It was the first of March when Anne and Gilbert packed their belongings once again and headed to the train station, this time arriving earlier in case of any further delays. Their new friends, all branching out with their own travels, farewelled them at the station. The men assured each other that they'd remain in touch to discuss difficult cases or any new developments. The women were more emotional with their goodbyes and each promised to meet again - time would have to be taken from their busy lives.
They settled into their seats next to each other, Anne resting her titian head on Gilbert's shoulder. He smiled and wrapped his arm around her back. The train slowly moved through the picturesque scenery. It likely wasn't as beautiful as it would be in the true spring but Anne had vast experience with imagining ugly things into beautiful things. Eventually she sat up.
"I've only written one letter to Diana so far. I think I'll get started on the next round while we are sitting still. What about you?" she asked while reaching in her hand-luggage for her hardtop stationary and pen.
"Actually that's a good idea. I need to catch up on it as well."
Anne nodded and brought out his stationary. They each wrote several letters. Anne filled in Diana and Fred with their travel experiences and of the people they'd met and also asked questions about Avonlea and their family. Anne had intended to write a more detailed letter for Diana's eyes only - and so the envelope remained unsealed. The next letter was to Leslie and Owen - a similar format as the one to the Wright household but this time asking more pertinent questions about The Glen and the empty home known as Ingleside. Miss Cornelia's was next. This time Anne wished to know more of the residents of Glen St Mary. She chuckled as she wrote the letter, anticipating Miss Cornelia's response.
Gilbert wrote to his various friends in both Avonlea and Glen St Mary, and to a few friends he'd acquired while attending medical school. He also wrote to Dr. Parker, inquiring on updates from patients and how the normal winter illness was fairing.
Many letters were swapped between each other to continue with their own notes. While they wrote they murmured asides to each other and occasionally compared letters. They'd hate to inadvertently skip a detail in one letter and include it in another, especially if they were off to the same destination.
Their letters completed and stowed safely in their luggage they walked to the dining car for tea and lunch.
Soon after the train pulled into the Stratford-Upon-Avon station. As they stepped off the train Anne felt a bubbling rise of excitement - this was the land of William Shakespeare himself. They hired a buggy and each sighed a breath of relief to be in a smaller city.
To save money Gilbert and Anne discussed staying in short-term boarding houses.
"I've heard most of them are quite charming and it'd be nice to have home-cooked meals again. Dining in restaurants is a treat but not for the long term. What say you, Anne?"
"I agree, Gilbert. Goodness knows you and I have stayed in many."
So, they asked the driver to deliver them to the most charming boarding house he knew of. With that the driver took a right turn down a long lane with rows of still-sleeping Aspen trees leading the way to a quaint front yard. Gilbert helped Anne out of the buggy and instructed the driver to leave their luggage until their room had been secured. Hand in hand, the Blythes strode up the meandering stone pathway to the front door. They rang the bell and a kind looking man answered.
"Hello, we are Dr. and Mrs Blythe. We are from Prince Edward Island, Canada and are hoping you'd have a room available for us?"
"Oh, Canadians! Certainly! Welcome to Holly House Upon Avon. We are the Dobsons. I'm Edward and my wife...is currently folding the bedding...her name is Aggie," the man said while ushering them into the parlour, "Now, how many nights will you be staying with us?"
"Three nights, if you please." responded Anne.
"Sure, sure - we have a beautiful room at the back of the house with a lovely view and private bath. We modernized most rooms two years ago."
"That sounds splendid, thank you. What is the nightly cost?"
The three of them settled the cost and paid for the room up front after a quick tour. Hearing the commotion, Mrs. Dobson came from the laundry room to find them back in the parlour. Gilbert was about to place his hat back on his head and collect the waiting luggage as she walked into the room.
Mr. Dobson noticed his wife and quickly introduced them. Gilbert went to attend to the driver and luggage while Mrs. Dobson sat with Anne on a settee.
"We have one other couple staying with us for the remaining week. They are from Spain, I believe. A lovely couple but English is a bit of a struggle. They seem to get by though," Mrs. Dobson said, "Well, will the two of you need a bite to eat?"
"Oh not urgently. We dined on the train. If there's supper though we'd be very happy to accept?"
"Absolutely. Tonight is roast beef."
"That sounds delicious, thank you."
"Yes, I've been experimenting with it for years. I found basting my roast helped to keep it from drying out," Mrs. Dobson confided and then saw Gilbert and her husband coming in with the luggage. "Well, Mrs. Blythe, dinner is at 6:30. I'll let you get settled. Be sure to find us if you need any help with your plans. We've been here many years - raised our children here, in fact."
"Thank you, we will."
The two men took the luggage up the stairs and into the room, Mr. Dobson leaving the room with a quick tip of his non-existent hat. Anne sat on the bed tiredly. Gilbert cocked an eyebrow at her.
"What's wrong, Anne?"
"Nothing, dear - feeling a bit tired and achy."
"Ah, I see. Can I make you a hot water bottle, sweetheart? Perhaps a good cup of tea?"
"Yes, please, Gil."
"You rest, Anne. I don't think I would've wanted to test these walls anyway." he winked at her.
Anne rolled her eyes and shooed him out of the room. Ten minutes later he returned with a pot of tea and a hot kettle for the bottle. He fished into his black bag for the bottle, filled it, and wrapped it in a hand towel from the washroom. Anne settled onto the bed with her bottle and teacup. Gilbert briefly sat on the foot of the bed before asking Anne if he could leave her to stretch his legs. She of course agreed, some separation couldn't be a bad thing.
Gilbert stood and kissed her before gently closing the door behind him. Anne relaxed and fell into a light sleep, the bottle on her abdomen soothing her.
Gilbert wandered the quaint English streets before coming to a book store. All of the items were second hand or older. He began to lightly peruse the books before his eyes settled upon a first edition copy of Jane Eyre. Gilbert could hardly believe his fortune as he quickly bought the book.
Upon re-entry into their room a still-drowsy Anne had just woken. He kneeled next to her and presented his gift.
Anne shot up. "Gilbert! Wherever did you find this?"
"I found the most interesting book shop. I'll take you there later - I think you could spend hours there. Now, how are you feeling?"
"Dr. Blythe, it's menstruation pain - not the plague! I am fine," she snapped.
Gilbert's eyes widened and his hands went into the air as he retreated a few steps.
"Alright, Anne! I just wanted to make-"
"Gilbert Blythe! Can you ever not be a Doctor? Goodness, I'm not dying," she spat.
He heaved a big sigh. Nothing he could say would change her responses. He thought of about five retorts and bit his tongue, attempting to avoid a quarrel.
"Very well then, Anne," he said in a low angry voice, hoping nobody could hear their argument, "I'll leave you be, since you are so obviously fine without me."
With this he left the room and tried to gently slam the door. He walked into the garden and paced with his hands on his hips. As much as he loved her, Anne Blythe knew how to press his buttons. He was a Doctor. It was in his nature to care for people.
In the room Anne had instantly regretted her harsh words. Yes, he was over protective and yes it could drive her mad but he was also the most thoughtful man she could ever hope to marry. 'Especially a poor orphan such as myself.' Anne began to weep and walked to the bag to fetch her handkerchief. Through the window she spotted her fuming husband. 'Time for me to concede,' she thought. Anne wiped her eyes and blew her nose before heading out to the back garden.
As she arrived she softly called out, "Is it safe to approach?"
He let out a big breath - Anne could see his upper body fall with it. Gilbert slowly turned around to look at his wife. She appeared meek and remorseful and immediately his demeanour softened. The fact that he was a Doctor meant that he knew of the internal changes of a menstruating woman. He knew they could have mood swings. It had just been so long since Anne had this kind of outburst - normally she was so stoic about it all. At times he'd not notice at all until she would choose to 'take care of him' in other ways.
"Yes, Anne."
She began to walk towards him.
"Do you really hold my profession against me?" he hesitantly asked.
Anne sighed, too. "Not normally. On occasion though, yes."
Gilbert's face fell and she quickly finished her thought. "Sometimes it's difficult to feel in control when you're being babied. Gilbert, you knew who you married all those years ago. I need you, I really do...but I am capable of taking care of myself. Sometimes it's difficult to differentiate the boy who pulled my hair from the Doctor."
"Anne, you knew who you married, too! And I'm sorry if I keep my white coat on at home. It does make it difficult to know the difference because they're both me! Would you rather have a husband like Mr. Thomas?!"
"Goodness, no, Gilbert!"
"Well!" Gilbert's hand shot up into the air.
Anne took a deep breath. Now it was her turn to calm him down.
She spoke slowly. "Gilbert, you are thoughtful and kind and I am so glad to have a husband such as yourself. Our children don't even know how lucky they are. Perhaps it's more of an adjustment to be alone together for such an extended amount of time. I don't think we've been around each other this much since our real honeymoon."
At this Gilbert chuckled. "You're probably right. We didn't quarrel once back then."
"That was before we ever lived together, darling. Now will you forgive me?"
Gilbert stepped towards her. "Of course, Carrots. Please just let me know when you need me to back off."
Anne nodded. "I'll try to."
"Now - Gilbert Blythe, devoted husband, is asking his wife if she's feeling better."
"A bit, yes," Anne replied.
"Well then, let's go explore a bit before supper. I'll show you the book shop tomorrow."
Anne took his hand and made to move but Gilbert anchored her, pausing their movement before continuing to the root of his concern.
"Anne, you do know why I am always checking up on you, don't you? I nearly lost you. We nearly lost you. Twice! I don't think you understand how lucky you are..." Gilbert trailed.
This brought tears to Anne's eyes. "I know, Gil. You forget that I nearly lost you. I know that fear. I am healthy now. You are healthy. Gilbert, we are in William Shakespeare's birthplace! Together! We are alive." She leaned in to kiss him and pulled his hand to a walk.
Anne and Gilbert walked towards the main street, stopping along the way to read historical plaques, and then took to the riverbank. The Avon River was smaller and cleaner than the Thames and it offered a bit of a sandy shore line. They plunked themselves down onto the bank - enjoying the quiet sounds of nature. A line popped into Anne's head. 'You can find home anywhere.'
After several moments of quiet, Anne murmured, "Thank you for being my home."
Gilbert smiled but said nothing - only kissed the crown of her head. They had hashed up enough that afternoon. Anne now had that wistfulness in her eyes and he could tell she was faraway. Eventually Gilbert stood and pulled Anne up alongside him. The time had come to head back to freshen up for supper. On their walk they lightly discussed their plans for the morrow.
When they arrived back to Holly House they were welcomed by the savoury aroma of a roast beef meal. Gilbert had remained in the parlour chatting with Mr Dobson and the couple from Spain while Anne went to the room to freshen up. Not more than ten minutes later Anne returned to her husbands side and was introduced to their fellow housemates before being called into the dining room. The meal was hearty and delicious and the company was pleasant. The Dobsons were quite good hosts and were able to maintain various conversation topics inspite of the small language barrier. Eventually the conversation turned to the Blythes plans for their time in the area.
"We thought tomorrow we would take in most of the Shakespeare sights and Gilbert found a second-hand book store today that he feels I should see. Besides that, we are not entirely sure," said Anne.
"Oh yes, Pickwicks! It's one of our favourite spots! It's known for having a bit of everything and a few of our guests have found some real treasures," Mr. Dobson commented.
Gilbert smiled and nodded at Anne.
"Yes, we really recommend an afternoon there. The Shakespeare sights are wonderful, of course - don't forget a visit to Anne Hathaway's house. She was his wife," continued Mrs. Dobson.
"Certainly! Both Gilbert and I are BA's. We've become quite familiar with them."
"How wonderful! You're in the correct area for your interests, then!"
"Yes, indeed. Do you have any other recommendations?" asked Gilbert.
"Well, not too far from here are Warwick Castle and Kenilworth Castle. There's several trains that run to and from each day," replied Mrs. Dobson.
"I think that'd be worth a day, don't you, Anne?"
"Oh yes, Gilbert."
"If you're so inclined, there's a pub that's quite famous called the Dirty Duck?" Mr. Dobson asked.
Gilbert laughed as Anne suddenly coughed. "Perhaps, we enjoyed a pub in London not long ago. I'm not certain we can handle another one," he joked.
"Oh yes, well it draws a lot of folk so I'd be remiss to not mention it. If you're more interested in the Arts aspect, I believe they're now running 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. You may enjoy that more."
"Oh without a doubt," Anne replied, "Gilbert, we could look into tickets tomorrow?"
The conversation continued, the Spanish couple attempting to make some helpful remarks. When the meal ended Anne and Gilbert excused themselves to their room. Anne drew herself a hot bath and settled in. Gilbert lingered near the door, clearly unsure of if he could ask of her well-being.
Anne sensed this and chuckled. "The bath is helping, dear."
"Would you care for me to leave you be?"
"No, no. I don't mind your company. I can't exactly invite you to join me right now, though."
Gilbert sat down next to the tub, his back set against it.
"Please let me know when I can. I think I like the sound of a bath with you."
"Me too," giggled Anne.
"How about I read Jane Eyre to you?"
"Gilbert Blythe, you are the most wonderful person I have ever met. That sounds lovely."
Gilbert stood up, groaning - muttering something about not being as young as he once was. Mere moments later he returned with the book and resumed his spot, opening it to the first chapter.
The following morning a much more in sync couple departed the boarding house. Anne had suggested that they take a buggy first to the theatre to procure tickets, then wander to Shakespeare's birthplace, then to Pickwicks, and if time allowed they'd hire another buggy to nearby area of Shottery. Gilbert agreed and they set off. Upon arrival at the theatre they encountered an elderly woman sitting at the ticket office.
"The spring and summer season is just beginning; you're in luck. The cast only finished rehearsals last week. We have many tickets left for tonights performance - I could offer you excellent location?"
"Thank you, we are very much interested. What time does the performance start?"
Whereupon the woman advised that curtain time was promptly at 8:00.
Anne looked to Gilbert. "Gil, do you think we can make it?"
Gilbert nodded. "Perhaps you won't be able to spend hours at the book store but I am fairly certain we can be back in time."
"Well then yes, we will take two of your best seats, please."
The transaction was processed and the Blythes made their way down to Henley Street, about a ten minute walk away. When they arrived a friendly young woman offered them a small paper pamphlet with some well-known facts about Shakespeare, the house, his wife, and his children. They were welcome to explore the home on their own and then return for any questions. They wandered through the old house, peering over the velvet ropes which blocked off the rooms. At the end of an upstairs hall was a tiny room with a small plaque above which read "William Shakespeare was born in this room." Inside the bedroom was the standard bedroom furniture accompanied by an old (but hardly old enough) bassinet and a small baby outfit. Within minutes the self-guided tour was complete.
When Anne and Gilbert stepped out of the house, Gilbert lowered his head to Anne's and whispered, "Well that was rather anticlimactic, wasn't it?" to which Anne nodded confusedly. "I was not expecting...that."
Gilbert chuckled. "Now you can say you've been in the house in which Shakespeare was born...for an entire eight minutes."
"I suppose it's not so important where a person is born but rather what they do in their life," Anne paused before continuing, "Gil, was he not buried here as well?"
Gilbert acknowledged that he "supposed so" and that he would verify with the friendly young woman back at the birthplace.
A few minutes later he returned. "Yes, Anne-girl, you were correct. His grave is at Holy Trinity Church. It's not far from here and she gave me walking directions. Shall we visit it?"
Anne nodded, feeling the need for a more profound experience. Fortunately, she was to have it.
"How sad that we are leaving on a Sunday. It would have been so nice to have come to a service here." Anne lamented, standing along the river bank next to the church. They had finished their awe-inspiring tour and were exploring the grounds.
"I seem to remember that there was a night train to Melrose, sweetheart. We could still go to Sunday service here and make it to Scotland by Monday morning."
"Brilliant! Now, shall we stop for a bite of lunch and then off to the book store?"
Gilbert nodded and they rounded the church yard and re-traced their way back to the main streets of Stratford. They came across a cozy cafe where they sat and enjoyed a light meal of tea, warm soup and sandwiches. Their meal finished, they stepped out of the diner in search of this curious book store.
Upon entry into the small store Anne gasped audibly. There were floor to ceiling books on every surface, some organized into bookshelves and others stacked on the floors along the walls. It was disorganized and thrilling.
"Gilbert, I have never seen anything like this! I see now why you said I'd need hours here," Anne said, amazed.
The pair split and each wandered away in search of their own treasures. Two hours had passed in the blink of an eye. Anne and Gilbert had been well aware of their luggage limitations and after what was nearly a heated discussion it was confirmed that books would not be shipped back home. Gilbert came away with both 'The Deerslayer' and 'The Last Of The Mohicans' as well as Crane's 'The Red Badge of Courage.' After much deliberation and some light soul-searching Anne had collected editions of 'Far From The Madding Crowd,' 'David Copperfield,' and 'The Turn Of The Screw.'
Eventually they moved back towards the entrance to pay for their findings. Anne found herself sorting through another stack of old books before her eyes widened.
"Gilbert, look here!" She picked up a book and waved it, whispering, "It's The Tempest! It appears to be quite old."
Her husband strode the few steps towards her. "Indeed it is! Great find, Anne!"
The couple once again moved towards the counter where the shopkeeper opened the book, pointed to the front-matter section and commented, "Ah yes, a very excellent find. I had forgotten about it! See, it says here this edition is from 1815."
In a low voice, Anne spoke quietly to her husband. "Gilbert, of course we are purchasing this. I am not letting this one slip away."
Gilbert in turn raised an eyebrow before releasing a sigh. He had nearly battled her to leave several books - he knew better to argue this one. Besides, he too was enthralled by it.
"Alright, how much for it?"
Moments later they left the book store and Anne reached out to grasp Gilbert's hand, happily swinging it back and forth. Gilbert chuckled to himself. There was evidently a price to pay for Anne's happiness and he had paid dearly for it.
As they made their way back to the boarding house the couple had their eyes on the skies. The morning had started off somewhat overcast and now a light rain was beginning to fall. To the north of them a fuller cloud formation was growing. They chose to unload their purchases and allow for a short rest.
In their room Gilbert asked, "Anne, do you think you still want to head to Shottery?"
Anne hummed. "I'm not sure, Gil - those clouds are awfully ominous.
Gilbert pondered a few moments before saying, "Well, I think we should still try. We can bring along your parasol umbrella. I'd rather get caught up in a bit of rain than sit indoors."
Anne, who had been seated upon the bed, stood up and said, "Alright, let's hurry then. I do hope that this cottage is worthwhile!"
With that the couple hurried to the kitchen and asked Mr. Dobson to call for a buggy. Within minutes they were loaded and on the road. The drive to the cottage took ten minutes and thus far the heavy rain hadn't made an appearance. The Blythes alighted the buggy and into the front entrance of Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Similar to Shakespeare's birthplace there was an attendant in the front hall. They were again handed a sheet of facts and notes of the lesser-known Anne Hathaway and the history of the old house. This time, however, the attendant was more than happy to show them around the home and pointed out several interesting facts as they made their way through. The tour exited through the back garden which was still largely barren with only a few small signs of spring re-birth showing. Still, it was easy to imagine how lovely it'd be during the spring and summer months.
"Well now, that was better than expected. Such a beautiful old home, isn't it, dearest?"
Just as the words left Anne's mouth the winds picked up and the sky darkened. Gilbert grabbed onto Anne's hand and they ran to a nearby park, finding shelter from the imminent storm in a small pavilion. Anne felt a wave of remembrance pass over her and blushed. This pavilion wasn't so much different than the one she had met Royal Gardner in, all those years ago. In the same moment she turned to her huffing husband and watched him. He was busy peering out over the railing looking into the sky - and then the heavy rain came down. Gilbert quickly took a few steps back and glanced at Anne.
"What are you looking at?" he asked, confused. Her stare was oddly haunting.
Anne lightly shook her head to leave the memory. "Just you, Gilbert. I was thinking of how happy I am to be in this pavilion with you. You know, I met Roy in a pavilion similar to this in a storm. I suppose it just reminded me that I made the correct choice in refusing him and accepting you."
This caused Gilbert to grin and he took the two additional steps to come to her. "Ah, you did, did you?"
Anne nodded her head. "I'm so glad, darling."
With this she wrapped her arms around her husband for a sweet hug. They embraced for several moments before pulling back just enough to both watch the spring storm pass. A few minutes later the sky cleared and the birds began to chirp. Anne and Gilbert made their way back to the cottage for a buggy to the boarding house to prepare for the dinner and the show.
The performance in the grand theatre was full of laughter and tears. Anne pinched herself more than once to make sure it was all real. They were in Stratford at a Shakespeare play...and she had found a rare edition of his work.
On the bright and unseasonably warm Saturday morning they boarded a train for a pleasant and short journey to Warwick Castle in nearby Warwickshire. For this jaunt they packed a picnic lunch thanks to the accommodating Mrs. Dobson. The old Medieval castle sat on a cliff above the Avon River offering spectacular views from the ground and from its towers. They joined a small group of visitors accompanied by a guide for an in-depth tour - learning all about the castle's initial construction by William the Conquerer and its many changes of hands since. They toured the grim dungeon, the fairytale-like towers, and the drawbridges.
"So, Anne, is this what you've imagined?" Gilbert asked as they walked down the stairs and onto the grounds.
"Well I am having visions of Elaine being locked up in that tower."
Gilbert laughed at a particular memory and asked, "Shall I try to locate a dory, Anne-girl?"
Anne scoffed and laughed at him. "No, but let's go dip our feet into the river, Gil."
They moved further along the bend of the river and into a private spot, settling on a grassy bank. Anne and Gilbert unfolded the small blanket and removed their shoes, socks, and stockings before slowly maneuvering down the slope to the water. The water was still extremely cold and neither lasted more than a few minutes before scurrying back up to their items. Anne unpacked their luncheon and as they ate they regaled the memory of the 'unfortunate Lily Maid' and the strapping young man whom came to the rescue. His red-headed Elaine was more than happy to provide sweet kisses as thanks for his heroics. Later they each stretched out with a book in their hands. Eventually Gilbert sat up and reminded his wife that they had another castle to explore. So, Anne and Gilbert replaced their missing articles of clothing and packed up their basket.
That afternoon Anne and Gilbert alighted off their second train of the day and made their way to the nearby ruins of the Kenilworth Castle. This castle was in worse condition to Warwick but still offered charm and fantasy. A small gift shop near the castle entrance displayed Sir Walter Scott's story 'Kenilworth' and Anne was quick to buy herself a copy. Independently they wandered through the stone ruins before meeting back at the entrance an hour later.
Later that evening, back in Stratford, Anne and Gilbert deliberated their dinner plans and ultimately decided that the Dirty Duck may be a fun evening after all.
Come Sunday morning, the Blythes woke feeling fresh and they dressed for their Holy Trinity Church experience. The old church was packed with its regular parishioners and a few guests. The service in general was beautiful but the hymns were the favourite. The incredible organ music coupled with the acoustics left Anne breathless in rapture.
After church Anne and Gilbert headed back to Holly House to organize and prepare for the evenings journey. Some light laundry was attended to and hung for what was hopefully a quick dry. They found themselves with a few hours to waste and so they walked back to the main streets of Stratford, soaking up all the Shakespeare goodness for the last time.
Finally it was time to board the evening train to Melrose. Gilbert unloaded the bigger luggage with the porters while Anne handled their smaller hand-luggage which contained their over-night essentials. They made their way to their berth, opening the door and observing the tiny cabin with two small stacked beds.
"Well, Mrs. Blythe, which would you prefer - the top or the bottom?"