Timeline - Still between Anne of the Island and Anne of Windy Poplars.

Chapter 4: Charlottetown

Talk of bad weather filtered into Anne and Gilbert's ears the next few days. Several rigging ships were behind schedule due to inclement conditions on the North Atlantic Sea. The steamers that arrived on time reported hurricanes over the waters. Indeed, the smell of sea salt lingered unpleasantly in the humid air and there was a fearfulness that at any moment a relentless deluge would drop over the quaint towns and cities of Prince Edward Island. It was the last day in August and they couldn't delay their trip to Charlottetown any longer. They would have to take a chance that the good weather would hold.

Gilbert's father drove them to the Bright River train station before the sunrise. Together they sat on the bench and watched the red sun wake and transcend the horizon. The fowl that lived in the trees were not singing. That seemed ominous to Anne. Then their train did not come. Gilbert got his money back from the station master and they were contemplating a long walk home when a freight train arrived. Gilbert talked with the engineer and found out they were headed to Charlottetown as their last stop. He managed to get permission for them to hop into a boxcar, seeing as the passenger train was so delayed.

The boxcar was empty. Anne requested that the large freight door be open so they could enjoy the view. Gilbert and Anne sat next to each other with their rears in the car and their legs dangling over its ledge. It was an experience like no other. The lush greenery whizzed by and the driving wind whipped Anne's hat off where it blew in counter-clockwise circles until it rested in a corner. The gusts also pushed Anne's skirts up so that Gilbert got more than a glimpse of black stocking.

They were alone and neither of them felt much like talking. The view was breathtaking; the car's swaying movements were hypnotic, and the company perfect. Gilbert rested his hand over hers and a smile formed on Anne's face. Taking her eyes off the fast-moving landscape, she beckoned him closer by resting her gaze on his lips.

He did not disappoint her. He pushed the fine strands of red hair off her face, feeling the sloping angles of her cheekbones that made her so fair. A moment of hesitation was followed by a wanting kiss which Anne passionately returned. The air charged with electricity. Each kiss was bolder than the kiss before. Anne scooted away from the ledge to make it less precarious for them both; their attentions were now turned to each other. They hit a bump and fell back, hurting their heads on the floor, but not so hard they couldn't laugh.

Gilbert realized that he was sort of on top of Anne and was very reluctant to change his position. He let his weight fall to Anne's side; his hand remained on her upper arm. He felt heat as he looked at Anne, she was waiting for him to make a move. Anne touched his determined jaw and did that trick again with her eyes. His heart told him how he should respond, but his mind said, "No". It was too dangerous. To kiss Anne like this, in her current spirit of willingness, would unwind him. He forced himself to say, "Not like this."

His gut twisted into a knot as Anne's face fell. He thought he was the dumbest man alive as Anne propped herself up and returned her gaze back to the countryside. What she saw sobered her. On the horizon were big pillars of black smoke billowing up from the woods. A forest fire! In their moment of romance, they did not notice how the sky had turned dark and lightning loomed over the countryside with its intermittent flashes. The sound of thunder stomped in their ears. There was no rain yet, but it was coming.

Once in Charlottetown Gilbert reported the fire to the railroad's telegraph office. The telegraph operator knew. Already the journalists were running towards it. It was a big news story as lightning had hit the barn that stored kegs of gunpowder and military ammunition for Charlottetown. The volunteer fire department was there, as well as the staff of the local hospital and other qualified citizens exercising their civic duties.

Gilbert fought his instinct that he could help too; he hadn't told Anne about the other day when they ate ice cream under the apple trees. He didn't tell her how her shadow was sticking to his fingers. His magic was coming back. Anne was changing him somehow, her love improved him. The more he grew close to her, the more he felt it.

Gilbert led Anne into the throng of the crowd as she chatted away.

"What's next then?" Anne asked as they went through their agenda. He was given the choice of trying to find out if his medical equipment had arrived from Baltimore or taking Anne to the jewelry store.

"Let's go get that ring," Gilbert replied, making Anne's unadorned hand his first priority.

Anne and Gilbert entered the jewelry store just as the rain started to peck on the windows. Immediately, an impeccably dressed man approached them, welcoming them. The clerk was quick to show Anne their best items. To her left was a tray of pierced earrings: And to her right were the diamond engagement rings and gemstone solitaires.

"Anne, I hope you don't mind," Gilbert said. "But I already picked out a ring for you, but if you don't like it, you can pick out anything else you want."

"Gil, I hope you didn't spend too much money on me," Anne stated. "Remember, I have the biggest imagination in the world, the most austere of rings would do because it's you giving it to me."

The clerk handed him a red velvet box which was tagged 'Blythe'. Gilbert opened it and presented it to Anne. He could tell in an instant that Anne loved the ring as much as he did. It took her breath away and Anne was uncharacteristically at a loss for words. She was quite aware that the clerk was watching, but she reached up and hugged Gilbert whispering, "Gilbert, I love it. I love you." She was positively trembling in his arms and Gilbert watched her shed happy tears.

Her reaction affected Gilbert more than he wanted. He had always worn his heart on his sleeve with regards to Anne. "You said no gemstones and you bring me joy, Anne. So I thought, pearls. Aphrodite cried these for us, don't you think?"

"Gilbert, are we really doing this?" Anne asked. "I brushed it off when you said it was the first step towards 'us', but now it has become quite real, hasn't it?"

"And you said a ring wasn't necessary."

"Sometimes I can be wrong, although, it doesn't happen a lot."

"Sorry to interrupt, but I can have the ring sized for the lady if you allow me?" The clerk offered. He seemed rather unmoved by the couple's endearments. Anne bemused that his ultra-stiff collar was preventing him from smiling.

When the ring returned, Gilbert picked up her left hand and asked, "May I?"

"Of course, Mr. Blythe," Anne said. Anne did not trust herself to stare into his hazel eyes as she felt a coldness slide down her ring finger. She instead looked at his ear and focused on not letting herself swoon.

Anne and Gilbert spent a few more minutes in the store. Gilbert paid half down and promised to pay it off next season. Anne did not know how he would manage it. She could help him with expenses, but in this case, she knew it was very important to him that she wear a ring that he provided. Anne wouldn't interfere with his commitment. It was his promise to her that he would provide for their family.

Anne and Gilbert were protected by the jewelry store's awning as the rain intensified. They were chatting about their next to-do item when all of a sudden Josie Pye came running out of Dr. Spencer's office calling their names.

"Anne! Gilbert! Help me! Please help!"

Panicked is not thorough enough of an adjective to describe Josie at this moment. She was truly frightened! She struggled to reach them as the rain-soaked wind whipped her skirts so that she almost fell. Her hat flew off but she continued to shout at them, over the rising storm, desperate for help.

Gilbert offered his hand, pulling her to the sidewalk.

"It's Gertie!" She begged. "She's over at Doc's and he's not there. No one is! She's having a baby Anne! Ooh… Didn't you once tell me you delivered a baby? I don't know what to do. I saw you and Gilbert through the office window and that memory came rushing back."

Anne's eyes went wide in surprise! Gertie Pye was unmarried and pregnant! This must have been the gossip Mrs. Lynde alluded to not long ago. Gilbert was already running, crossing the street to Dr. Spencer's office.

"Yes, I helped, not once but twice. Mrs. Hammond couldn't stop having babies. And I will help Gertie too! But Josie, you have to stay calm!" Anne coached.

"Oh, thank you, Anne!" Josie said. "I'm ever so grateful."

"Don't worry! Gilbert spent most of his recovery period at home reading newly purchased medical books and I would venture a guess that obstetrics was the first subject he stole a glance at. Of course, I'm only judging that by recent statements made to me."

Anne was holding Josie's hand, pulling her back across the street following Gilbert. The wind was making it hard, it kept grabbing their skirts.

"And you know how much livestock the Blythe's have, right? Who do you think delivers those calves, lambs, and piglets? We can do this, and with your prayers, it will be enough."

"Oh, Anne!" Josie said. "Thank you! But please, don't tell anyone about this. We've gone to great lengths to keep the facts hidden."

"Don't worry about that now," Anne said as they hurried into the medical office.

"Where's the doctor?" Gertie asked as Anne and Josie came in from the rain. Gertie was sitting in a chair and Gilbert was hovering around her, asking questions about her contractions.

"I'm afraid there was a big fire up north of town," Anne said. "I am sure that the doctor is there helping, but maybe with the rain, he'll be back soon."

Gertie looked at Gilbert who was trying to calm her. "Gilbert, you've got to run for him. You'll be the fastest."

"Gertie," Anne said level-headed. "He's not going to get far in this rain. It's probably better if we figure this out together. Gilbert has the most experience in this type of situation."

"You've done this before?" Gertie asked with a puzzled face. Her blonde hair was coming undone from its bun.

"I've delivered more calves and foals than I can count," Gilbert replied. "Gertie, I can do this. I know what needs to be done."

Gertie's face blanched out a little bit and looked at her sister. "Josie, I don't know about this. I'll never be able to look those two in the eyes again."

"Sure you will," Josie answered very encouragingly. "Once you're holding your baby in your arms, it won't matter in the least the trouble it was to get her—or him."

Anne took Gilbert's arm and pulled him away from the Pye sisters. She paused for a moment trying to find the right words.

"Gil, I know you can do this," Anne said. "I have complete faith in you, but remember, you'll be helping someone we grew up with. I have a feeling that Gertie may have reservations about allowing you to help. The Pye's are a sensitive lot. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Anne, I can't do this with my eyes closed," Gilbert said, matter-of-factually.

"You need to make it less personal," Anne cast her eyes around the office. "Put on the white robe and the hat and wait for a moment. I'll talk with them."

Gertie experienced another labor pain. Anne looked at the wall clock. They were about two minutes apart. She recollected how the midwife would have Mrs. Hammond on her hands and knees through the contractions.

"Gertie, you'll be more comfortable on your hands and knees," Anne suggested, repeating the very phrase Mrs. Robbins would tell her former guardian. "Josie, will you help me walk Gertie to a patient room? We need to get her ready."

They escorted Gertie to a promising room. Josie calmly helped her older sister remove her clothes. She helped with the shoes and stockings, the skirt and blouse. Josie carefully folded the clothing, as Anne helped Gertie put on a clean gown. And then Josie helped her sister remove her undergarments. Anne checked the patient room's clock. She felt it was time for another contraction.

"Gertie, let's get you ready for your next contraction," Anne suggested.

Sure enough, Gertie endured another wave of pain. When the contraction was over, Gertie said, "Oh God, I think I'm going to have the baby," She whimpered up something happy and sad all at once. "I'm so afeared. Josie, Anne, don't leave me."

"We won't Gertie," Anne said, "You must let Gilbert help you now, can you do that?"

Gertie reluctantly nodded.

Gilbert entered the room and first sat next to Gertie. He had covered his appearance with a robe, hat and face mask. It was really only the hazel eyes that might give him away.

"Gertie, you know, this is the first time I've been able to talk with the mother during a birthing," Gilbert said. "You must do me the honor of telling me what you're going through. Don't pretend what you're experiencing doesn't matter. Trust your instincts and let me know anything that concerns you," He looked at Gertie on her side. "Are you comfortable enough this way, on your side?"

"Yes, I think so," Gertie answered. "All things considered."

He nodded. Josie was nearest. He looked to her and asked, "Josie, would you be able to support Gertie's leg, please? So the baby can come out freely."

"Yes, I can do that," Josie answered. Gilbert calmly grabbed her by her wrist and brought Josie next to Gertie. He gently said. "Lean down a bit Josie, and I'll move your sister's leg into your arms. You can use your shoulder to help bear the weight."

Gilbert's eyes found Anne's. He was so glad she was there with him, he didn't have time to truly express his gratitude for her presence. He said it in his tone: "Anne, would you be able to stay on Gertie's other side, and help brace her through the contractions."

"Of course," Anne answered.

A contraction came and Gertie cried. "Ladies, don't ever let a man touch you!"

Gilbert tried to ignore the comment as he checked the dilation. He felt Anne looking at him, his cheeks grew hot. He fully intended to put Anne through this someday. He felt a premonition of their future selves. He helping Anne with the delivery of their own child. Gilbert offered a prayer to that imagining, he prayed it would go alright, for he couldn't stay in that thought. At this moment, he was helping Gertie and only Gertie.

"Gertie, if you feel like pushing, I'm ready. Anne, will you light the lamps in the room, please? I need to see clearly, and the storm is not helping."

Anne rubbed Gertie's arm, "I'll be back in a second. You're doing great."

Anne came back with the matches and oil for the lamps. She brought some things that were overlooked at first, including clean towels, forceps, and clamps. Anne noticed Gertie seemed pretty pale as she walked the room. She mentioned this to Gilbert as she handed him a towel.

Gilbert thought a moment. "The baby's not coming as easily as I think it should. I think it's the cord. Anne, I need you to tell Gertie to stop pushing. Tell her to pant. I want to try and adjust things."

"Gertie," Anne returned next to her, "Gilbert needs to move the baby a tiny bit, so instead of pushing, pant. Like this..." Anne imitated once again Mrs. Hammond's midwife's instructions.

Gertie looked to Gilbert and he nodded, "Yes, pant please, stop pushing, just pant and I'll be done as quick as possible. You may feel some pressure."

Gertie imitated Anne's lead.

"Excellent, excellent," Gilbert said. "Now you'll get somewhere."

"Oh, I feel sick," Gertie replied as the pressure released. "I..." Gertie's thought was truncated by another pain. She clenched her teeth with all her might as she pushed down.

"I can see the baby's head, you're almost done! One more contraction and we'll have the baby."

Anne watched Gilbert pull the baby gently out of the birth canal, making sure that the cord was not twisted around the baby's neck. It wasn't, but there was something wrong with the child. It was the wrong color and not moving. Mrs. Hammond's children were so red just born and wailed away like banshees. Anne turned and looked to Gertie who was anxious to hear her baby cry. The stress from Gilbert was palpable. Anne stood so Gertie could not see.

Gilbert held the baby by the heels and tried slapping its buttocks.

Clap.

And even harder.

Smack.

What is it? Anne asked Gilbert with a glance. Gilbert's expression showed so much sorrow for the creature as if it never stood a chance.

"Gertie," Anne started to say, looking for Josie to help her finish her thoughts. Josie could also see how the baby looked dead.

"Anne," Gilbert called, "I need you."

He said it soft and quiet, but his call cut through the chaos of the room and sent chills down Anne's spine like a direct shot of cold air. Anne raced to Gilbert's side. Josie continued to hold her older sister's hand.

Gilbert held a baby boy, all red and covered in blood and yuck. He was rubbing him down with the towel, hoping the action would help the baby breathe. His hazel eyes momentarily flickered up to Anne's gray ones. Blinking down, he whispered,

"Steady my hands."

Immediately Anne put her hands over his slimy ones; her skin on his, his skin on the not-yet-breathing baby. Gilbert's hands were shaking; trembling with energies she knew not from where. At her touch, he felt everything coalesce and channel into the infant in one enormous rush.

The baby cried loud and piercingly. Anne let go of Gilbert's hands stunned. That didn't just happen, did it? Anne and Gilbert traded wild stares of understanding. Anne swallowed and nodded. So, he really was a healer.

"It's a boy," Gilbert said wrapping a clean towel around the flailing child. Gilbert's eyes looked up at Anne's with happiness. Anne pursued her lips together and hid her awe as the door opened.

"All right, all right. I'm here," Dr. Spencer said entering the room. "But it looks like you've gone ahead without me." He paused looking at Gilbert and Anne. "And who are you two?"

"Gilbert Blythe, I'm starting medical school next week. This is Anne Shirley."

"Gilbert Blythe? How are you alive?" Dr. Spencer said as he put on clean linens. "I heard about you from Dr. Blair over in Carmody, he wrote 'miracle' on your file. And," He stared at Anne. Dr. Spencer's memory of a red-headed, pig-tailed girl holding an empty ipecac bottle surfaced. "Oh, I remember you, you're the Cuthbert girl—that treated croup."

Dr. Spencer then went to his patient to check on her status, pushing all else out of his way. After checking Gertie's pulse, he turned to Gilbert, asking: "Where are we at..?"

Gilbert handed the child to the professional and reported, "The baby's here but the placenta is not yet.."

"That will come quick enough," he said, examining the infant. "Well! Look at this strapping boy you've brought to the world, Gertie! He looks just about perfect, but I'd expect that given his father."

Doctor Spencer handed the boy to his Aunt Josie, who in turn brought mother and son together for the first time. Gertie stroked his little head which had fine tufts of brown hair on it. She smiled so heavenly as to bring the sunshine into the room. The baby cried at her touch. "Hi Robbie," Gertie said. "Oh, don't cry, I just want to see you. I'll never be able to see you for the first time again." The baby continued its noise.

Anne and Gilbert found each other as they backed away, allowing the doctor to finish what they had begun. Anne was so proud of Gilbert she thought she would bust. She said as much with a touch on his arm and slow forming smile when he looked down at her. Gilbert was too humble to say much. Anne knew him well enough to know he was flattered all the same.

"Anne, you know what happened in there?" Gilbert asked, once outside of the room. "I haven't done anything like that since..."

"Yes, I know," Anne answered. "It's a very good thing you could, I was really afraid."

In the hall, Gilbert removed his borrowed, white garments for the laundry hamper. They then made their way around to the front lobby, where they discovered Diana and Fred Wright.

"Diana! Fred!" Anne exclaimed as she dropped Gilbert's hand from the sheer surprise.

Diana's mouth opened wide as she stood and looked at her best friend. Every inch of color Diana had washed away as shock ran its course. If not for her jet black hair, she would blend into the white-washed wall.

"Oh, goodness Anne!" She, at last, said, greeting Anne with a kiss. "You could knock me down with a feather, I'm so surprised to see you here. What on earth?"

Anne felt her face relax into a proud smile as she accepted Diana and Fred's most unexpected presence. She couldn't wait to exclaim the hero of the room. "Diana, I don't know if you'd believe it," Anne said, looking back to her beloved Gilbert. He was shaking hands with Fred. They were just as surprised to see each other as Anne was to see Diana. "Gertie Pye had a baby and Gilbert helped deliver it. Isn't that marvelous? There was no staff here, and by happy coincidence, Josie saw us across the street and fetched us to help."

"What?" Diana said. "Oh, this can't be! Of course, I… knew about Gertie's situation..."

"Diana," Fred warned.

"Oh Fred," Diana answered. "Don't vex me. I think the cat is out of the bag if Gilbert delivered the child."

Fred rolled his eyes and acquiesced, "Very well. But this has to stay in this room."

Diana continued, "Beechwood has been Gertie's home for a while now, ever since she learned she was expecting Robert's baby. You remember Robert, Fred's oldest brother? I am so sorry I had to keep it secret from you. The Pyes wanted everything to stay as quiet as possible."

"So, do I have a nephew or a niece, doctor?" Fred asked Gilbert.

"A nephew," Gilbert answered. "He's a fine little man too. Ten fingers, ten toes and.. well, I did say he's a boy. Gertie did really well I think. And Anne did a lot to help. I'm not sure I could have done it by myself."

"Gilbert, I am sure you're just being modest," Diana stated, "You're going to be the island's favorite doctor in no time."

"He is being modest!" Josie said. "I'm not sure how he managed everything he did, even with Anne's help."

"Josie helped quite a lot too," Gilbert admitted, as Josie entered the room. "I did not mean to forget her. She was very instrumental in keeping Gertie calm."

Dr. Spencer was also there now, joining the party. The doctor pulled Gilbert aside and was asking him some questions Anne couldn't get her ear on. Meanwhile, Diana greeted Josie with a gentle brush to her arm and Anne moved to a chair. Dr. Spencer quickly adjourned his impromptu meeting with Gilbert and then Gilbert moved closer to Anne, resting his hand on her shoulder. Eventually, he joined Anne in the chairs.

"Doctor, can I see my nephew," Fred asked.

"Yes, I suppose so," Dr. Spencer replied. "Gertie and baby need to stay overnight, but both are healthy and well. I'll take you to them." Fred exited the room a little bit excited. He was very good with children and loved babies. Diana sighed as she watched him leave, causing the others to place their attention on her.

Diana waved off her audience with a hand toss. "It's just such a relief not to worry about this anymore," Diana said. "Everything turned out so wonderful. And little Fred will have a cousin to play with now, talk about making the most out of a bad situation."

"He's just a wee thing," Anne said. "He's got a bit of growing to do, but yes. It will be nice for him to have someone his own age to play with and talk to. Will he stay with you for a while then?"

"I don't know," Diana mused. "Gertie was beside herself for help when she came to us. Fred and I really felt that we should help, and we were in a position to do that. But, who knows what will happen next? Fred's brother doesn't even know he's a father. He left exactly nine months ago. He's traveling across Europe on a business venture, we don't know how to send word. He's supposed to be back at Christmas. He's going to be so surprised to find out he has a son when he gets home."

"He shouldn't be that surprised!" Josie bluntly inputted as she walked to the window. "It does take two! I just hope he marries her."

"I'm sure he will," Gilbert said. "Robert has always been fond of Gertie, even when we went to school. Once they are married, I am sure that they'll find their own place."

Josie, who had heard these musings before between Diana and Fred was pacing the diagonal of the room, not truly listening: She was caught up in the moment that the baby was born. Anne watched her from the corner of her eye, worried about the reason for her shuffling. Finally, Josie turned and looked right at Gilbert, boldly asking, "You know, Gilbert, I could have sworn that something was wrong with the baby," Josie said. "And I got the queerest impression you did something strange. Well, it was both of you, together, now that I'm speaking of it. I admit I was thinking dreadful things for a few moments. What happened?

"What's this?" Diana asked. "Was something wrong with the baby?"

"Nothing to worry about, the baby took a few minutes to cry." Anne added, "He's quite the master of it now."

"He just needed to be rubbed down a little bit," Gilbert said. "That's all."

Josie shook her head in disagreement. "No, you did that when you called Anne over, and the way you sounded. It felt quite out-of-this-world. I positively got chills. And then the two of you held the baby together, and he suddenly cried. It was like you brought him to life."

As Anne and Gilbert were thinking of a way to respond, Anne caught Diana's face and she could see Diana also thinking of a way to satisfy Josie.

"Josie," Diana said. "It sounds like they were praying for the baby, isn't that right?" Diana tossed her attention to Gilbert and Anne, sitting in the chairs. They showed their agreement a bit too quickly. "Only God can do the thing you suggest, and Providence provided. Now, what is our nephew's name?"

"Robert Reginald Gilbert George," Josie answered. "It's such a big name for such a little boy."

"Hmm?" Gilbert said. "She named the boy after me?"

"She thought, given his magical start in the world, she should say thank you this way."

Anne's jaw dropped slightly, her heart sunk into her stomach. Gilbert's attention was tight on her and Diana just looked confused. She volleyed her head between Josie, standing next to her and Anne and Gilbert, sitting in the lobby's chairs, looking as if they wished to turn invisible. It would never do.

"Josie, you sound absolutely crazy! Gilbert Blythe, magical healer?" Diana started laughing hard, "Oh, that's the funniest thing I ever heard." Anne and Gilbert did not join her laugh. It would have sounded so forced. Diana was trying to defuse the implications. If only it had worked.

"Thank you, Anne and Gilbert, for keeping our secret," Josie said arching her right brow. "I promise to always keep yours."

to be continued