Thank you all for the wonderful comments as of late and the new commenters as well! All the follows and favourites! I feel like they jumped up lately!


"Sit down and don't you even think about trying to move anything," Ken told Rilla sternly. There was already a sofa in the main living room of the house that had been delivered from Eaton's the previous day. Along with a few other large pieces they had picked out. Their own furniture had been wrapped up and brought to the freight train a few days before their own journey started. Staying their last few days in a hotel as her most of family came to see them off for a final goodbye.

"Really Ken," Rilla huffed.

"You can direct, you can point, you can walk around but you are not lifting anything." Ken shook his head at her. They had left Oliver with Leslie who tried to encourage Rilla to stay back as well but she had refused. He kissed her forehead and gently rubbed her stomach.

Jimmy came up behind him and dropped a basket full of snacks and a canteen of water for her. Making a face at their display of affection towards each other.

So Rilla sat as she told the young men Owen hired for them, where to place boxes and crates in certain rooms for her.

The house had been freshly painted and scrubbed down for their arrival. Mrs. Clarke was bustling around in her area of the house. Rather pleased with the setup and the pantry that was available to her.

Rilla sighed as she fanned herself, the hot July summers were brutal enough without her raised body temperature. She had taken to wearing sleeveless dress lately to try and combat the need and wanting to sit in an ice-cold bath.

With the beginnings of furniture and boxes filling up the space of the house, it seemed less large. Of course, with the addition of the attic and the sunroom and maids quarters, the house was larger. The main parts of the house however were was no larger than the old house in Kingsport. The house was quaint and whimsical, fairy-like in ways that Rilla never imagined for a house. It was no near as grand as the other houses around, which suited just fine. She didn't need a house that large. In reality, the house was possibly smaller than Ingleside.

"Whatever should I call you," Rilla mused to herself. "I never had the urge to name a house before but you seem to be calling out for one. Oh goodness, I am sounding more and more like my mother every day!"

"Where would you like the china Ma'am?" One of the men asked her from her spot on the couch."

"Dinning room please," Rilla told him as she moved into laying across the length of the sofa. She shoved a pillow behind her back in the process. "I don't think I can get any more huge," she said to herself.

The train attendants had been at her beck and call for the majority of the ride. None of them had the audacity to ask when she was due of course. Still, it felt like they were expecting to pop any more when she still had a good two months to go. If anyone saw her walking through the cars one jumped in to offer help, walk her across the joint cars safely. Find her pillow or blankets in the lounge or for the cabin. It felt like 40 degrees out, why would she need a blanket?

Jimmy spent time going back and forth between the cars keeping Mrs. Clarke company. Who had only been given a ticket for the less private Pullman car, that seemed to be filled with nannies or domestic help that was travelling with their employers? Though Jimmy often found other children when he visited being watched by their nannies when their parents wanted a moment's peace.

Since Oliver ate early as most children did. Mrs. Clarke joined the family in the dining cart for the early dinner. The time that was for the lower class and families with young children mainly. Along with any coloured who may be travelling.

In the end, Rilla had made it. With countless sympathetic looks from women as she walked by with an ever-constant hand at her back. Everyone pitied her and pitied her more when they saw her trying to control and discipline a toddler. Ken and Jimmy did their best to keep the little boy occupied and not bothersome but sometimes all he wanted was his mother.

"I have no ankles," Rilla said lifting one of her legs in the air.

"You have lovely ankles," Ken said stopping as he passed her.

"I'm a whale," she shook her head. "There is a large chance that I will no longer be able to hide this out in public."

"That just means you stay closer to home," Ken said dropping a kiss on her forehead. "Where would you like the box of knick-knacks?"

"Here for now," Rilla told him with a sigh. "I don't want to be stuck at home."

"Well, there is no way I'm allowing you to go out and about without me in the trams, seven months pregnant." Ken told her sternly."I believe you have someone coming to see you anyway," pointing towards the window.

Marianne was coming up the walkway with a gift box in her hands. Carl who was more dressed to help move things around was behind her. Both still rather tan from their adventures.

"You said it was quaint. My dear this place radiates your whimsical nature!" Marianne said as Rilla let Ken pull her up as her friend came into the room.

"What are you doing here?" Rilla asked.

"Ken thought you might want some company," Marianne flashed a smile. "Look at you, so healthy and robust."

"Thank you for not calling me plump or a whale." Rilla laughed lightly and hugged her friend that best that she could. "Oliver is with his grandmother, so it's just me."

"I'll see him plenty in the days to come," Marianne told her as Rilla sat back down grimacing.

"Sitting, standing, laying down, it's all uncomfortable," Rilla told her friend explaining when she saw Marianne ask if she was all right.

"So I have heard," Marianne said with a sly smile.

"What's that smirk for?" Rilla looked at her friend. "Bring back a farewell Hawaii gift you weren't planning on?"

Marianne shrugged but continued smiling. "It's hard to know, it's not like we were trying, sometimes it hard to know if my period was late or the latter. But this has been the longest I've gone. We shall see I suppose, I don't want to get his hopes up, the chances are slim. After that day, I hurt and bled for a long time. In time we may adopt a little one we think. Once our adventures are finished."

"If you are, aren't you adventures finished either way?" Rilla asked her friend.

"I don't think so, it will be easier to bring our child who has known the life of travel than try and adopt one. They like stable homes, after all. The criteria are quite rigid, at least the pamphlets I read on trains made it seem so?" Marianne told her.

"The laws have changed about home children since my mother was a child we have learned as well," Rilla said. "Even officially adopting Jimmy was a longer process than I thought it would be."

"A box of books?" Carl announced as he came into the living room. "Rilla you look?" He said trying to find a good word.

"Oh don't even try to find a good adjective," Rilla shushed him and he laughed. "Books are upstairs in the library, you can't miss it." She told him. "Go down the hall and turn right, the stairs are right there."

Carl gave her a curt nod and light chuckle.

"So where exactly are you living?" Rilla asked her friend.

"The university found us a nice little house in Dufferin Grove," Marianne told her friend. "It's wonderful to have indoor plumbing again. It's nice to have our own place not haunted by old memories." Marianne said honestly. "It's close enough that we will be able to see each other often enough."

"You may have to come here," Rilla said just as honestly. "I don't think I'll be leaving the house catching trams any time soon," she said with a sigh.

"No worries I will keep you company any time you want," Marianne told her as she saw Rilla haul herself up. "Bathroom?"

"Of course, I get comfortable and then someone kicks," Rilla sighed. "Take a look around if you wish." She told her friend as she almost waddled over to the washroom.

By midday the rest of the furniture was delivered and set up, turning the blank canvas of the house into their home. Beds were set up first while Rilla unpacked the boxes of linens. Marianne made up the beds as Rilla plumped up the pillows and straighten out the blankets.

"Where is Jimmy's room?" Marianne asked seeing the box of his linens were next.

"He wanted the attic to himself," Rilla explained with a sigh. He was growing up too quickly she thought and even the thought of stairs made her tired. "Away from crying infants," she added on. "It's insulated and he'll be warm enough according to Ken."

"Sit down and take a break, I'll go do his bed up," Marianne told her smiling kindly.

"You sound like Ken, a few minutes of being busy isn't going to overwork me," Rilla told her as she placed a wedding photo on the nightstand from the box. "This pregnancy, while I have days of complete utter exhaustion, discomfort and outright pain at times. I can actually somewhat enjoy it," Rilla told her. "I spent all day yesterday lazying around with Leslie after we got off the train the night before. No one is being overworked."

"Well, either way, I will go do this and you can show me the nursery next?" Marianne smiled as she grabbed the box of quilts and linens and headed out for the garret.

Rilla nodded and once they were finished for the afternoon. Marianne and Carl took their leave promising to call in a day or two Rilla turned and walked to the back of the house.

"Is everything to your liking?" Rilla asked as she slowly found her way to the kitchen and found Mrs. Clarke bustling about.

"Everything is wonderful," Mrs. Clarke said smiling. "Plenty of space in the pantry."

"And your room?" Rilla asked wanting to make sure that she would be comfortable with them.

"It is more than I could have ever asked for," Mrs. Clarke said quietly. "Truly," she added.

"If you need anything just let us know," Rilla told her. Mrs. Clarke was now very much Susan to them. She had to ask her father how he calculated wages for Susan, she needed her own money but at the same time. It had been rather confusing but she drew up what she thought was a fair weekly wage when taking into consideration room and board.


It took a few days before everything was ready and settled into place. A few more days resting at the Fords as Ken got the gas turned on and for the new icebox to arrive and be installed. The last thing was the telephone before Ken deemed fit for Rilla to move into.

"This is our new home Oliver," Rilla told Oliver who was in Ken's arms. As much as Rilla wants to carry him, he was beginning to be too heavy for long amounts of time.

"Om," Oliver repeated back looking at the house.

Jimmy raced ahead and unlocked the door to the house with the key Ken had given him and opened the door for them. Once he went through the door he placed the basket he was carrying down. He unlocked the lid and Artemis hoped out looked around for a moment before she took off to hide unsure of the new house.

It had been a long trip even for her who had been regulated baggage car with enough food and litter to cover each portion of her trip. They had been reassured that the pets were all looked after by one of their porters. Still, Artemis had not liked the trip.

"Welcome home," Ken said kissing Rilla and as soon as he got inside he put Oliver down on the floor. "It's time to explore little man," he said. "You're going to have lots of fun exploring?"

"I will be doing the finishing touches on the pantry," Mrs. Clarke told them. Rilla nodded and smiled at her. They walked through the main floor with Oliver who was beginning to recognize pieces of his home in this new place. Rilla had no idea of how Oliver would take the move and the changes that were slowly building up. Ken carried him up the stairs as they showed him the second floor, locking the gate as they put him down to explore once more.

He toddled about curious at the rooms and the big library with lots of shelves.

"This will be your new room," Jimmy said as he held Oliver's hand as they showed him. It had been painted blue and had a brand new little bed that have rails down the sides of it.

"Oom," Oliver repeated. "oy-oy," he said as he ran over to his familiar toe box and dug into the box.

"I think he will be just fine," Ken said with a grin to Rilla who had been worried.

"Tankoo," Oliver said looking up at his parents.

Rilla laughed. "Your very welcome Oliver," Rilla told him as she bent as best as she could to pat and caress his dark curls.

The next room was the nursery that Leslie had helped create. The walls were papered in some sort of enchanted forest. Frolicking faeries that reminded her of the faeries of her childhood. The white crib was against the wall across from the window. A matching dresser, changing table and rocking chair for when the time came when this one would move into their own room. In their bedroom what the white frilly bassinet that Oliver used.

"Soon enough," She said as she rubbed her stomach. "But not so soon you hear me?" She said to her bump. She was awarded a rather strong kick.

"Yes, not too soon," Ken said coming up behind her and kissing her neck.

They had most of July for family time, and time to settle into the house creating new routines before Ken started shadowing his uncle. Rilla had finally given in and had Ken bring her to the women's department at Eaton's and purchase some summer dresses that suited her body at this point in time. Shopping for small things that they had forgotten and slowly learning the neighbourhood.

Neighbours dropped by within the first few days it seemed apparent they were here to stay. Rilla was sitting outside in the shade when her one neighbour noticed her.

"You must be the new family," She said from her side of the property next to the house. "I am Mrs. Ludgate, Julia," A thirty-something woman asked who introduced herself.

"Rilla Ford," Rilla said looking up from her crocheting. "We just moved here from Nova Scotia."

"That is quite a ways, whatever brought you here?"

"My husband was offered a job here," Rilla said simply not wanting to give away who her husband was just yet.

"Seems like quite a journey?" She said looking over Rilla who could not hide her condition.

"It wasn't the most enjoyable journey that is for sure." Rilla agreed. "Do you have any children?"

"I do, I have two sons and a daughter, Jonah is twelve, Abigail is five and Colin is three years old," Julia said with a small smile.

"Jimmy is turning eleven next month, Oliver is nineteen months," Rilla told her.

"You must be older than you look," Julia said surprised to hear her neighbour had a son her own son's age.

"I am twenty-six, Jimmy came into my family in his infanthood. His late parents lived in the same village I grew up in before the war." Rilla explained not wanting to start any rumours.

"How kind of you," Julia said looking up. "You are due fairly soon?"

"September" Rilla nodded. "I apologize if I am not the most available of neighbours in the upcoming months or any loud crying."

"I wouldn't worry about, if anything I will tell the others to check on you," Julia shook her head. "Where is your oldest going to school?"

"We're not entirely sure as of yet," Rilla answered honestly.

"Well, Rosedale Day school is great for younger children. Jonah just was accepted into Upper Canada," Julia boasted proudly. "Well, I just wanted to pop over and introduce myself, if you need anything just let me know. If you feeling up for it, we often meet up for the and arranging calling hours for the children on Wednesdays."

"I will try to remember that," Rilla smiled.

"Do you have help? I know a good agency if you are looking?" Julia asked looking around the house.

"We do, but thank you. She's been with us since before Oliver was born she ran out to pick up a few things this afternoon."

"Well, I will let you go, I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself," Julia smiled.

"It was nice to meet you as well," Rilla smiled as she carefully stood up. "Before you leave, would you happen to know what sort of flowers are out front here? I've asked the original owner, but he couldn't remember what his wife planted." She asked about the peachy pink flowers out front.

"Oh, I'm not much of a gardener, but I believe my mother always calls them Oleanders when she visits?" Julia said for a moment.

"Oleander," Rilla repeated letting it roll off her tongue. "I have never heard of such a plant, thank you," She smiled.

On a rather warm day, they took Jimmy and Oliver to Sunnyside Pavilion to run about the beach. Rilla and Marianne both reminiscing about their own time four years ago, before marriage and children. Before life seemed to pass them by in quick flashes. Both women sat in the shade with their large hats.

Marianne was dressed in a brightly coloured bathing suit while Rilla was wearing a light coloured summer dress. Having kicked off her tennis shoes she sat back comfortable as she could in the chair Ken had found for her. Holding the camera as Ken and Carl ran after the children as they all laughed.

Halfway through the afternoon Rilla finally made her way down to the shoreline, dipping her feet into the water. Jimmy was wadding out as she waved to him which prompted him to swim closer to her.

"Can we do this every week?" Jimmy asked.

"I don't think I'll be able to do this every week, but I'll see what we can figure something out for you for a swimming activity?" Rilla told him. "Next year though, we can try and make it more a regular thing coming here."

"Mummee!" Oliver raced towards her. "Wata!" He splashed around.

"Yes Ollie, you are in Lake Ontario," she told him laughing. "Though I'd be careful, you don't want to be—," she said starting before Ken rushed up and swung Oliver up over his head who shrieked.

"Da-Dee no!" Oliver sounded out.

It wasn't long afterwards the Jimmy was being tossed around by 'Uncle' Carl like a cannonball in the water. Rilla shook her head at the male gender.

By the end of the afternoon, Oliver was wrapped up in a towel and sleeping against Rilla in the back of the car who was falling asleep herself. On her other side was Jimmy was equally tuckered out yawning as he leaned against her.

A small celebration for Rilla's twenty-six birthday was marked with a small party at the new house. The Fords and Merediths of Toronto in the back yard of the house.

"Have you decided on what you are going to call this place? I remember your mother debating on what to call Ingleside years ago?" Leslie asked Rilla.

"A few things have been running through my head. Which only makes it more apparent of how much I am my mother's daughter," Rilla spoke honestly. "I haven't quite narrowed it down just yet but I am sure that I will eventually."

"Plenty of time for sure," Leslie nodded her head. "Oh, I still can't get over looking at you."

"This one was meant for Toronto," Rilla said with a small sigh. "She's quiet today, which means I am sure she will be up all night."

"Back to thinking it's a girl?" Leslie asked.

"I swore Oliver was a girl, but looking back he was so active, this one is much calmer," Rilla explained. "Much nicer to me as well, this one allows me to eat except for a few random days here and there."

"Whatever you need me for I am here for you, just as I told Persis," Leslie told her.

"How is the little one doing?" Rilla asked about her niece that had been born a few months earlier.

"Amelia is spending her days being adored, pampered and worshipped," Leslie sighed. "I do wish she was closer, but at least I have your brood to spoil now in person. Have we thought of any names?"

"I think we shall stick for our choice for a girl, should it be another boy?" Rilla said pausing. "Ken and I are drawing a blank at the moment. Can't seem to agree on anything."

"Then let's hope it is a girl then" Leslie laughed as she took a drink of her lemonade. "Your housekeeper is something wonderful, I don't I think I had such a meal unless I was in the actual country of origin," She looked over to Mrs. Clarke who speaking with Marianne and Carl about their time in Hawaii. They each held plates of cake in their lap.

Rilla nodded picked at her piece nibbling on it as she saw Ken look at her from across the yard. He smiled and waved at her from where he was kicking around a ball with Jimmy. Oliver came up to her and climbed up on to the bench and cuddled into her.

"Baba," he said as he pressed a pudgy hand to her stomach.

"Baby," Rilla nodded. "Baby will be here soon enough," she told him. "I think it's almost your bedtime you sir?" she told him as he yawns.

"Ba-bee," he tried to repeat her. "I'll take him up?" Leslie offered.

"He can have a few more minutes," Rilla shook her head at her mother in law.


"Oleander's End," Rilla said as she sat brushing out her hair before she braided it.

"Pardon?" Ken spoke from his spot in the bed.

"The house's name, it's been bothering me since we moved in here. I felt like it needed a name and I think it's supposed to be Oleander's End." Rilla explained to him as she tied off her braid and crawled into bed where he was waiting for her.

The bed in the alcove of the bay window, papered in a pretty beige floral with accented of pale pinks and blues. Something that Rilla had picked out for the room. Lacey doilies and runners covered the dresser and tables that held toiletries and a large number of photo frames. On her nightstand was the ever prominent portrait of Walter. Still watching over her every night.

Adjusting herself and the pillows she had at her back before setting down she laid her head on his chest.

"You may call the house whatever you wish," Ken smiled before he yawned. "I know better than to disagree with you in such a state."