here a few days now and I thought you might like to hear how I'm faring. As you might imagine I received a warm welcome from Aunt Marilla and Grandpa. Davy was pleased to see me too. He wasn't kidding when he said there were no labourers around, I see lots of young boys like me helping out in the fields.

I started work the day after I arrived, and I think I overdid it. I was in agony, Mum. But don't worry, I'm feeling much better now, and my blisters have almost disappeared. I think they were all pretty worried about me, but I've learnt to pace myself now.

Aunt Diana has invited me over for lunch on Sunday. It'll be good to catch up with her children. I'll send your love too, of course.

I remain
Your son
Jem

*.*.*

August 1897
Hey Walt,

I bet you're missing me. What's happening over there in Rainbow Valley? I'm sure you've stepped up as the oldest brother. I hope everyone's having an enjoyable time. I'm missing you all, but I'm having a great time here. I think I've got muscles on my muscles now.

Look after yourself Walt and keep an eye on all the girls for me.

Your big brother
Jem

*.*.*

September 1897
Dear Son

I do hope you are well. I hear from Marilla that you are working hard and proving to be a great help to Davy. I am so proud of you son. Marilla says she is enjoying your company. The two of you have always had a lovely bond, Jem. It's wonderful that you are able to build upon that.

Everyone is well here and sends their love. Your brother** and sisters are all well and as brown as berries after traipsing around the Glen all vacation. As you can imagine they are spending a great deal of time with the Merediths.

Susan says she hopes you are keeping well. She was shocked to hear about your first day there and was about to rush over to bring you home. We knew you would be all right after a day or two and persuaded her to leave you be.

Aunt Diana wrote to say how lovely it was to catch up with you. This will likely embarrass you, but she thinks you are growing up into a fine young man.

Your time at Green Gables is coming to a close. Aunt Marilla invited us to the Harvest Picnic. We will all attend and take you home afterwards.

With love as always
Mum

John looked approvingly at his grandson over dinner the night before the Harvest Picnic. He remembered the skinny pale boy who arrived a month earlier. Now before him sat a strapping lad. He would never go brown like his brothers, his red hair put paid to that, Jem was either pale white or bright red, never anything in between; but his shoulders had grown, John thought and he could see some fluff on Jem's upper lip. Jem was chatting with his grandmother, they were discussing the harvest and Marilla was complimenting him on all his hard work. Davy had reported that Jem had been a great help. He was a good worker who never shirked his responsibilities.

Just before lunchtime Jem and John drove over to the train station to pick up the family. Millie and Marilla had prepared a massive lunch for everyone to share. It had been decided that as the weather was still warm, and the crowd large; they would picnic on the Green Gables lawn. Blankets were laid out and platters of food were strewn on tables set up around the garden. The grandchildren flew off the carriage and into the arms of their beloved grandparents who hugged and kissed them back. Over the top of Nan's head Anne bent over to give Marilla a kiss. Gilbert shook hands with his father and then with Davy. "Thanks for lending me your son, Gilbert. He's been very useful."

After lunch the children ran off to play and to catch Jem up on all the Rainbow Valley news; leaving the adults to sit and chat. Millie went into the kitchen to fetch them all some coffee. Marilla had laid her head in John's lap under the shade of a tree, while Anne and Gilbert sat on blankets nearby.

"Will you miss him?" Anne asked her mother.

"Who, Jem? Yes, I'll miss having a boy around. It's been lovely having him to stay. I feel I've really gotten to know him well. Do you think he's changed since you saw him last?"

"I do." Anne asserted. "He looks older, more mature. He's holding himself like a young man, rather than a boy."

As they packed to go the next day. Davy wandered over to give Jem his wages. "Oh no, that's not necessary, Davy. This was a family effort." Anne tried to stop him.

"No, he's worked hard. I was always going to have to pay someone. You deserve this Jem." Jem sheepishly took the money, feeling happy and yet somewhat guilty about it.

"I hope you'll come back to help me next year, Jem. I've enjoyed your company."

Marilla, and the Keiths waved good bye to the Blythes as John drove off towards the station. Jem had mixed emotions about leaving, but he was looking forward to his reunion with Faith Meredith.

* The Klondike was the site of a Canadian gold rush in the Yukon. Gold was discovered in 1896.
* Is there more than one brother, I forget?