The Cuthbert Fortune

Introduction:

It was well known that Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert's fortune was a topic of interest to many occupants in the town of Avonlea. The brother and sister duo were of age to begin thinking of a possible successor to their fortune. It was this dilemma that had most tongue wagging as to what would happen to the properties and enterprise owned by the Cuthbert for it was unfortunate that neither Matthew nor Marilla ever married or had children or other relatives who could inherit all their fortune.

It was due to this conundrum that forced the Cuthbert to think of adoption, as a solution to this problem. But since neither were young and had no desire to adopt an infant, they set their eyes on adopting a young boy who would be able to be Matthew's apprentice until the time came for the boy to take over.

The problem with this plan was that all the boys in orphanages were either too young or already claimed by other families to help out on their lands. It was this predicament that led the Cuthbert's to adopt a young girl instead, for at least this would mean that their hard work would be at least left to a child who was in need and would one day make something with all their fortune.

Thus, they introduced Anne to Green Gables and set her as prime successor to the Cuthbert fortune with the claw of marriage once she was of age and with the hope that she would marry a man who would run and sustain the Cuthbert enterprise and properties. Little did they know that all their hopes on this would fall short to the unmovable circumstance of fate.

Chapter One: Anne Shirley

Gilbert Blythe was known to be a hard-working lad, who's parents were respectable owners of their own little farm. Their farm though small in comparison to some was always filled with laughter, love and peace. The Blythe were never in want for anything and they lived in their farm in contentment. It was to this standard upbringing that allowed Gilbert to wonder if there was more to life? If this was what he was born for? To take over the family farm one day and live his life in complete comfort with little to no challenges.

All this changed on that fateful day when he met Anne Shirley.

Everyone was talking about her even before she arrived on the first day of school. Anne Shirley the future heir to the Cuthbert fortune. It was whispered that the mysterious girl who had easily become a wealthy heiress was a thin, pale girl who was talkative and had little to no manner at all according to Mrs. Lynde who had wasted no time in meeting the new heiress and who had no problem in pointing out the reckless decision that was made in keeping this girl instead of looking for a boy like the Cuthberts' had originally decided to do.

Gilbert waited with little anticipation for the appearance of said girl, unlike all of his classmates who were all waiting with batted breaths for this Anne Shirley.

No sooner did said girl step into their small classroom then all the girl began to surround her with questions forming a barricade around her. Gilbert shook his head and continued to read his book paying the commotion little attention until everyone was ordered to settle down and take a seat by their professor Mr. Phillips. It was as Gilbert lowered his book that he was stunned by the appearance of the new girl.

She confidently walked to the head of the class, her hair the first to draw his attention to the deep rich red colour, something that he had never before seen on anyone in his acquaintance. What was described as a pale face was more of a porcelain colour with small freckles glistering across her rosy cheeks and nose.

Gilbert found his eyes drawn to her sparkling confident gaze as she faced the class to introduce herself as requested by Mr. Phillips who then assigned her seat to be next to Diana Barry. As she passed by him Gilbert was stunned when her eyes connected with his. He was lost to her intense gaze, as she held his gaze unaffected and with out the shyness that most girls demonstrated to him whenever he directed his gaze on them. No, it was him that was left shaken this time when she broke the gaze and took a seat next to Dianna.

Gilbert felt his heart beat irregularly at the brief encounter and he was suddenly starved for more. More of this irrational unfathomable rush of exhilaration at the merest gaze. No girl her age should hold herself so high, so steady with little to no quarrels to meeting the direct gaze of someone of the opposite sex.

All through the class Gilbert tried gaining her attention back to him but to no avail. Resorting to a last pitch effort he resulted in calling out to her, "Carrots, hey Carrots." Reaching out and tugging on one of her braids. In one swift motion Anne stood, slate in hand and screamed, "How dare you!" Slamming said slate over his head in rage.

Stunned Gilbert watched in horror and regret as she was ordered to the front of class where she was punished for her actions by writing 'Ann Shirley has a very bad temper.' Over and over again until the class was dismissed.

He waited for her outside in agony at what had transpired due to his teasing. Soon she stepped out, her face red, eyes glowing green in anger at the humiliation that she had endured. "Anne" he quickly called out in a shaky tone, suddenly nervous at facing her clear distaste at being addressed by him. "Please don't be mad…I…I'm really sorry…I shouldn't have…" He stopped his rambling as she turned away from him and began to walk away not even bothering to acknowledge him.

"Anne!" He called out but she kept walking her back straight as a board, her head help high as she continued on her way as if he didn't exist and perhaps now, he really didn't, at least not in her eyes.

"Anne Shirley! What is the meaning of this? Breaking a slate on a boy's head all because he called you names!" Marilla exclaimed after Mr. Phillips visit that afternoon.

"I warned you Marilla, that child is not fit to stay here. What kind of heir will she make if she losses her temper at a boy just for calling her names?" Ms. Lynde said being present to the recent news of Anne's violent actions. "She will be the ruin of your hard-earned fortune. It's not to late you know, you can still send her back and get a boy."

"Rachel that is enough!" Marilla called out but not before Anne cried out in despair, "No! No! Please don't send me back! Please! I can't go back! Please don't send me back! I can't…" She began to sob in anguish at the possibility of being once more forced to go back to the orphanage, "No! Please…no... I can't!" She ran out.

"Anne!" Marilla called out after her but was unable to break through.

"Let her go Marilla, that child is not fit to be your heir, she will never become a proper lady, she will never meet the requirements needed to carry on with your arrangement, for who will ever marry such a disagreeable girl." Rachel continued.

"That is not your concern Rachel Lynde." Marilla responded. "You do not know what she has been though. That girl has proven to be resilient despite her disadvantages in life. I have faith that she will make something with our fortune. Our fortune Rachel, Matthew and I, it is our fortune not yours that is on the line and if we chose to leave it to Anne that is not your concern."

Standing in a huff Rachel gathered her things, "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Anne ran until her lungs protested from lack of air. Collapsing on the ground under an apple tree she crumpled under the excruciating pain of despair. What was she to do? She couldn't go back, she refused to go back to the orphanage but how could she change Marilla's and Matthew's mind to keep her. How was she going to convince them that she was better than any boy?

She angrily wiped her tears away. This was all his fault. That boy had ruined her life, how dare he insult her, provoked her, ruined her chances at a happy future. She hated him. She felt deep in her chest a deep unshakable hate for this boy who had single handily taken everything from her. She was destined to live a miserable life in the orphanage because of him.

Oh, but why did he have to pick on her hair, the one thing that made her despise her appearance? She hugged her knees in comfort trying to hold in her anguish at the possibility that she had ruined her chance at being happy. Yes, she admits that she had a bad temper and maybe she over reacted but why should she be punished so harshly for defending herself.

She closed her eyes tightly willing herself away. Maybe she could some how go back in time and fix all this. Maybe she could have just ignored the boy's teasing and then she would be permitted to remain living in Avonlea, with Matthew and Marilla.

Tears came down, she lay on the cold ground under the apple tree with little to no hope of remaining with the Cuthberts'. She remained there lost in despair until Matthew found her.

Shaking her awake she woke to discover darkness around them. "Matthew" she whispered in a horse whisper as he gathered her in his arms realizing that she was trembling.

"God's child we were looking everywhere for you." He proclaimed carrying her to the buggy where Marilla waited with a blanket to wrap her in.

"Oh, child what have you done?" Marilla scolded in a gentle tone as she gathered the shivering girl by her side. "We were worried sick when you didn't return."

"Can't go back…" Anne shakily replied feeling her eyes fill with tears. "Please."

"Hush now child." Marilla interrupted, "No one is sending you back...like it or not…this is your home. You are home." Feeling the truth behind her words Anne allowed herself to believe them and finally gave into the darkness that had been trying to claim her from consciousness.

It was a week before Anne returned to school. Having caught a cold from her exposure to the cold night elements. Everyone was relieved to have her back but non more than Gilbert who had joined in on the search for her on that fateful day. Nothing had prepared him to handle the deep despair that had filled him once he had discovered that Anne had run away from Green Gables. The whole town began to search for her. Him among the others calling out her name in the dark woods.

He knew that this was all his fault but he didn't know how to fix it. How was he ever going to fix his mistake, how was he ever to get her to forgive him? All night he tried to come up with ways to apologise, to make it right but he feared that he had ruined any chances of her ever forgiving him. The more he thought of her out alone in the wood the more he hated his actions and wanted nothing more then to go back in time and redo it all over again.

Hearing the commotion outside he snapped out of his thoughts and followed his peers to greet Anne, lingering back until everyone filed into the school before he called out, "Anne" She stopped in her tracks but didn't turn to face him.

He ran a shaky hand though his hair, "I'm sorry Anne…you…you can't imagine how sorry I am…I regret it all…. please forgive me."

Finally turning to face him she presented him with cold hard eyes, the sparkle that had once captivated him was now a cold shield that hardly regarded his presence, "Gilbert Blythe. That is your name is it not?"

He gave a slow nod. "Mr. Blythe I will address you this once and never again are you to speak to me so candid. I don't accept your apology and I don't ever want to be a part of your company. I will tolerate your presence during class but please refrain from speaking to me outside of these walls." With that she turned and joined the class inside, leaving him standing alone outside, with a sudden sharp pain in his chest.

Anne was determined to demonstrate her worthiness to the Cuthberts' and proceeded to make every effort possible to become a proper lady in all her conduct. Not only was she determined to be a well-groomed lady but also an educated one that would be of help in the family enterprise.

She took it upon herself to monitor their lands, attend to their tenants and over take any activities needed in the community. As a Cuthbert she needed to demonstrate her leadership skills and have knowledge and experience on finer things such as poetry, art and being a hostess. All this she was aided by Matthew who delighted in taking her on trips over seas to cultured placed filled to the brim with societies latest trends and operas. A world that Anne had never in her life dreamed of knowing much less being a part of.

Marilla took it upon herself to make sure Anne never got to lost in her own head and kept her grounded by reminding her of the hard work needed to sustain such an image. "We have been blessed and must bless others in return Anne," she once said as they prepared meals for the less fortunate. "We must give to those who are in need". Anne loved her more for this, for it was this generosity that allowed Anne to remain at Green Gables despite her wild ways and quick temper. It was their generous hearts that allowed a girl who was of no relation to them to one day become the successor to their fortune. Anne never let herself forget their generosity and vowed to make every effort to never let them down.

At fifteen Anne was already a very sought out girl by all the boys of her acquaintance; to this Anne had little to no interest in any of these boys for they held no appeal to her. Her desire to be of use to the Cuthbert occupied all her attention and she strived to be the best in all things.

Being naturally gifted in writing aided her when she met with Matthew's business partners or when she had to entertain the elegant ladies accompanying their husbands on their business trips. Being a hostess came natural to Anne and she thrived in making all her guests feel welcome at all times. Marilla having a naturally shy and reserved character, was more then thankful to have Anne in charge of all the hosting duties.

As for school, Anne was top student along with Gilbert Blythe. The only one that could keep up with her and challenge her. A fact that irritated Anne the most, for she saw this as an act of mockery on his part whenever he beat her on a test score or contradicted her opinions during debates.

This of course just motivated her to work harder, to study harder even though she was in no danger of being left out on any plans for her future, her road was set to attend Queen's Academy next fall and then Redmond College after that with or without the possibility of winning the Avery Scholarship. For she was in no needed of financial aid in that prospect and was free to make plans with out fear of lack of funding.

Gilbert however, did have pressure to make up the living expenses that a scholarship did not cover. His family having only enough to live by where unable to help support him and if he ever wanted to fulfill his dream of becoming more then a farmer then he needed to come up with a living before he finished school.

With his hat in hand, Gilbert adjusted his tie and straited his suit jacket. Taking a deep breath, he gathered all his courage and knocked on the elegant front door of Green Gables, a mansion so grand and prosperous that it was fitted with a name.

An older woman answered the door, the house keeper he presumes, "Hello," he greeted with a smile, "I was wondering if I could have a word with Mr. Cuthbert"

The woman stepped to the side allowing him to enter, "Mr. Cuthbert is in his office, I will announce your presents." She gestured to the waiting area near the spacious grand hallway, "Please have a seat while you wait." With that she walked out and through one of the double doors leading to what he presumed was Mr. Cuthbert's office.

Walking around the spacious elegant waiting room, Gilbert felt out of place and a little intimidated. Sure, he was aware of the Cuthbert's fortune but they never flaunt it, it wasn't until you were in their grand home, or attended one of their extravagant parties that people really noticed how grand their fortune truly was. Gilbert adjusted his tie once more.

"Mr. Cuthbert will see you now." The house keeper interrupted his musing as she led the way to the office.

"Gilbert!" Matthew greeted, standing to greet the young man. "What brings you here on this fine day?"

"Mr. Cuthbert" Gilbert greeted, taking his offered hand in a shake.

"Matthew please." Matthew corrected taking a seat and gesturing Gilbert to do the same, "What can I do for you?"

Gilbert blushed at bring so transparent on his sudden visit. "I came to request a job."

"Oh, and what job is that?" Matthew asked with interest

"Well I over heard that you need someone to maintain your land on the west side of town, the one next to my place. Well I was thinking I could run it for you and help build structure to it until you find someone who is willing to permanently take over."

Matthew leaned back in his chair in thought, "That would solve my immediate worry of hiring someone in a hurry who has little to no experience at performing such as task. Pray tell how did you become aware of my need for such a man?"

Gilbert again fought another embarrassed blush. "I was informed by my father, who was told by my mother, who was informed by Mrs. Lynde."

Raising an eye brow Matthew replied, "I see. I suppose this would also be beneficial to you as you prepare to attend Queen's Academy next fall. I must warn you Gilbert it won't be easy over turning that property. I would not wish to take you away your studies that would defeat the purpose for your work would it not?

While Gilbert appreciating his concern there was no other option for him but to work and keep up his studies if he ever wanted to succeed with his goals. "No sir, I will see to it that neither my studies or my work on your land will be lacking if I am granted this position."

Matthew stared hard at the young man before him, "You must also know that Anne is very involved in the up keepings of our lands and often makes rounds to make sure everything is working well." He paused studying the young man's reaction closely, "I am afraid I indulge her a lot and let her get away with many things whenever she wants." Again, he paused choosing his words carefully, "Are you prepared to deal with her criticism and demands when she sees something that is not done properly?"

Gilbert swallowed hard at that, "I think sir that if I do my job properly there will be no need for her to find fault with my work." He bit his tongue when he almost let out a promise that he would do anything in his power to make Anne see him as a worthy man.

Matthew hard gaze studied him in silence before he broke into a smile, "Then son you have the job."

"Thank you, sir." He said with a smile of his own.

Walking him to the door they were suddenly greeted by Anne who was heading in from a stroll with her friend Diana.

"Gilbert" she greeted surprised to find him in her house, "What brings you here?" She questioned looking between Matthew and him.

"Gilbert will be running the abandoned lot on the west side." Matthew informed her, clamping Gilbert on the back.

Anne raised both eyebrows in surprise. "Is that so." she stated, "In that case, congratulations Gilbert. It is customary for all our new employees to attend a welcoming dinner. Are you free to join us for dinner tonight?"

Matthew smiled with pride at how mature she was handling the unexpected news.

Gilbert was taken aback at the warm invitation coming from the girl who usually ignored his presence. "I'm free for dinner." He replied after composing himself from his shock.

"Wonderful then we will see you tonight." Anne replied with a wide smile as she bid him farewell.

Once Matthew had excused himself back to his office Diana immediately turned to her friend "Anne you do realize you just invited your nemeses to dinner tonight."

"Oh, Diana don't be silly, Gilbert is hardly my nemeses. He's just another worker."

"Yes, a worker who you have hated since the day you arrived. Surely you haven't forgotten what he did to you and besides didn't you vow to always hate Gilbert."

"Goodness me, that was ages ago Diana. I'm hardly the same girl. Now if you will excuse me, I must go and speak to the cook about dinner. You will join us for dinner, will you not Diana?"

"Are you kidding me" Diana replied with a twinkle in her eye, "Gilbert Blythe having dinner with you, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Glad you find all this entertaining." Anne sarcastically commented with a roll of her eyes, "Gilbert is just another hired hand now, hardly anything to get worked up about."

Diana's smile widened, "Nothing is ever that simple when it comes to Gilbert and you Anne."

-To be continued. Please review and give any feedback good or bad. I know where I want to take this story so hopefully it will all go smoothly but please review it motivates me to write ; )