Rilla Makes a Discover
3.4 A Small Favour

"Absolutely not," said Gilbert firmly.

As they drank their tea, George had explained how he'd met Emily when she was working as a dancer and couldn't live without her. Rebecca had agreed that he could do whatever he liked as long as he was discrete. Everything had been fine until Emily had fallen pregnant and now, they were 'burdened' with a child.

"You can't imagine how difficult it's been," George said. "Then we found out that we can't drop the child off at the Hopetown Orphanage without a doctor's letter stating that he's physically well."

"Without the letter, they charge you a king's ransom to have their doctor do the check," added Emily.

"Our local chap is a bit old fashioned and won't do it," continued George, "when you phoned to say you were coming I thought it was positively fortuitous. Providence intervening, I said, didn't I Em? I have the letter all ready, it only needs a signature, how about it Gilbo?" He asked with all the nonchalance of someone asking a trivial favour.

When Gilbert declined to help George's face fell for a moment, then he continued, "of course, you'll want to examine Shirley first but he's a healthy chap. We've looked after him, we're not cruel, we just don't want a child in our lives. Be a sport Gilbo, it's just a signature."

Anne had been thinking the entire time George had been talking, her mind going overtime. She'd pictured her own experience before Green Gables and remembered that despite the abuse she'd experienced at the hands of her guardians how much healthier she was when she arrived at Hopetown than the inhabitants who'd always been there.

Gilbert was fuming, so much so, he was at a loss for words.

"Gilbert," Anne said gently. Lost in thoughts Gilbert didn't hear her. "Gilbert?" she tried again, then determined to get his attention she said firmly, "Gilbo, let's take a turn in the garden."

Gilbert jumped slightly and turned to look at Anne. Had she just called him 'Gilbo'?

George jumped up and opened the French doors, "of course, a turn in the garden is always a good idea. Take your time, take your time, then come back, and we can do the paperwork.