"Well, Mrs. Blythe, which would you prefer - the top or the bottom?"
Anne stood next to Gilbert, peering into the sleeper cabin.
She thought for a moment before responding. "I think the top, Gilbert. If it were the bottom I'd be very aware that you could come crashing down on me in the night. Does that suit you?"
"I'm happy with any arrangement." Gilbert replied.
Anne hummed her initial agreement. "It's settled then. I am going to find the ladies room to wash up," she spoke as she collected her essentials.
Gilbert confirmed that he too would leave to prepare for bed. Twenty minutes later they were both back in their tiny cabin and were dressing for the night and pulling back the bed sheets.
Anne climbed up the four rungs of the ladder to her bed, careful not to stumble with her long nightgown. She maneuvered herself into the bedsheets as Gilbert watched her with an amused smile. He reached up to straighten her sheets around her and kissed the tip of her nose.
Anne chuckled. "You're tucking me in, dearest?"
"I am. You're adorable." Gilbert grinned at her before slipping into his own lower bunk.
Anne placed both hands on the side of her bed and poked her head over, straining to look at Gilbert.
"Doesn't this make you feel young again?" she asked him.
Gilbert looked up at her from his bed. "It makes me miss you next to me."
Anne went quiet for a brief moment before continuing. "I used to sleep in similar beds at the orphanages. I was assigned the bottom bed sometimes. Once a girl on the top bed fell off face-first and lost three teeth. Another time a girl fell straight through the bed on top of me."
Gilbert's face showed some concern. "It sounds like the bottom bed is safer then. Would you like to switch, Anne?"
"No. I really would worry about you falling through and onto me. You're much larger than I, Gil."
"So long as you think you can sleep up there, sweetheart."
"I think I'll be quite comfortable. This is an adventure, anyway." Anne said as she rolled back onto the rather flat pillow. "What are you looking forward to most in Scotland?"
Gilbert's voice came from the bottom bunk. "I should like to try to golf a bit. I've heard many great remarks on St. Andrews. I suppose it depends on the weather."
"Have you ever played golf, Gilbert?" Anne questioned.
"I think only once back in medical school. It's becoming quite popular back at home though. Imagine me returning to the Glen a champion golfer. I'd love to see Parker's face."
To this Anne snorted a laugh and replied, "Perhaps you will."
Their light back and forth conversation continued for several more minutes and eventually the bottom bed emitted a few too many stifled yawns for the top bed. Anne leaned over the side of her bed a final time to bid Gilbert good night and within moments gentle snores filled the small cabin.
The next morning a slightly stiff couple made their way to the dining car for a leisurely breakfast as they watched the rolling hills pass by. Early Spring had arrived, much to Anne's delight. Hints of green showed through the overall brown bleakness of the landscape. Anne and Gilbert returned to their small berth while discussing the plans for their next few days.
"I think we will plan to spend one night in Melrose, Anne. It's beautiful country but I'm quite anxious to get to Edinburgh. I haven't secured any accommodations but I thought we'd stay in another boarding house tonight and then a hotel in Edinburgh."
Anne nodded in agreement. "It would be ideal to not have to take a full day out of holiday for the washing. Do you know of much to see in Melrose?"
"From what I gather it's a quaint town in a low valley and breathtaking Eildon Hills for scenery. I thought it'd be a pleasant stop for you, Anne-girl," he said, nudging her playfully.
"The Eildon Hills...where have I heard of them?" Anne queried, mostly to herself before realization hit her. "...The tale of Thomas the Rhymer!"
By this time they'd reached their compartment and the conversation had dissipated as they began to organize their items in preparation for their arrival. Within the hour Anne stood on the platform while Gilbert handled the luggage collection and the buggy hire. As the buggy departed the Melrose Railway Station they moved into the valley and into the full view of the overlooking peaks. Not for the first time this trip, Anne was lost to the whimsy and fantasy of the land.
"Sir Walter Scott wrote that King Arthur sleeps in these hills," a mesmerized Anne murmured.
Seeing as how their initial plan for selecting a boarding house worked well, they opted to take the drivers recommendation. The buggy pulled into a small yard on the edge of town, stopping in front of a small house. Gilbert assisted his wife down and they were greeted by a woman of about sixty-five whom introduced herself as a six-year widow called Mrs. Daniel Headen. The building was an older home with outdoor facilities and an indoor washroom which had been converted from a small bedroom. Gilbert had placed their trunks in a storage room on the main floor and they sat for a cup of tea with Mrs. Headen before stepping out into the great outdoors.
The temperatures had remained warm in the region. Mrs. Headen had remarked that their last snowfall had come a fortnight earlier and that it had been gone for five days now. Still, Anne and Gilbert dressed in warm layers to explore the walking paths along the base of the towering hills.
The couple roamed the uneven terrain at the base of the south peak, stepping carefully around the jutting, moss covered tree roots before coming to a hawthorn tree.
"Imagine this being the Eildon Tree where Thomas was met by the fair Queen of Elfland, Gilbert." Anne's enchanted voice rang through the quiet of nature.
Anne and Gilbert continued to trod over the lower walking paths, stopping periodically to admire their surroundings or to share a few lingering kisses. Feeling adventurous they ascended the great hills in search of the spectacular views. When they had reached the peak's summit they sat reclined in silence for several minutes. Anne brushed her hands over the baby sprigs of purple heather which were beginning to appear.
Finally Anne's dreamy voice broke the silence. "I can see why this land inspires so much. I feel that if I had a pencil and paper with me I would have already completed my own ballad."
"You can still, Anne-girl. I've never known you to need paper for your compositions."
"Ah, but I am rusty at it. I have the inspiration - I can only hope it doesn't escape me by the time we've reached town again."
Gilbert nodded and pulled Anne closer to his side to whisper into her ear, "I am certain it will stay with you, sweetheart."
Three hours after their initial departure a hungry and chilled Anne and Gilbert began their downward trek back to the boarding house. The terrain had been mostly solid for their morning jaunt but the warm afternoon sun had melted the earth just enough to make the inbound journey messy. Large patches of mud were blocking several trails which left the couple no choice but to pass through - and then it happened - Gilbert found himself stuck, his foot sunken into the deep mud. A moment or two of tugging dislodged his foot out of the mud and his bottom firmly in its place. Anne clamoured to assist him but ultimately failed and she was soon landed next to him.
A huffing Gilbert issued instructions. "Well, we're a mess. Can you get up?"
Anne attempted to but found herself secured in the mud - the blasted muddied skirts prevented her from any real movement.
"Alright, I will try this again...and then I suppose I'll have to find a large branch to use to pull you out."
Gilbert haphazardly removed his coat and placed it onto the mud next to him, heaving himself up and onto it, and then jumping to more solid ground. He foraged the area for a few minutes for a branch and made his way back to a laughing Anne. He reached the stick out to her and she grasped it with both hands. Finally she was upright. Gilbert then moved his coat to her feet and balanced her with both hands as she stumbled to stand next to him.
"Well, that was an adventure!" Anne announced.
They both stood hunched over, catching their breath. Gilbert eventually collected his coat and surveyed the scene before resuming their slow walk to the house for an unplanned bath. When they had entered into the house Mrs. Headen stood flabbergasted at their appearance. Anne briefly explained their incident and the wonderful woman offered to take on the washing in order for her guests to be able to continue with their plans.
As Gilbert bathed, Anne hung back in their room with a pencil in her hand. She had been attempting to re-connect with the serenity of the hill top. The words sprang onto the paper and within minutes a poesy was born, hardly to its authors awareness. Gilbert returned to the room and Anne handed him the paper to review.
"Anne...this is remarkable. You never cease to amaze me, darling."
He sighed then and wrapped her up in his arms, imparting a kiss on her lips with a prayer of thanks. They embraced for a moment longer before Anne pulled back with a laugh.
"Gil, I really ought to wash up now." Her muddy gloves had been removed but in her haste to write she had left her muddy coat on.
Gilbert released her and inspected his new attire. As Anne left the room he unbuttoned and removed the waistcoat and replaced it with the third one of the day.
The Doctor and his wife progressed to the boarding house's living area for a late lunch. In a wink Mrs. Headen had stew and biscuits served with some light conversation. Through an inadvertent comment they learned of the nearby Abbotsford House. Thusly, that afternoon they made their way to banks of the River Tweed to visit Sir Walter Scott's majestic former residence. The castle-like house was full of pomp and pageantry. Historical relics lined the hallways and the house was complete with a full library, armoury, and Catholic chapel. Anne and Gilbert wandered the rooms before sharing a quick glance which said 'time to go.'
The Blythes dined on a light supper before collapsing early into their bed. They awoke at sunrise and quietly packed their belongings onto a waiting buggy and with several words of thanks to Mrs. Headen. The morning train to Edinburgh was waiting for them.
They were recommended to stay at the Old Waverley Hotel - boasting its charm and location. Anne and Gilbert entered into the reception area and inquired about a 3 nights stay. Indeed, there was room at the inn and the bell clerk was sent to deliver their luggage. The room was cozy and offered only enough room for a bed, a wardrobe, and a small desk. Their frequent movements had made them expert packers...and unpackers. They removed only the necessary items and clothing for their short stay while the rest of their belongings remained stowed away.
At noon they ventured out to experience the fabled small-city feel of Edinburgh.
Walking down Princes Street with her arm tucked into his, Anne asked Gilbert, "Well, dearest, what is our plan today?"
"First I believe we need to find sustenance. I'm famished."
Not being overly particular about where they ate they ducked into the first dining establishment they saw. The small, dark restaurant seemed to call to them - enticing them into a seat in the corner. They sat across from each other at a small two-person table and scanned their surroundings. The walls, floors, tables, and chairs had a warm wood tone which instantly put its patrons at ease. The server came to the table with two small menus.
Anne lightly perused hers whereas Gilbert asked the waiter, "I'd like to try your most traditional Scottish dish, please."
"Ah, well that would be haggis alongside neeps and tatties."
Gilbert nodded to the waiter and looked to Anne. "Oh, why not? An order of haggis for myself as well, please," she said.
During the interim Anne and Gilbert discussed their plans for their stay. It was decided that in the afternoon they'd wander to get their bearings, the next day Gilbert hoped to catch the train to St. Andrews for a cold round of golf while Anne caught up on letters and shopped. Their final day was being discussed as their meals were presented. The conversation lagged while the food was devoured; however, they managed to briefly discuss the option of another hike - this time up to Arthur's Seat.
"What your thoughts on it, Anne?" Gilbert asked in between mouthfuls of potatoes and turnips.
"Everyone I've spoken with says it's not to be missed. We can't very well skip over it just because of our previous incident."
"I'll hold you to that," Gilbert laughed, "This time I hope not to nearly lose a shoe."
After their meal was completed Gilbert paid the bill and they moved back out onto the street. They walked to the beginning of the Royal Mile with the towering Edinburgh Castle in view. In the distance they heard a loud gun fire and paused their walk momentarily - both in wonderance. Anne and Gilbert continued down the sloped street where they saw a small group of people circled around a heart-shaped mosaic built into the cobblestone. They shared a quizzical glance and steered their walk towards them. They overheard a leader describing the Heart of Midlothian, the spot on which public executions took place and where it was still tradition to spit. Gilbert was only too happy to work up a spit wad whereas his wife, raised by Marilla Cuthbert, was a bit apprehensive at first...but seeing as how all others were taking part she gave in and hurled a small amount of spit. Gilbert pulled the leader aside for a quick discussion and slipped him some change to take part in the tour.
The small group then walked to nearby St Giles Cathedral where each member paid a small donation to enter the impressive 'Westminster Abbey of Scotland.' They silently followed their guide whom regaled the church's long history in a hushed voice.
As they made their way further down the hill they found themselves standing in front of the stunning Palace of Holyroodhouse, which had become the unofficial Royal palace while for visiting Scotland. The group stood near the grounds as they listened to an abridged albeit still lengthy lesson in its history which began in 1128. The guide finished his tour with an eerie remark on the ghost that was rumoured to wander the palace.
Anne shivered and leaned in closer to listen better. This was not lost on their guide and as the group dissipated from the final stop, he approached the Blythes and offered them a decidedly more spooky tour that evening. Anne enthusiastically nodded while her husband somewhat groaned before agreeing to tag along for the ghost tour. Before parting ways Gilbert asked the guide about the shot of gunfire they had heard that afternoon.
"That'd be the 13:00 canon fire at the Castle. Not to be missed!" the guide answered, his accent thick.
Anne then used the opportunity to ask on other potential recommended sights. The guide queried a few of his own pertinent questions before making his suggestions.
"I'd say you'd like to see the Scott and Burns monuments. The National Galleries of Scotland is fine, too. Now, the tour tonight begins at 8:00 back at the Heart of Midlothian."
The couple nodded and the guide began to walk back up the steep incline of the street.
"That was certainly educational. I find myself very much loving this place and we've not been here a full day yet!" Anne declared. "What now, Gil?"
Gilbert fished out his pocket watch and looked at the time. "If I've set this correctly it's nearly three o'clock."
Anne frowned. "I suppose we don't have enough time to see the museum yet today. Perhaps we could find those monuments?"
Gilbert smiled. "Certainly, but may I suggest we take a trolley up the hill?"
The following hour was spent exploring the side streets in search of the monuments which were both eventually found and honoured. At each site Anne had quietly recited a few lines of its poets compositions while Gilbert stood reverently next to her.
They returned to the hotel to freshen up.
"Gilbert, I hope you won't be bothered if I don't change into an evening gown. I think it would spoil the mood of the tour this evening. I'd rather be comfortable and everyday-ish," Anne said from the wardrobe.
Gilbert came to stand next to her, turning her to face him.
"I am quite happy with your everyday self, Anne-girl. Casual attire suits me today, too." He leaned in to kiss her lips and then found himself nuzzling into her neck. "Anne, it's been several days now. Surely your monthly is over?"
Anne grinned at her husband, who was now busy nibbling her earlobe. "Yes, beloved - yesterday was the last day, I believe."
At this announcement Gilbert straightened, grasped her hand, and lead her to the bed. Anne giggled as their clothes were discarded and then sprinted to their trunks to locate her diaphragm. Half an hour had passed before they were able to make themselves presentable again. Anne and Gilbert left the room with their arms around each other.
"This may sound a bit unadventurous but why don't we return to the same restaurant tonight?" Gilbert asked Anne, to which she laughed and agreed. So it was to be.
The sun was almost fully set when they found the meeting spot once again. The guide was present with a lantern and they lingered for a few moments while they waited for two other couples to arrive. When the group was accounted for they departed for the cryptic mass graveyard at Greyfriars Kirkyard, learning of a loyal dog and the Covenanter's Prison and gravedigging. Next the group moved to the underground vaults, which were said to be haunted, but the group were more or less educated on the lifestyle of medieval Edinburgh and the rampant spread of disease. Still, the tales of tortured souls among them prevailed. The tour ended above ground and Anne was left feeling 'deliciously scared' whereas Gilbert attempted to contain a significant eye-roll and smirk. At the close of the day a happy but tired couple found their way back to their bed for a good nights rest.
Early the next morning Gilbert rose and dressed warmly for his journey to St Andrews. Anne had risen shortly after to share a small breakfast with him and to send the laundry for washing. The morning had been somewhat misty but the locals had expected the afternoon to be quite pleasant. Internally he debated bringing his ever-present black bag along with him. At that point in his career it had essentially become an extra appendage. The concern of storing the bag in an unsecured locker room tipped the scales in favour of leaving it with Anne. Gilbert boarded the train at nearby Waverley Station for the two hour train journey. He couldn't remember the last time he was free to not make polite conversation or engage his wife or banter with children. He smiled serenely and observed his fellow passengers before diving into the book he carried. It was a pleasant treat to be truly on holiday.
When Gilbert alighted the train station at St Andrews he immediately sought the staff at the Old Course clubhouse for direction. Fortunately it was still quite early in the season for golf and therefore both an instructor and a tee time were available for him.
Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, Anne spent the morning at the small desk within their room, busy composing letters to their loved ones on the Island and elsewhere. At lunch she departed the hotel to find a teahouse at the top of the Royal Mile and then made her way to the Grassmarket area of the city. On her way from the hotel she had briefly stopped at the reception desk and asked for the best shopping areas - with Grassmarket being highly recommended. As she walked she passed a large park and the sound of piper music wafted. Anne inhaled deeply as she savoured the experience. Eventually she came to a bend in the road and entered into Grassmarket. There were shops of all kinds: thrift stores, book stores, candy stores, hat stores, clothing stores, leather stores - it appeared to all be there. Anne first went into the leather shop in search of a new billfold for Gilbert. She then moved next door to a second-hand store where she found a selection of kilts. She sorted through the various options with the aid of the shopkeeper. An hour later she was handing currency over in payment for one adult kilt and three child-sized kilts. At the very least it would be an entertaining gift for the boys. Next, feeling that she had to find equal gifts for the girls, she explored a general store for their items. Lastly she stopped at the candy store and bought a small box containing a variety of sweets to send home. With a happy sigh she took up her parcels, this time hiring a buggy to haul the load back to the hotel for sorting and shipping.
In the late afternoon Gilbert returned to the hotel to find his wife resting on the bed with a book.
"How was your day of golf, Gil?" Anne asked.
"Excellent, aside from the cool winds. I hired an instructor and was told that I was quite skilled, Anne. I believe I may have found a new pastime."
"That's wonderful for you. You'll just need to carve time for it though. The practice is so busy..." Anne trailed.
"Oh I know it. Still, I hope that I can. I thought perhaps it'd become something I could do with the children."
"Certainly. I'd think they'd really enjoy that, Gil."
It was Gilbert's turn to ask. "And what about you, darling? How was your day?"
"It was wonderful and relaxing and productive. I did quite a bit of shopping," she said as she slipped off the bed and brought out her parcels.
She presented Gilbert with the billfold and the kilts. Gilbert gave her a heartfelt thanks and chuckled.
"Well I believe we have some Scottish heritage in the Blythe name, dear. Now myself and the boys can golf in our kilts."
Anne laughed, "That may be asking too much of them, dearest. Will you help me pack these for shipping? And I'd like to send another telegram before we leave, Gilbert."
Soon after Anne and Gilbert dressed for dinner and set out for a finer dining experience. The clerk at the reception desk made a recommendation and so a buggy was hired to take them to their meal. The restaurant was intimate with the glow of candles and chandeliers illuminating their faces. They chatted happily and made plans for the next day. When the meal was finished the couple strode down the Royal Mile again, hand in hand, this time under the spell of moonlight. They wandered down to the bottom of the street where the outline of Arthur's Seat could be discerned.
"Tomorrow we tackle it, Gilbert. I think we will need to wear our best walking shoes."
Gilbert snorted a laugh and then silently kissed her. They chose to take a longer route back to the hotel for the night and eventually made it back for a reasonable bed time.
The following morning Anne and Gilbert again rose early in an attempt to fit in as much as they could. Their first stop, after breakfast, was the National Galleries of Scotland where for three hours they admired centuries-old works of art by famous Scottish artists and others alike. At a nearby cafe, they hurriedly ate a hearty lunch in hopes that they could get up to Edinburgh Castle to witness the canon fire themselves. Fortunately they arrived to the Castle just in time to see the small ceremony take place while still working to catch their breath. Afterwards they hopped on a tram to the end of the Royal Mile, near Holyrood Palace, and continued on foot to the east base of the extinct volcano.
They began to walk the worn path with Anne setting the pace and Gilbert bringing up the rear. As they walked higher, the pathway became more jagged and uneven and Anne periodically called back warnings. Within an hour they had reached the windy peak and took in the magnificent views of the city. Anne's hair was escaping her head scarf and she shivered, hugging into Gilbert for warmth. They remained on the top of the volcano for twenty minutes as they explored the various areas. A large sign showed the alternate routes down.
"Which way should we choose, Anne? Are you up for a more strenuous walk?"
Anne thought briefly of taking the easy route down but quickly cast it aside. They were there for adventure and rarely did that happen taking the most traveled route.
"Yes, Gil, I think so. We'll have to take a slower pace though."
"Alright, then. Perhaps we take the route which passes the Salisbury Crags?"
Anne nodded in agreement, "But you'll have to go ahead of me, Gil. It looks very steep."
With this they adjusted their footwear and slowly started to make their way down the steep trail and steps. After a few minutes of careful stepping they stopped at a particularly breathtaking view of the ridges and cliffs. Anne came to stand in front of Gilbert, his arms wrapped around her.
"This is brilliant, Gilbert. Sometimes I still pinch myself." Anne found herself emotional in the moment.
Gilbert quietly agreed while internally pondering the vagueness of the last remark. He chose to ask her.
"What are you pinching yourself for?"
"Oh, everything. You - and how lucky I am to have you and be here with you. Also that Marilla and Matthew kept me. I don't know if I'll ever stop pinching myself on that. You know, Gilbert, we are very blessed."
"I couldn't agree with you more." he murmured and tightened his arms around her.
They stood silently for sometime longer before releasing each other and continuing down the path. When they had reached flat ground once again they discussed their next plan.
"If you don't mind, Anne, I'm going to go to the port to secure our passage for tomorrow. I could meet you back at the hotel and then out for dinner?" Gilbert asked.
"That sounds just fine. I want to turn in early tonight though. It's been awhile since I've had this much exercise. A hot bath is calling my name."
Gilbert smiled and confirmed the plan. Together they walked to the hotel, where Anne left Gilbert to hire a buggy.
An hour later Gilbert walked into their room with a frown on his face.
"Whatever is wrong, dear?" Anne asked as she rose from the desk.
"Anne...there's no ferry from Edinburgh. Apparently the closest port for us is in Newcastle."
"O-oh, well alright," Anne accepted, "How far away is Newcastle?"
"Anne, Newcastle is in England. We have to backtrack."
"What? Gilbert, you can't be serious. Surely there's another way!"
"I thought so, too...but I was firmly advised that to get to Amsterdam we have to leave from Newcastle," Gilbert explained, "There's a train tomorrow morning at 10:00 which will get us to the ferry by the next day. It'd be a full day-and-a-half of travel by train...and then another night on the ferry."
Anne scowled at their predicament before saying, "I have a feeling that I am going to loathe trains by the end of this, Gilbert, but there's nothing to be done. I suppose you've got our tickets already?"
Gilbert nodded.
"Well, let's go for a quick bite of supper and then we'll each have to bathe."
Next they're off to Holland...but that blip...