Timeline - The summer holidays between The First Year and The Second Year of Anne of Windy Poplars.

Chapter 12: Puffed Sleeve

"No, nope!" Eugene said as he was offered more food by a generous Geraldine Blythe. Mrs. Blythe didn't listen. Gilbert's mother was circling the table, loading up plates with scalloped potatoes. Eugene leaned forward and breathed in the aroma of homemade food. It was simple fare for the most part. "This is quite enough, a feast for a king, really, lobsters and potatoes! I should start practicing my bow and this fair lady to my right should practice her curtsy. Royalty must be expected for I am just as proud to eat a tuna salad sandwich."

"Ew!" Helen said, "That sounds gross." She smacked her lips and tried to cleanse her palate. Helen seemed to wake up a bit in the presence of their company and was more her animated self.

Gilbert remained quiet as he employed his knife and fork. His father put his hand over his dish, telling his wife that he had had enough to eat. He rather enjoyed watching Eugene and Helen interact. Eugene certainly tried to be a charmer, unlike the rather self-serving Charlie Sloane. Charlie would have asked for thirds.

"I think Gil and I would be starved without those sandwiches," Eugene answered Helen as he peppered his food a tiny bit. "We're so busy at school we eat out of a sack half the time. And what would we have done without all the crates of apples you shipped to us? Thank you!"

"This farm is littered with apples!" Gilbert's father, John, answered. "The markets are still in a slump. It wasn't worth pickin' this year. So, giving away a crate or two didn't really hurt us nothin'. We made up money with the livestock."

Geraldine sat next to her husband and gave him a look that may have suggested not to share their financial worries.

"What was Johns Hopkins like?" Gilbert asked to change the subject.

Eugene sat back and pushed his spectacles up the bridge of his freckled nose. He had been recruited to speak for their women's health symposium. While there, he enrolled in a summer obstetrics semester. It was the reason why he couldn't come directly when Gilbert telegraphed earlier in the summer.

"The medicine there was extremely good, of course, I knew it would be." Eugene brightly said. "And I think I should like to return after I graduate from Redmond. There's a job waiting for me, of sorts. The Chancellor approached me about being a regular guest speaker. Lately, I feel as if I should work to educate the educators; although, residency does appeal to me too. By the way," Eugene smiled widely for his achievement. "I'm now certified to practice in the area of gynecology and obstetrics, in the state of Maryland anyway."

"So you are Dr. Felder now?" Gilbert voiced genuine surprised. "You've been sitting on that one all day."

Helen turned to face him as well, seeming impressed.

"Well, a place like Johns Hopkins isn't going to allow just anyone to come in and speak, so I suspect, they reviewed my published papers and postmortem research and hammered out something just for me. They ran those papers through a few boards of approval, and like socks in a washtub, I came out clean. So, yes, I'm a specialist-doctor, but no, I haven't truly earned a general degree of medicine, although, it's understood I will."

"So do I call you Doctor Felder now?" Helen asked.

"No," Eugene said, leveling his blue eyes to hers. "That's not necessary, I rather prefer informalities with friends."

"Well, I should be going," Gilbert interrupted, feeling a chemistry brewing that had nothing to do with him. He put a little hope in it. "Now, Eugene, are you sure you'll be alright with my folks and Helen? Things can be rearranged if you prefer. Helen could go over to Green Gables tonight and you can have the guest room here, instead of my room."

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of interfering with your regularly scheduled bundling session with Miss Shirley." Eugene grinned from ear to ear and Gilbert blushed.

"Nothing like that happens," Gilbert gruffly said and then he about choked realizing his mother was in the room still.

"You know, even I have to admit, the bundling bed is sort of a peculiar relic," Helen said as she stood to clear plates. She noticed Uncle John staring at her after she leaned over to remove Eugene's service. Eugene's hand had brushed hers as he attempted to gracefully drop his napkin.

"Oops sorry, Miss Blythe."

"No harm was done, Mr. Felder," Helen replied. She continued to move around the table collecting empty plates. "Bertie, can I walk with you a little bit on your way?"

"Hurry," Gilbert said as he grabbed his jacket.

"Bertie, slow down," Helen wrapped a shawl around her arms and stepped outside. "I need to talk to you for just a second. There's something I need to prepare you for."

Gilbert stopped walking and waited for his slightly older cousin to catch up to him. "Is this about Charlie?"

"Well, in fact, it is," Helen held a stitch in her side. "I think Charles means to propose to me before the week is out. Before he leaves for New Brunswick."

Gilbert's hazel eyes flickered and he tried not to show concern over whatever intentions Charlie had. "Charlie's not the right choice for you. Keep flirting with Eugene."

"Oh, I'm very sure that's nothing!" Helen answered, "He just likes to lay it on thick, doesn't he?"

"He hasn't broken a single thing in front of you, I think there could be hope." Gilbert shrugged, "Well, you could be right. He is a rather determined flirt at best. Even so, Charlie is not the right person for you. Is he?"

"Well, I know Charles' proposal won't be based on romantic sentiments. He seems to understand that I'm not built the regular way. And I've always known that if I marry, it probably wouldn't be for love. But a girl needs someone to support her and I would trust him to do that."

"You and I have very different views of marriage. It's a hard institution, love will help it endure." Gilbert answered. "So, are you going to tell him about me then? You want to tell him about our magic. Is that why we're talking."

"Is it really fair for him not to know about all of us?" Helen replied. "He's put enough feelers out I am fairly sure he does mean to propose. He has to know what that means to become part of this family."

Gilbert put his hands on his hips and looked up to the heavens where Orion stood. "I still think it's a bad idea."

"Gilbert, even Anne encouraged me to be wholly honest with Charles."

"She did what?"

"She said it would be the only way I could rediscover myself."

"Helen, Anne sometimes says and does things rather impulsively. I think she may have done so with you when she said that." Gilbert attempted to explain away. "Please don't do anything you think you might regret. I love her to pieces but she's not you. You must make up your own mind on this."

"This is my decision," Helen answered. "And I will give things proper consideration before responding if my hunch is correct."

Gilbert couldn't help but shake his head. "For me, please make Charlie wait for an answer. He likes to be in control. Observe how he handles waiting for your reply. You'll know more about what you're getting into if you do."

When Anne came downstairs from her bedroom to join Gilbert on her side of the bundling bed, Gilbert was already there waiting for her. She blushed the color of red roses as she saw him standing at the foot of the bed in nothing but his breeches.

"You're not wearing your nightshirt?" Anne asked as she turned to shut the door.

"No, I honestly hate that thing, and it's sort of hot lately." Gilbert studied how the board was attached, in the low light, bending down at a certain point, trying to take a closer look.

Anne placed the flickering candle on the nightstand and then removed her robe. She hung it on the door hook before stepping to the foot of the bed herself.

"Gilbert, what are you doing?" Anne asked him.

"I want to move the board," Gilbert admitted. He ran a hand over his torso, fluffing up some dark chest hair in the process. Anne diverted her eyes before he caught her looking. "I was trying to figure out if we could just slide it down a little bit, that way we don't have to sit up when we talk. Looks like its bolted down."

"No, no," Anne said. "It's just a board and it rests in slots. All you have to do is lift it up."

"Tried to," Gilbert said, now scratching his head.

Anne chuckled as she went to the bed, leaned over a bit and wiggled the board up along the groove. It was really a two-person job and she struggled. When she looked back to Gilbert for assistance she caught him staring at her hips.

"Gil?"

He lifted her eyes to hers.

"Sorry,"

He turned away for a moment, collecting himself.

"Anne, I don't think we should attempt to bundle without the board. I was just trying to make it easier..."

"...to talk?"

She pushed the board back into place and then sat down on the mattress.

"Yeah."

"It is rather hot in here."

When Gilbert turned around he watched Anne extract herself from her gown, revealing her limbs blossoming from white drawers and a lacy chemise. Her corset displayed a slender waist. They stood and looked at each other for a while, obviously liking what they saw, and not apologizing for it. Gilbert soon had to retreat into the covers and Anne went to her side after blowing out the candle.

Gilbert heard a soft thud hit the floor.

"What was that?"

"My corset," Anne answered. "I feel a bit swollen, it hurts sometimes."

Gilbert tried not to think too much about that.

"Anne," he whispered.

"What?

"You told Helen to tell Charlie Sloane about my powers?

"Of course you would mention this right after I blew the candle out," Anne complained. "Looking at you crossly will do me no good."

"You admit it?"

"Gilbert darling, I did not tell Helen anything so specific. She was frustrated with Charlie's disinterest in her lost abilities and so I advised her that her only option would be to force the situation. She's got to stand her ground with him and if it means spilling everything, so be it."

"It was a mistake." Gilbert sounded disappointed.

Anne drew her breath slowly, "Perhaps, but she's got to make some if she's ever going to rediscover herself. You realize she's spent most of her life doing the will of others because she heard their thoughts over her own. Once she starts listening to her voice, life will be a lot less scary and depressing for her."

"Helen's not that spineless."

"Are you sure about that?"

The handgun he had thrown into the ocean came to mind.

When no answer came from Gilbert Anne added, "I rest my case."

"I'm not ceding your point, exactly," Gilbert answered. "I really do not want Charlie to know. Somehow he'll make it all about him."

"I know that Gil, but we have no right to dictate whom Helen associates with, we're not Helen keepers." Anne pointed out. "The fact is Charlie has helped her and they are friends. She wants to grow her friendship with him and she cannot do that and veil the reasons for her sorrows. How would you like it if you were told you couldn't share this huge part of your life with someone you care for?"

"Maybe this all won't matter anyway," Gilbert unpredictably said with an air of defeat. The sudden concession surprised Anne. They could usually banter like this for hours, days even.

Anne heard Gilbert sigh and then, she felt the bed adjust as he removed his weight and heard his footsteps approach. He pulled back her covers. "Scoot over, please." Soon he was crawling in bed next to her. He was on his left side: Anne was on her right. Her back supported by the board. It was a tight squeeze and legs and arms started to naturally tangle.

Gilbert waited for his heart to slow down. The scent of her hair entered his nose. He had never held her like this before.

"Anne," Gilbert whispered low and quiet into her ear. He put his hand on her side, feeling the grooves of her ribs. "I've got something to tell you and you're not going to like it much."

"Gilbert now is not the time to make a romantic move on me," Anne whispered back and contrarily move her leg to rest over his, allowing him to come closer if he'd like.

"Anne, please listen to me," Gilbert continued to whisper while stroking her side and arm. "I do not plan on coming back to Avonlea after this summer, except for a short visit here and there. When we marry, our home will be in or near Glen St Mary, where no one will know about my powers, and we'll get a new start."

The words hit Anne like daggers. His arms wrapped around her as she started to shake in dismay. Her hand went to his face, where she held the contours of his cheek, feeling his very stubbly shadow. "Gilbert, what do you mean that you're.. .that we're leaving Avonlea? This is my home, the only place that I have ever loved. And you want to take me away from it?"

"Uncle David would like me to take over his practice when I am done with school. We'll still be on our island, but our home will be the one we make together. Avonlea is much too small of a community to hang a shingle. I can't support us here."

"You should have discussed this with me first." Anne's voice was hoarse. She tried to push him away, but her strength was no match for his. She cried into his chest as he rubbed her back in slow, circular motions.

"Anne, this is a fantastic opportunity," Gilbert reassured while wiping her tears from her cheeks with his thumb. "I can hit the ground running at full speed because the name Blythe is already established."

"Gilbert, Avonlea is home, my first ever home," Anne said. "You really have no idea what that means to me, do you?"

"I do know, I do Anne. And you and I will take all the beautiful things about Avonlea with us. You make friends so easily, and we'll have guests over all the time. I am not going to neglect you, I promise you that, especially when we're free to be husband and wife. There will be days and nights you'll be positively sick of my attention."

"But in the meantime, I get starved for it? Why aren't you coming back next summer?"

"I'll be working out West," Gilbert said. "I need a down payment on the practice, the railroad is cutting through the Rockies. They need all sorts. I can be a company nurse, it won't be terrible labor."

"A whole summer without seeing you? I can't bear the thought." Anne was close to sobbing, "What about my salary, take it if it means I get to see you."

"Anne," Gilbert stroked her hair. "Thank you. I was counting on your income as part of the down payment, but it won't be enough. I still must work."

"No," Anne grunted. She didn't know what was worse, Gilbert making such an agreement with her money or the fact that she would miss him terribly. Her heart gave the answer. "Gilbert, listen to me. I need you. I have to see you, be with you, smell you, touch you. It will be a dreadful two years without you—even with the short holidays."

"Anne, I want to see you too, but we need a little separation. Look how intimate we are right now, and we're not yet married." Gilbert was holding her body tight to his now. Desire built inside of him as his hands slipped down her back. "Anne, I can feel every delicious curve on your body and surely you know how it's driving me wild. You're no fool. Please believe me when I tell you I love you more than my life itself. I want to make a home for us. It may not seem like it, I am putting you first. Just two more years and then together, married!"

When the tears stopped falling, Gilbert forcibly removed himself from Anne and returned to his side of the board. Neither of them slept well the rest of the night.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wright held hands as Mr. Eugene Felder returned back to their bedroom. Fred caught Diana's eyes and gave a fleeting grin as he squeezed her hand. It was the moment of truth. Would their expected child make it to delivery? Diana had begged Fred to allow the exam, as demoralizing as she knew it would be. Mr. Felder asked Fred to "stop being a caveman" and come into the nineteenth century and its modern medicine. The examination was explained and then, Mr. Felder said that his own wife's life might have been saved if she had had the same exam. Delivery would have been done surgically. Eugene's haunted voice convinced Fred that perhaps, in this case, he was in the wrong.

Fred sat next to Diana as her pregnant condition was assessed. Given the circumstances, Fred felt things couldn't have gone better. Mr. Felder had clearly done the exam before and was quick and efficient. The bedside manner he displayed to both mother and father was reassuring too. Still, Fred had to clamp down his urge to push this guy away from his wife when he suggested she separate her legs.

Fred helped Diana dress after it was done. They waited for over half an hour, resting on the bed talking about little things. The pink paint he ordered from Blair's had arrived. Fred thought the wee one was a girl. Diana felt it was a boy again. No matter, there would be plenty of paint for the baby's room as long as there was a baby. They sat there in dreaded anticipation. Mr. Felder knew well enough the couple needed time to reset and decompress if he was going to be heard.

"May I sit down?" Mr. Felder finally asked as he pulled up a chair from Diana's vanity set. The skirt that was decoratively attached to the table slid down and items fell. Mr. Felder panicked to pick up hairbrushes and talcum powder puffs before positioning himself in front of the couple.

"Of course," Mr. Wright said. Fred wanted to say more, but instead, he kissed the temple of Diana's head as he felt her start to shake with nerves.

"I'll give you the good news first," Mr. Felder said. "Mrs. Wright, I think you're as healthy as they come and the baby is doing just fine, but there has to be a reason for the miscarriages in the past. So, let's see if we can figure it out. When did you have your first miscarriage?"

"We think possibly very early in the marriage, before baby Fred," Diana said.

Mr. Felder nodded. "That's one."

"And twice for sure since baby Fred."

"And when was your son born?" Mr. Felder asked.

"Our son was born early July last year," Mr. Wright answered.

Mr. Felder tried to control his arching eyebrow. Newlyweds were so persistent towards the marriage act. "I would think it's safe to say that whatever the reason for these spontaneous abortions, they happen extremely early in the gestational period. That's good news, as you're several months along, so you're out of the danger zone."

The couple smiled and sighed with relief. They shared a quick kiss of happy affection.

"Also, can you tell," Diana asked. "Will the baby be breech again?"

"Breech?" Mr. Felder was surprised. "Your son was a breech presentation?"

"Yes, the midwife knew what to do."

"You were lucky!" Mr. Felder strongly voiced. "I do wonder if the awkward position of your son's delivery might have caused internal scarring in your uterus. If a baby cannot latch onto the uterine wall completely because of scar material, that could explain those last two."

Mrs. Wright turned pale as she put her hand before her eyes. "Darling Fred, I'm sorry. I guess you were right, it is my fault after all. You and Dr. Spencer were right."

"What?" Mr. Felder said horrified. "Fault? No, there's no fault involved here. Well, I suppose that's not quite true. It's your son's fault if my suspicion is correct. Shall we fetch him and give him a good spanking, teach him a lesson?"

"No," Fred said alarmed.

"So you do see how absurd it is to place blame on anyone for a miscarriage. I apologize if Dr. Spencer gave an archaic medical opinion. It's my mission to revamp the medical world with better-informed family doctors. You two are equally yoked to this child. Mother cannot be without a father: Father cannot be without a mother. Yes, Mrs. Wright has the pleasure of knowing the baby first in her role, but it doesn't make the child any less yours, does it, Mr. Wright."

"I suppose not," Fred muttered.

"I'm glad we agree," Mr. Felder continued, "I would recommend also going to a hospital for delivery. I know you live in a rural setting and that may be difficult, but I will encourage it the same."

Diana bobbed her head in agreement. "We can arrange it, as long as there's not too much snow."

"I can get someone to look at our sleigh, get it fixed up." Fred mused. Fred's face colored slightly, as he stared back at the balding man with round glasses. "Nothing is more important to me than my Diana, so, we'll do whatever you say."

"I'm so glad to hear it! I can tell you two are quite in love yet," Mr. Felder said. "I do hope that you'll write to me and let me know what happens, or send word through Gilbert."

Mr. Felder then smiled kindly at the two and returned the chair to the vanity without additional fumbling. He exited the bedroom feeling slightly triumphant.

Anne and Gilbert volunteered to watch baby Fred as Eugene met with Diana and Fred Wright. The thirteen-month-old was getting into everything. He was running from room to room on his chubby, wobbly legs under the watchful eyes of his parents' friends. The boy was not shy in the least. (All and all, an amazing attribute considering his parentage.) It was as if the child knew he could rule the roost with his cute, round face and dimply smile. Eventually, the little one settled down in Diana's parlor, investigating certain animals from the crocheted menagerie his Aunt Minnie May made. He tossed those animals around with laughs that sounded like popping bubbles.

Anne and Gilbert retreated to the sofa where she leaned on him, resting her head on his shoulder. She was still adjusting to the news he whispered so intimately the night before. Gilbert felt a little of her dismay still, as he rubbed her arm. He thought he might apologize, but, he wasn't sorry. He was confident of the decision, and deep down, Anne knew that leaving Avonlea was likely.

When the child saw that his playful antics were not getting proper recognition, Fred Jr. attempted to crawl up and join them. He steadied himself with his hands against Gilbert's knees and he grabbed for things without regard for what they were.

Anne watched Gilbert's reaction to the little guy, like most men, Gilbert tended to distance himself from children this young. Li'l Fred though was accustomed to his very affectionate Daddy. Fred Senior always could be persuaded to give his son a lift and a hug whenever he asked. Junior displayed this same expectation to Gilbert with his cherubic face and black eyes. He stared at Gilbert and held his grabby hands up and cried. "Daaaa"

Anne laughed as Gilbert picked up the boy in terrified delight, trying to explain to him, "You know, I'm really not your father." Gilbert stood and paced around the room with the kid. His hazel eyes kept looking at Anne, hopeful for rescue, but only found an amusing smile flashing back at him. Every time he tried to set him down, little Fred would bawl.

Finally, Gilbert understood, as his olfactory senses made a report. "Diaper!" Gilbert tried to push the tot into Anne's arms. The boy screamed disappointed.

"But he likes you," Anne said. "Have you never changed a diaper before?"

The sudden fear crossing Gilbert's face told her, "No."

"Fine, I'll help you," Anne chuckled.

Gilbert watched Anne perform a task that she had done hundreds of times over and he was sort of appalled at how briskly and confidently she cleaned the boy's privates. While they scrambled to find a clean diaper from somewhere in the house, Anne muttered something that did not escape Gilbert's ears.

"I can't believe they circumcised you after I told your mother not to," Anne said tickling the diaper-free belly of the one-year-old.

Gilbert stepped in and said very lightly, "It's pretty normal for parents to do that to their baby boys. It's biblical after all."

Anne's eyes flashed up to Gilbert's as she took the clean diaper from his hand. "Maybe, but I think it's barbaric. The Hammond's didn't do this to their boys. I don't see why it's necessary."

"Well, you know, the covenant," Gilbert said, trying to be light about it still.

"That's the old covenant. I think it's mean and cruel. It has to be painful," Anne said sympathetically. "There's nothing wrong with how God makes you. Why interfere?"

She didn't see Gilbert run his hand through his wavy hair or the sly smile start to grow on his face. He stood behind her amazed. "Well, Anne. I..."

"Are we seriously having this conversation now?" Anne sensed an argument as she finished pinning the diaper tight. Anne turned to Gilbert, "I suppose you're going to push for this with our sons."

"They have the right to be like any other boy around them."

"Who's going to know unless the boy tells someone?" Anne fairly asked as she walked to deposit the used diaper in the pail.

Li'l Fred was waddling around again and made a beeline back to the parlor where he found a yellow tiger cat from the same collection of toys. He bashed the poor plush toy down to the floor. Anne went to follow him and Gilbert continued talking.

"Anne, remember how jealous you were because you didn't have a dress with puffed sleeves. Now, imagine you're the only boy with.." Gilbert rolled his eyes. The analogy was too good to pass..." a puff."

Anne's face pinked. "I hardly think it's the same thing, Gilbert."

"But Anne...just listen to me," Gilbert held her shoulders. The apples of his cheeks indicated a huge smile suppressed. His eyes grew quite large as he slowly and sheepishly said, "Anne, you have no idea what stigma it is not to be circumcised. I mean, think about it, if you were the only one..."

"Gilbert John Blythe, are you saying what I think you are?" Anne said with such surprise, she completely forgot how improper it was to ask something so private and personal, even from her fiancé. Her cheeks grew hot as he slowly responded.

"I haven't said anything one way or the other," Gilbert licked his dry lips. "I'm merely pointing out there are societal expectations for little boys and not..."

"Just tell me, Gil!" Anne begged. "I tell you everything about me, don't I?"

That was true.

Gilbert finally relented as he felt himself blush to the top of his ears, "Fine, you've got me, but please don't tell anyone! I would rather everyone find out about my powers than any other person know that I'm not..." Gilbert rolled his eyes, "You know."

"How did your parents, your parents mind you, not see to that when you were a baby."

"They thought it would hamper my other abilities if I were to be. It's traditional, but I doubt true."

"Oh wow! Even I couldn't imagine that connection!" Anne was in awe at Gilbert's confession and she squeezed his waist. "Thank you, Gilbert for sharing this with me."

"Well, you were going to find out eventually," Gilbert admitted. "You're laughing now, but you may not find it so funny later. I was a little worried you'd be horrified. I was actually considering the procedure."

"Oh, no!" Anne shook her head. "Don't do it, Gil! There's no good reason for it." Anne said as they returned to the sofa. Anne pulled Fred Jr. up into her lap this time and the little guy started to relax into a nap.

"I wasn't seriously considering it. It was just, you know, a thought."

Anne looked at the small child in her arms as his head twisted and turned in an attempt to get his bearings. "So, your folks must have known you had powers when you were born."

"Mother was pretty sick when she carried me," Gilbert said. "That's a sign of the legacy passing down, especially when it passes paternally."

"Wonderful!" Anne's voice was thick with sarcasm. "Is that why you're an only child?"

"Probably"

Her eyes flicked to his. "Do you have any idea what the likelihood is for us having such a child?"

"There's no way of knowing. Unless Helen sees it or something like that."

Anne turned her attention at the youngster in her arms. Gilbert couldn't help but flash forward a few years. He imagined them sitting in their own home, their own son asleep in Anne's arms. It didn't matter to him if the child could or couldn't do magic. He would be theirs and that was its own beauty.

He watched Anne softly straighten the baby-fine hairs of the boy and kiss his hands that still liked to cling to fingers. Gilbert knew he found in Anne a loving mother to their children. When he fell in love with Anne so long ago, he fell because of her intelligence and her beauty. He kept falling as a result of her ambition and her liveliness. But this other side of her, this care-taking quality that so many men wanted in their wives, that was something newly precious to him. Gilbert's insides crumpled thinking about how lucky he was, to find so much in his Anne.

Eugene Felder returned to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wright the next Sunday to help celebrate the one-year birthdays of two little boys, cousins Fred Wright, Jr. and Robert Wright, Jr. The August sunshine radiated down with great intensity as they all gathered on the covered porch and under the adjacent canopies. Eugene sat in a lawn chair and attempted to watch the proceedings. He found himself talking with Fred's brother Robert who sat next to him.

"Which one is yours again?" Eugene asked already knowing the answer.

Robert was a large man with light brown hair. He quietly pointed to his son, "He's there, Robbie."

The boy was fussing with toys in the clean grass between his Aunt Diana and her son. Vacantly he said, "Still can't believe it."

Eugene was polishing off a large piece of birthday cake when he turned to look at his new friend after his wondrous comment. He popped an eyebrow up to inquire.

"This is top secret, but what do you care? You're not from around here. Gertie, the boy's Ma. We weren't married you know. I was leaving for England for a year, and things got out of hand. With good-byes."

"Oh, I do understand," Eugene said with great compassion and a tinge of delight. "I'm a widower."

"It was only the one time, but I guess once is enough." Robert turned to look at Eugene. Eugene didn't look particularly embarrassed. "Am I shocking you? Folks say I'm not proper all the time."

"I'm an obstetrician. Just try and shock me."

"That's a fancy doctor, isn't it? You must be Gilbert's friend."

"Yes, I'm his roommate too. Eugene Felder."

"Please to meet you. I'm Rob Wright." They shook hands. "So, imagine coming back from your trip a year later and finding out you are a father." Robert looked at his wife Gertie, now scooping up the boy into her arms. "The surprise knocked me senseless, but in a really good way. All I want to do is make it up to her. He was born almost nine months to the day I left."

"I suppose that would be quite a surprise!" Eugene admitted. "It's too bad you couldn't be here for the birth."

"Oh, I'm so glad I wasn't." The relief was evident. "My brother Fred was ever so much better helping the cows with their calves. I always would faint or throw up when Dad would drag me into the birthing pin. Yeah. It was a good thing I wasn't here." Robert answered. "Still—I would have liked to see her pregnant with my child. You know, watch the woman you love grow with your baby. Something amazing in that thought. Gilbert delivered my son. I've heard all about it."

"Gilbert told me a little bit about it too, when we first met."

"I'm sure he omitted the magic part, right?" Robert said with a laughing smirk.

"What?"

"Oh, it's nothing!" Rob declared. "Just my humor. My attention-hungry sister-in-law was present and insists that Robbie didn't breathe on his own. She claims that Gilbert somehow got him breathing, and it was done, magically, of all things." Robert rolled his eyes and then took a bite of cake.

"Well, I could see how it might seem that way," Eugene said, feigning disinterest. "Is she here? Which one is Josie?"

He pointed again. "She's over there by Anne Shirley, and Anne's the redhead...You know, I really shouldn't be telling you all this." Robert realized. "An incredible amount of work was done to keep Gertie's pregnancy private. It's just, you know. A lot to carry."

"Don't worry about me." Eugene adjusted his hat and his glasses after standing up and stretching. "Who do I know anyway? I'm not from around here."

"Well, that's true! You're a good listener!" Robert said. "I'm sure you're going to be a fine doctor."

"Yes," Eugene said under his breath, as he walked away, "Among other things."

to be continued