Rilla Makes a Discovery
3.5 Anne and Gilbert Make a Decision

In the garden, Gilbert ranted about George's irresponsibility, and how he'd always been this way, and that the baby was probably better off without a father like that. Anne talked about what life was like for orphaned babies at Hopetown. Almost without thinking, the conversation turned to bringing Shirley home with them. They discussed what the impact would be for Gilbert's wider family; what they'd need from George, how it would impact their own children. Mostly they discussed how it could work with the child they were expecting in three months. At the end, however, they realised they'd known from the beginning what they would do. The baby was going to go home with them.

When they came in, Emily had a fresh pot of tea waiting. Her face was unreadable, but George had all the anticipation of a man awaiting a death row verdict "You'll sign?" he asked before they could sit down.

Anne went over and after a glance to confirm it was okay, picked up the baby, "I believe you said his name was Shirley?"

"Yes," said Emily. "It was my father's name. It's all I have to give the child really."

"What a coincidence, my maiden name is Shirley," Anne said. She didn't express that Emily could have given the child love and a home. Instead, she looked at George and said firmly, "We wondered if you would mind if we adopted him, rather than send him to Hopetown."

George was gobsmacked, "with all your brood, and another on the way, you want this brat too?"

Anne bristled at the word brat, but simply said, "yes."

"Yes," Gilbert reinforced. "If you'll agree that he will be part of our family and you won't ever interfere, we would like to adopt him. Our train leaves in half an hour, we could take him with us now if you'd like."

"Interfere! No chance, you're welcome to the little blighter. Let me help you get ready to take him on the train," George said, pleased that it had worked out better than he expected and keen to have the child out of the house before Gilbo changed his mind.

"They can't take him" said Emily sadly, "His clothes! Apart from what he's wearing, they need washing."

"No bother," said Anne with forced gayness. "We have clothes at home and don't want to risk missing our train."