Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters created by L.M. Montgomery and Moira Walley-Beckett. I do not claim any ownership over them and offer my writing to the world as a homage of appreciation to their creations as well as an outlet of imagination to imagine an infinity of alternate storylines. This is just one of them!
Author's Note: Thank you so much for your patience, the final chapters of this story are coming! Hope you will enjoy the denouement!
XVII.
Muriel looked through the examination results once more and beamed with pride. She thought of the many hours of lessons, tutorials, and practice exams behind each and every score, and it made her burst into tears of pride, joy, and relief. The last few years had flown by quickly. She was surprised to find how much she had grown to enjoy her life in Avonlea. She still missed Jonah every day as well as the life they shared in Toronto. Walking down the same streets where they had first met, fell in love, and married—it had been too painful for Muriel to endure and she knew she needed to escape if she was to ever thrive again. But finally, she was at peace with having uprooted her life to be somewhere else, anywhere but Toronto. She knew her Jonah would understand.
Muriel had surprised her family and friends when she chose a teaching position in the smallest Canadian province at the edge of the continent. She'd even surprised herself with having applied in the first place. Journeying to Prince Edward Island was almost like going to another country or another time. And at the beginning, she often felt as if she were a fish out of water in Avonlea, reminding her of how modern of an existence she had in Toronto. She learned very quickly that corsets were still de rigueur in PEI.
Muriel was grateful for her family and friends being such devoted correspondents. There was always a letter or card in the post for her each week. She also found a sort of solace in her solitude; she was grateful to be surrounded by people who didn't constantly remind her of her loss. She loved her family and friends but did not miss their incessant visits and outpourings of concern. That was part of the reason why she chose a teaching position so far away. She was also offered compensation for relocating as she was replacing a teacher who had left in ignominy. She quickly learned from the students the reason why: apparently he had been jilted at the altar by his bride whom he had met as his student.
Although Muriel had heard tales of teachers marrying their students before, it gave her a sort of thrill to learn that the young woman had decided against the union at the last moment (her sister Jane Andrews had related the story). It was even more surprising to hear this news while she had been embroiled in her own controversy upon her arrival in Avonlea. She knew that going to a small town in a small province would probably lead to encountering small minds and old-fashioned thinking, but she had no idea that her career would be at stake because of her more progressive ideas about education. She had already repacked her belongings and resigned herself to finding another position when her students stunned her with their demonstration of support with potato-powered light bulbs and impassioned speeches. It was at this moment she knew she had found the right place; she found students who needed her and were hungry for the knowledge she wanted to share with them. And she admitted to herself how much she needed students like them to teach. It gave her purpose and ambition to see them succeed, learn, and grow. As a result, she felt that she continued to do the same herself.
Muriel started each day at dawn with a walk in the woods. She had become somewhat of a birdwatcher and would look out for the family of blue jays who had a nest in a tree just a stone's throw from her home. This morning gave her time to reflect on her Queens scholars who would soon arrive at her home. This year's scholars meant even more to her than the previous year not only because she had spent more time with them, but also because of all the adventures they had shared. After all, this was the same group of students who had organized together to save her job. The same group who helped launch the school newspaper, led a free speech demonstration, and had to use her home as a temporary schoolhouse until a new school was built to replace the burned one. And she and the students succeeded despite the circumstances, or perhaps because of them.
At the center of all those adversities were two exceptional students. Muriel had taught for several years in Toronto and could not think of any of her former students who came close to matching their intellectual talents. Not only were Anne and Gilbert gifted each in their own way, they were also both so compassionate and generous.
Being at the pinnacle of their small class, Anne and Gilbert were of course also highly competitive and pushed each other. Sometimes their intellectual intensity drove Muriel a bit mad, because they were so far above their peers and she was loath to show any favoritism. But in her heart, Anne and Gilbert truly were her favorites because they each reminded her of herself in different ways. She saw Gilbert's ambition and ingenuity was similar to her own predilection for tinkering with gadgets and motors. She could see him becoming a great engineer if he wasn't already so determined to become a great doctor. She saw Anne's fortitude and imagination and was reminded of how she had been as a young girl, determined to prove her worth and just as determined to be of help to others.
Muriel felt very lucky to be their teacher and to have seen each of them grow in unexpected ways. She could hardly believe they were already soon to be off to Queens College. She had heard a rumor from none other than Rachel Lynde that Gilbert was to marry a young woman from Charlottetown and go to Paris. She remembered Gilbert expressing a dream of going to the Sorbonne, after reading in the newspaper about medical advances being made there. But unless Gilbert was choosing to be extremely tight-lipped about the situation, Muriel didn't give the rumor any credence.
Muriel supposed that this woman's family had connections and wealth that would enable Gilbert to study in Paris. Given his modest circumstances, marrying into a wealthy family would be a tremendous opportunity for him to have a world-class education, and she wouldn't blame him for seizing such a chance to do so. She had even told him that he would eventually have to consider continuing his medical education beyond college in a larger city, or possibly another country. Many young women marry to improve their situations, so why shouldn't young men like Gilbert do the same?
Muriel shook her head at this thought. She could never see Gilbert as any kind of mercenary or fortune hunter. He was the very opposite of one. She wasn't one to discount the fact that perhaps he was actually in love with this woman. Or rather she hoped he was for his sake and the woman's.
Muriel hoped Gilbert would eventually confide in her if he was indeed going to take such a drastic step in his life. In fact, she had just seen Gilbert a few days ago, on an errand to collect some books to take to Anne. It would have been an excellent time to bring up his future plans, but he only spoke of being impatient to see his scores and of helping Anne review and be ready for Queens. He had even said about Anne, "It wouldn't be fair for us to start at Queens without a level playing field."
Muriel laughed. If Gilbert were indeed going to the Sorbonne, there was just no way he wouldn't have already told her and all of Avonlea of his plans. Either Rachel was misinformed or Gilbert changed his mind. She was tempted to ask him about it directly, but at the same time didn't want to admit to him her source.
Despite having lost memories of the last four months, Anne Shirley Cuthbert would thrive at Queens. Muriel was confident of this. She had visited Anne the day after her return to Green Gables. Muriel had been amazed yet not surprised at Anne's determined resolve to catch herself up with what knowledge she forgot before she started at Queens. She had tried to encourage Anne to spend the rest of her summer resting instead of burying her head in books, but did so in vain as she secured the support of her friends in spending her remaining summer days studying.
Muriel recalled how Anne had acted toward her when she first came to Avonlea. Anne made every effort to befriend Muriel, making it challenging for Muriel to establish her authority. Certainly, she observed right away how Anne's spirit and attitude was similar to her own, but she also didn't want to encourage Anne's behavior, which bordered on insolence. Only later was Muriel chastened when she learned more details about Anne's youth. She then understood that Anne acted from more naïveté than from any conceit or bravado. It was amazing to Muriel that despite a childhood of being shuffled from one foster home to another, that Anne managed to survive it all with such optimism and high spirits.
Muriel had taught other orphans in the past, and some of them were bitter, distrustful, or disruptive. Anne certainly had her own moments of being disruptive, but Muriel saw that her aims were always noble, even if there was often no deliberation, planning, or contemplation of the consequences. The article Anne wrote and published without her oversight or the rest of the paper's knowledge went too far, but she had to concede that while the execution and timing were poorly considered, the arguments she made were sound.
The subsequent theft of the printing press and destruction of the schoolhouse were not only uncalled for, but terribly demoralizing for all of them, especially Muriel. It was a culmination of all the struggles Muriel had gone through in coming to PEI in the first place. And if it hadn't been for her students, she was certain she would have resigned and left. Besides, all of the families had embraced Muriel as part of the community and many of them said she was one of the very best schoolteachers ever in Avonlea. It was clear that the town trustees were at fault for the theft and the accidental fire. In the end, it made all of them stronger and ignited their determination to do well on the Queens examinations. Muriel found it incredible that Anne currently had no memory of any of this.
Muriel felt it a bit of a blessing in this disguise, this amnesia. She would never admit it to Anne of course. She felt that Anne was very fortunate to be alive, and that the amnesia was but a small price to pay. Matthew had explained to Muriel how Anne had been hurt, and of course she did so in trying to help her friend. Muriel had remembered that Anne befriended a group of Indians, one of whom was able to help Moody when he was injured during their forest outing. And as well intentioned as Anne was, she should have known better than to engage with armed guards. Muriel hoped Anne would learn to be less reckless in future, and she had a mind to say something to her about it in private. She also knew that no matter what she said to her, that Anne would always fight for and support those who were less fortunate.
Muriel looked at her mantle clock and saw that her students would soon arrive. Moments later, she heard a knock at the door, and she let Ruby Gillis and Tillie Boulter come in. Ruby looked more anxious than usual, so Muriel asked her what was the matter.
"Did you hear about Anne and what happened to her?" She looked to be on the brink of tears. Tillie also looked a bit distraught. Muriel could tell that they hadn't seen Anne recently.
"Yes, I saw her the day after she returned home from Charlottetown. I assure you, she is fine—"
"Is it true that she's lost her mind?" asked Tillie in a whisper, as more students started to enter the front door and gathered in groups in the kitchen area.
"Absolutely not!" replied Muriel, giving her a stern look as more students walked in. "Please mind what you say, Anne could arrive any moment."
Muriel then cleared her voice and addressed everyone who was present. "I want to remind all of you how important it is that all of you treat Anne with the utmost kindness and respect. Despite what you may have heard, I can assure you all personally that she has not lost her mind. I saw her not too long ago and in fact, her mind is quite sound. However, her head injury has affected her memory, and hopefully this will be temporary. She will remember all of you, the only missing memories for her are the last four months."
Everyone started speaking at once and Ruby embraced Tillie for comfort.
"P-poor Anne," cried Ruby amid the murmurs of everyone else. "Poor, poor Anne."
"I beg to differ, Ruby," said Anne, who had quietly entered the kitchen and silenced everyone. Diana and Gilbert were just behind her. "In fact, I consider myself very lucky to be alive."
"Oh Anne!" Immediately Ruby went over to Anne to embrace her, and many of the girls went to greet and welcome her. Muriel smiled to see that everyone was treating her very kindly. Even the boys who were used to teasing her were smiling and acting almost like gentlemen. She wanted to laugh, but at the same time it restored her faith that all her students, no matter what, were good and decent.
Muriel couldn't help but notice how protective Gilbert was acting around Anne. He stood right next to Anne, making sure no one got too close to her. But a few schoolmates approached her from the other side and started to ask Anne about what had happened. Muriel then decided it was time to get the focus off of Anne and back to their examination results.
"Now, now, may I have everyone's attention?" Muriel spoke loudly above the din of voices but no one heard her. She then took a wooden spoon and hit one of her pans loudly three times. A hush came over the room as everyone turned toward her in nervous anticipation.
"Good afternoon, Queens scholars. I know that Anne's recent episode is of great interest to you all, and you are all welcome to speak with her afterwards if that is alright with you, Anne." Muriel smiled to see Anne nodding enthusiastically. "Very well, I know that all of you are most anxious about another subject altogether. One that concerns everyone's future." She held the results papers close to her chest.
"Before I reveal to all of you the fruits of your labor, I want to tell each and every one of you how very proud I am to be your teacher. Together we have been through so many adventures—and well, some might be aptly called misadventures— since I first arrived in Avonlea. Through it all, you have thrived, even as we were deprived of our own schoolhouse. All of your efforts are to be applauded and celebrated!" Muriel was tempted to say more, but she wanted to stay on as a schoolteacher and not incur the wrath of the town council or any of the parents. Her rebellion days were behind her, and she understood too how she needed to set a good example of decorum and discretion for her students.
All of the students cheered and clapped loudly, as they clamored closer. Muriel was happy to be separated from them by the kitchen table where she planned to place the results.
Muriel smiled. "The suspense will soon be over, and once you receive your scores, I'll no longer be your teacher. So before you get to storm the castle as it were, let me take this opportunity to wish you all well in your future endeavors. It has been my absolute privilege to have guided you, and helped you make a wonderful showing for Avonlea. And now, without further ado!" She then placed the results in the middle of the kitchen table and the closest students then eagerly proceeded to scan the names and scores.
"Anne and Gilbert are tied for first!" Tillie was the first to see the results. Right after she spoke, everyone turned to Anne and Gilbert and cheered. Muriel wanted to laugh as she watched Anne's jaw drop in surprise as she was trying to make her way to see the results for herself.
"Diana! You got in! You passed!" Anne and several of the other girls saw Diana's score and smiled at her.
"A-are you certain?" Diana inched closer and then saw her score. She grinned with pride. "Oh my! I did pass!"
"See, I told you that you'd pass. Oh ye of little faith!" Anne laughed. All of the students took turns poring over the results. Moody Spurgeon sat staring at the papers in disbelief as Charlie Sloane patted him on the back with congratulations. Many of the girls congratulated both Gilbert and Anne on their impressive scores.
A moment later, Muriel saw Anne rush up to her before her schoolmates began to pepper her with questions.
"Miss Stacy! Before I forget, may I meet with you privately before the term starts at Queens? There is so much gratitude that I have to express, and so much to tell you." Anne's eyes glowed with happiness and pride, moving Muriel nearly to tears.
"Oh, Anne, of course you may. I look forward to it. Congratulations on your wonderful score. To both you and Gilbert." Gilbert also approached Muriel, standing close to Anne.
"Thank you so much, Miss Stacy. For everything!" Gilbert then turned to Anne. "Anne, I have to go. I know I had promised to study with you after today's results, but I forgot that I am to meet with Dr. Ward in Charlottetown this afternoon. Perhaps tomorrow afternoon instead?" Muriel could see the devotion in Gilbert's eyes, and was convinced that if there were another young woman involved, she didn't hold a candle to Anne.
"Of course! Tomorrow is fine. Thank you for all your help, Gilbert."
Gilbert smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow then." He turned to leave, but then quickly faced Muriel. "And Miss Stacy, I hope I can also meet with you privately another time."
"Yes, you may." Muriel looked forward to possibly finding out more about what was really happening between the two of them.
"Thank you. Good afternoon!" Gilbert put on his cap and nodded to Anne and Muriel before rushing out the door, as he ignored some schoolmates trying to get his attention.
Anne and Muriel looked at each other and laughed. "Hard to believe we used to be at such loggerheads so often. We were such foes…."
"Indeed. I believe it is called progress." They laughed again. "At Queens, you will be competing with far more students than here in a humble schoolhouse in Avonlea, so it's far better that you and Gilbert are now allies rather than adversaries."
Anne nodded, grinning. "I still can't believe we're all going to college, Miss Stacy! I feel both very old and very young all at once."
Muriel laughed out loud and hardly knew what to say at first. Anne then reddened and blurted out, "Oh Miss Stacy, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to imply that you—that I—"
"No need to apologize, Anne, I completely understand how you feel. I'm laughing because I remember that same feeling of being both very old and very young at your age."
Anne laughed and sighed. "I feel so relieved now. But still, I can't help but feel daunted by the future."
"Anne, you have the whole world ahead of you. And you also have many eager schoolmates waiting to speak to you!" Muriel saw a big group of schoolmates forming just behind Anne, waiting respectfully for them to finish their conversation.
Anne then turned around and nearly jumped, as she was so surprised to see so many of them vying for her attention. They all started to speak at once, and Muriel saw how smoothly Anne was able to answer each of her schoolmates calmly and patiently.
Muriel then saw Diana standing off to the side, watching Anne and nervously fiddling with a ribbon in her hand.
"Diana, congratulations on your score. I'm so glad your parents finally relented and let you take the examinations."
Diana looked at Muriel in surprise before she blushed and looked down. She then looked up at her again. "Miss Stacy, I must confess that my parents don't actually know that I've taken the examinations. But I will have to tell them now."
Muriel nodded and smiled sympathetically. "While I don't officially condone filial disobedience, it is understandable in this case. And now you've proven yourself by passing."
Diana sighed, looking down. "I know they will be so displeased that I deceived them." Then she looked up at Muriel with a defiant expression. "But I don't regret my actions, even if they refuse to let me go to Queens."
"Don't lose hope yet. I would hope they'd be proud of you for passing the examinations no matter what."
"You don't know my parents like I do. But Anne said the same thing to me. We shall see, I suppose." Tears then welled up briefly in Diana's eyes. "I just don't know what I'd do without her. And I can't bear the thought of going to finishing school instead of going to Queens with her."
Muriel put a hand on Diana's shoulder to reassure her. "All you can do is tell your parents the truth. Not just about taking the examinations. Tell them what going to Queens means for you. You must know that your parents are just looking after you and want you to be happy."
Diana's face transformed as she smiled. "I hope you're right. I'm sure they wouldn't want me to be miserable in another country so far away from them. Surely they would prefer for me to only be a train ride away rather than a long sea voyage apart."
"You do have a difficult conversation ahead of you, but just as you did with these examinations, you can and you will succeed. I wish you the best of luck."
"Thank you, Miss Stacy. You've been the best teacher and I'll miss you!" Diana embraced Muriel all of a sudden, surprising her.
"You're welcome, Diana." Muriel smiled. She looked around at her students as they laughed and congratulated each other. She overheard some make plans to see each other before leaving for Charlottetown. She also overheard the questions Anne was patiently enduring.
Diana turned to Muriel once more. "I think perhaps I should rescue her before she drowns in questions."
Muriel nodded and laughed as she watched Diana tell Anne that she had to accompany her home right away. She then overheard Josie Pye and a few other girls in the opposite corner of the kitchen discussing their scores and their favorite subject of town gossip.
"I thought Gilbert was going to Paris."
"So did I, but he told Charlie about how he's looking forward to starting classes at Queens."
"Did you see how Gilbert only had eyes for Anne?"
"What are you talking about? He's always had eyes for Anne." Josie rolled her eyes. "I never believed he was going to Paris anyway."
Muriel turned and smiled to herself as she started to tidy and reorganize the chairs in the kitchen. She knew she could always count on her students to keep her informed, even more so and more reliably than Rachel Lynde. Still, she looked forward to the promised visits from Anne and from Gilbert, to hear what they had to say for themselves.