The Friday morning came early for the Blythes. A dense fog had rolled in throughout the night and a light mist fell. The gloomy weather paired well with the overall mood in their room. They packed and prepared for their unexpected and long journey back to England before boarding the ferry to Amsterdam. However, there were some outstanding tasks to complete before boarding the train. Once again a buggy was hired to transport Anne and Gilbert to the nearest post office, where they mailed their latest rounds of letters, shipped their parcel, and sent two telegrams:
03/08/1905
LEAVING SCOTLAND FOR NETHERLANDS STOP ARRIVE TOMORROW STOP HAPPY AND HEALTHY STOP GIFTS EN ROUTE STOP
LOVE MOTHER AND FATHER
With their tasks completed they continued to Waverley Station to board the 10:00 train.
"I'll wager now you'll wish that you would've allowed us to buy all of those books at Pickwicks, Gilbert." Anne said cooly, "I'm not certain of what we are to occupy ourselves with."
Gilbert let out a heavy, somewhat exasperated sigh and chose not to respond to her comment. The last thing that he needed was to be on a long train journey with an angry redhead seeing as how there was minimal privacy to sort out disagreements. Anne and Gilbert were not in an outright quarrel over the change of plans; however, they were both annoyed and feeling short. This was not necessarily an oversight on either part but rather a bad surprise and a waste of days.
The drive continued silently with only the sound of the clopping hooves and other traffic. A short while later their luggage was unloaded and they lingered near the platform, waiting for the boarding call.
"Anne, I think I'll take a small walk. I won't be long," a restless Gilbert stated.
"Gilbert Blythe, if we miss this train because you were 'on a walk' I will have your head!" Anne hissed.
"The train is not due for final boarding for another fifteen minutes, Anne, and we won't be able to do much walking on it. If you're so concerned you can board now and I will meet you in ten minutes."
"Good grief, you know how to try one's patience. Fine - I'll wait here. Gilbert, please don't go far."
Gilbert gave a half-smile and promised, "I won't."
He set off for a quick stroll. He wouldn't outwardly admit it but the doctor thought some moments of distance may cure the foul tension. With his hands in his pockets, Gilbert wandered around the train terminal with the occasional glance at the large clock. He came to a newspaper stand and purchased several different papers in the hope that Anne would see them as something to read. This time his walk was uneventful and he returned back to Anne with five minutes to spare. In the meantime Anne had taken the free time to consciously adjust her attitude. This was not the end world. Perhaps when they were old and gray they would laugh about it in remembrance. Perhaps something exciting would occur which they would have missed otherwise.
"Well, Gil, are you feeling better?" Anne asked.
"Indeed I am. I only needed to stretch my legs," he said as he presented the newspapers to her, "I picked up these as well. Have you really finished all of your books? I still have two left."
Anne sheepishly smiled, "No, I still have one and a half to go."
Gilbert silently raised both an eyebrow and his mouth before responding, "That's good to know."
They boarded the train in the same manner of which they had already so many times this trip. The romance of faraway lands on the other end was certainly evaporating.
They sat silently. Anne had her head turned towards the window while Gilbert read one of the newspapers. After about ten minutes a groan came from Anne's mouth.
"Gilbert, even I am growing restless."
"Why don't you finish your book?"
"I'd rather finish it later. Besides it's at a particularly slow point within the plot."
Gilbert chuckled to himself. Under normal circumstances it was Anne who was coming up with ways to stay entertained. He rather felt as if he was coercing young Shirley into something occupying. This gave him an idea.
"Have you got your stationary with you?"
Anne nodded, "Yes. Why?"
"Suppose we people watch and then create stories about them?"
Anne's eyes lit up at this idea and Gilbert closed his paper and placed it on the seat next to him. They scanned the compartment next to them.
"Well, Anne, you're the creative genius. What do you make of those two?"
The unknowing 'those two' were two young ladies seated next to each other. The first, a sandy-blonde with a distinguished nose and forehead and big, full lips. The second, a more petite brunette with defined eyebrows and a dainty chin. The blonde had a magazine open and the brunette was leaning in to read it as well.
"Hmm, well Gilbert - I'd guess they're very close," Anne said in a low, hushed voice.
Gilbert withdrew his subtle eyes from the ladies and gazed at his wife.
"Yes, I'd say so. I thought you'd have a more unique characterization than that though, Anne-girl," Gilbert replied in a matched tone.
Anne met his hazel eyes with hers, a look of drole chagrin on her face.
"Gilbert, look at how they're seated so close together. The brunette is definitely leaning in close. I'd say they're more than just 'close.' I'd say they're lovers."
Gilbert's eyes widened and he not so subtly craned his neck again to re-examine the ladies. At that most convenient time the blonde paused in her reading of the magazine and snuggled in a bit closer to her companion. Gilbert swung his head back to Anne.
"Huh. It appears that you are correct. How did you know?" Gilbert questioned.
"They have that look of love, Gil." Anne answered simply before she stood up, "I'm going to find the toilet and then I think I'll wander for more interesting characters."
Gilbert nodded and resumed his place in the newspaper. Ten minutes passed before Anne made her way back to their seats.
"How was your little walk, Anne?" Gilbert asked from his seat as she took hers next to him.
"Oh, uneventful in most ways but still interesting. I saw a young woman with three very young children. I couldn't see a father present and they appeared to be in mourning. The poor girl seemed to be struggling with her youngest. For a moment I thought of stopping and scooping up the baby for her."
"You resisted though, I hope," an alarmed Gilbert blurted.
"Yes, just barely. I don't exactly feel right passing by a person in need though, Gilbert."
"Still, scooping up a baby in a foreign country is likely not advisable," came Gilbert's stern reply.
Anne scoffed. "I wouldn't just 'scoop it up,' Gilbert. I'd of course introduce myself and offer to assist."
Gilbert pursed his lips and lowered his brows at her.
Anne continued with her story. "Anyway, I did pass by without helping and then came to a young pair. I don't think the line between friendship and romance has been crossed yet though. From a first impression I'd guess it to be on the brink. The young gentleman appeared to be quite besotted."
Gilbert snorted a laugh. "Ah, remind you of anyone else?"
Anne blushed. "Oh, hush. You got what you desired, didn't you?"
A proud grin crossed Gilbert's face as he recalled the moment he realized that his love was indeed not unrequited.
"Eventually, yes I did. So, how did she appear?"
"She had giggled and blushed at something. I assume it was something he said. Their seats were near the line for the toilet but I couldn't make out their conversation."
"This I've got to see. I'm going to make a pass by as well," Gilbert quietly announced and made to stand up.
"Alright, dear. Although it's nearly lunch time. Shall we say to meet again here by 12:00?"
"Sure. I'll see what else I can come up with. This is fun, Anne."
"It is. It's bordering on invasion of privacy...but fun." Anne giggled.
Gilbert started, "Oh, I never thought about it like that."
"I think it's fairly harmless, Gil. Everyone observes people."
Gilbert shrugged and made his way down the aisle. Anne slid closer to the window to watch the landscape speed by but not before taking another glimpse at the ladies. She smiled and thought, 'everyone deserves to be that happy.'
At noon Gilbert returned and commented on the young, very friendly - maybe too friendly - pair. He had resolutely agreed with Anne and sent a silent prayer for the young man. Gilbert could fairly well understand his situation.
They stood and walked the aisle to the dining car and found a small table for two before flipping open the menu and eventually placing their orders. Their conversation switched to topics of the home front - the children's educations, Rilla's everlasting lisp, their plans for the summer and the following winter. Gilbert had surmised that he would be working through the Holidays and would perhaps be stretched even thinner to give Dr. Parker a well-deserved break. The joys of covering for colleagues - there were always concessions.
Back in their seats, and at approximately the half-way point of their train journey, Anne and Gilbert continued with silly little games. Gilbert quizzed Anne on medical terminology - something which he discovered she excelled at. Her years of being a medical student's fiancee and then the shouldering wife of a Doctor caused her to be more educated than Gilbert had anticipated.
"You see, Gilbert, I've been paying attention all of these years," Anne boasted.
"It appears that you have, Anne-girl. Why do I need Parker when I have you at my disposal?" he teased.
Anne smiled cheekily at him. "Well, would you rather be on this romantic trip with Dr. Parker? Or perhaps I should write Christine and send her to take over?"
Gilbert barked a laugh, "Anne! You know I wouldn't have anyone else with me but you."
"Ah, now we come to the issue. I cannot replace you if you want me to be with you, dearest," Anne laughed.
The joking continued back and forth before Anne pulled her stationary out once again and with a sly grin she began to discreetly jot down random letters.
"What are you up to?" Gilbert smugly asked.
"It's for me to know and you to find out. No peeking, Gil."
After several minutes of refusing to show Gilbert her piece of paper she presented a clever word search for him to complete. Gilbert chuckled and took the pencil in his hand.
"Aren't you going to give me clues?"
"No, it's greater fun to watch you search for them. Keep your eyes sharp, Doctor."
Over the next several minutes various sounds were emitted from Gilbert. Sometimes a groan - such as when he found the word 'chrysanthemum.' Or a small sigh when he came across the word 'joyce.' Or light laughter when he'd found several adjectives and characteristics of which Anne so loved about him. 'Determined.' 'Handsome.' 'Wise.' An especially substantial laugh escaped him when he discovered the word 'incorrigible.' Here he paused in his search.
"Do you still think me incorrigible, Anne? I'm not young anymore."
"Only every day, Gil," came Anne's answer.
Gilbert leaned into her for a kiss. He continued his search for a few more minutes with his eyes scanning. Finally he asked if there were any remaining. Anne took the paper from him and examined it for herself.
She hummed. "Well to be honest now, Gilbert, I don't know if I remember all of them...but I think you've found them all."
Gilbert took the piece of paper back and folded it into quarters and placed it in his breast pocket.
"Thank you, Anne. I'll keep it for forever."
Anne smiled and announced, "The time has come for me to visit the ladies room again and then I think I'll have a rest. What was it that you said? Something about how sleep is like time-travel?"
"Oh you caught that, did you? It worked particularly well for Walter."
Anne chuckled, "I'll have to remember that. I think it may work well on Nan and Di as well. Alright, I'll return shortly."
Anne returned to their seat and did fall asleep, and fortunately for her she was woken up by a gentle nudge from her husband along with a whispered, "We're here, Anne."
Anne sat up and pulled her small mirror from her hand luggage to inspect her hair. She made some adjustments and began to pack her few items. As the train came to a halt they stood to alight the train.
Newcastle Central Station was rather busy and would have been intimidating to a green traveler; however, the Blythes had graduated to more seasoned travelers and had learnt the process of getting from one place to another without much drama. As the buggy driver was loading their trunks Gilbert pulled out his pocket watch.
"Well, it's four o'clock and our ferry doesn't sail until eight. We have a few hours to waste."
"We should drop our luggage off at the port, I think. This way we are free to do as we please," Anne responded.
"I thought so as well. I'll ask the driver about restaurants. I also need to find some shaving soap. I ran out of it this morning."
"Very well then, Gilbert, what are we waiting for?"
With this Gilbert took Anne's hand and assisted her into the buggy before issuing instructions to the driver.
By 5:00 they were seated and settled in a small, and funny enough, Italian restaurant.
"Who knew we'd travel back to England to have an Italian meal," Gilbert chortled.
"I know, it seems strange. Yet you heard the driver, dear. People flock here. At least the owners are Italian. It should be delicious."
Their orders were placed; spaghetti for Anne and margherita pizza for Gilbert. The waiter placed a small basket of crusty bread slices and poured olive oil and balsamic vinegar into a side plate. Anne and Gilbert looked quizzically at each other before they simultaneously turned their heads towards the waiter.
The waiter seemed practiced in explaining the process. "Italian's dip bread into the oil and vinegar - it's quite palatable."
A look of understanding came across Anne and Gilbert's faces as the waiter retreated from their table. They each took a piece of bread and swirled it into the plate before they took a bite. The waiter was correct and it was delicious. Their meals were also each scrumptious and served as a unique taste of what was to come.
Their supper bill paid, Anne and Gilbert strolled hand in hand down to the nearby shop. Gilbert made his way to the "grooming" section whereas Anne was on the hunt for small items to keep them occupied on future travel days. As enjoyable as made-up games were it would be wise to have them in their arsenal. They met up again at the shop's counter where Gilbert inspected Anne's basket out of curiosity. Anne had collected a compact box of Checkers along with a pack of playing cards and several post cards.
"Why the post cards?" a puzzled Gilbert inquired.
Anne laughed, "I thought it might be humorous to send post cards of our unexpected stop. If we do not have time to send them yet today it may be even more entertaining to send them from Amsterdam, don't you think?
Gilbert joined in her laughter and placed his hand on the small of her back. "Oh yes, I definitely agree."
They paid for their items and flagged down a buggy. Their few hours of freedom were coming to a close and they made their way back to the port to board the ferry.
During the boarding process they encountered another couple of a similar age ahead of them in the line. Anne and Gilbert's game from earlier in the day seemed to have residual effects and they wondered about them. The gentlemen spoke in a thick French accent whereas the woman spoke with a German accent. A look of elation came to Anne and Gilbert when they heard the gentlemen mention New Brunswick.
Anne politely interrupted the couple. "I am so sorry to interrupt but I could not help overhearing - did you say something about New Brunswick?"
The couple turned to the Blythes slightly before the man answered.
"Oh, ah, yes. We are Canadian."
"Oh wonderful! We are as well - from Prince Edward Island!" A delighted Anne exclaimed.
"It's very nice to meet your acquaintance," the wife now chimed in, "we have been in Europe for a week now and have not met any other Canadians."
"Neither have we," Anne responded, "we are Dr. and Mrs. Blythe - or rather Gilbert and Anne to friends."
The New Brunswick couple reached out their hands for a shake. The man replied, "and we are Louis and Klara Levit from Campbelltown."
"It is nice to come across Canadians. I can't help but already feel chummy with you!" Anne continued in her gladness.
At this Gilbert interjected, "Yes, camaraderie seems likely. You're off to the Netherlands now?"
Mr. Levit nodded as they moved up the long line of boarding passengers. "Yes, we are doing a small amount of touring before attending a family wedding in Germany. We plan to be in Amsterdam for a few days before moving on."
"Well, we too will be in the area for four days before moving on to Germany," Gilbert replied, "We may see each other then!"
"Perhaps we will. Do you know of where you'll be staying?" inquired Klara as they stood in the increasingly dimming evening light.
"No, no - we've been relying on recommendations from our driver," Gilbert stated.
"Oh, well - we were told of a guest house along the Brouwersgracht canal. It's apparently very endearing. The canal is quieter than others. My cousin in Germany wrote to us about it and advised that we must stay there," Klara continued.
Anne looked to Gilbert and tilted her read head to convey her silent question.
"Since you've mentioned this place I suppose you wouldn't be too inconvenienced if we were to inquire there?" Anne asked the couple.
"Certainly not! You seem like very amiable people. Of course there may not be room at the guest house but I believe if there is, you'd be welcome to tag along, wouldn't they, Louis?"
Here Klara gave a tilt of her own head towards her husband to confirm her statement.
"I have no issues with that. I assume you're not criminals at large," her husband joked.
The Blythes laughed and shook their heads.
By this point they were nearing the top of the gangway and the line had begun to move faster. A quick goodbye was issued as the couples separated to find their sleeper cabins.
As they entered their minuscule cabin, which had a very similar configuration as their train berth, Anne sighed.
"I do believe we've found another pair of kindred spirits, Gilbert, or at least I hope we have. Are you certain that you are happy to stay in the same boarding house as them?"
"I don't see why not. We've not spent much time in our boarding houses yet. If we grow tired of them they should be easy enough to avoid. I agree with you though. They do seem to be of the race that knows Joseph," Gilbert responded.
Anne laughed lightly. "Miss Cornelia would agree, too."
Gilbert placed their hand luggage on the floor next to the stacked beds and asked, "You'd prefer the top bed again?"
"Yes please, dear."
"Very well. Shall we take a stroll before it gets too cool out? I assume you want to watch us get away."
Anne confirmed and they exited the cabin and walked towards the rapidly crowding main deck. They had managed to find a small corner near the railing and stood watching the harbour as the ferry maneuvered itself out onto open water. A few minutes later the novelty of the crowded deck wore off and they jointly decided to continue with their walk.
Half of an hour had passed when all at once the long travel day was realized and each of their bodies grew weary. Anne and Gilbert returned to their cabin to collect their essentials before each heading to their applicable washrooms.
Anne walked into the bright public washroom and stood along the counter as she prepared for her face wash. At that moment Klara entered into the room and laughed.
"Hello again, Mrs. Blythe!"
Anne replied her greeting and Mrs. Levit continued, "Louis and I were discussing our plans for tomorrow. We thought perhaps you and your husband would want to join us for a quick breakfast and then share a carriage to the guest house. It would make sense to travel together."
Klara was now also standing along the counter next to Anne with her items out.
"That would make sense. I believe that would suit us. What time shall we meet?"
"I would say at least by eight o'clock, if not earlier. The ferry should be docked at that time," Klara responded.
Anne agreed and both women silenced themselves to their tasks and then giving friendly wishes for a good night's rest. When Anne returned to the cabin Gilbert was already half undressed in his preparation for bed. She explained their plan and Gilbert nodded in agreement. Anne quickly changed out of her skirts and into her nightgown before braiding her hair back.
She began to rummage through her hand luggage and let out a cry of 'aha' as she found the postcards.
"I want to write these tonight yet, Gil - I have a feeling that tomorrow will be very busy," Anne explained.
So, both Anne and Gilbert took up a fountain pen and wrote little messages on five postcards before placing them back into Anne's bag.
Once again Anne ascended the ladder to her bed and once again Gilbert arranged the bedsheets around her before he turned the light off and crawled into his own bed. Barely a 'goodnight' was said before both were sound asleep.