Gilbert was roused from his sleep by a creaking sound above him, followed by the dim view of Anne's form climbing down the short ladder and finally the soft padding of her now slippered feet on the tiny square footage which made up the floor.
"What time is it?" he groggily questioned from his pillow.
"I'm not certain but I wasn't able to sleep any longer. Where is your pocket watch?"
Still half asleep, Gilbert rubbed both his hands over his face before muttering, "It's either still attached to my waist coat or in my coat pocket."
She began to blindly search the dark cabin for the watch before announcing, "I need to light the lantern, Gil."
"I had matches in my bag."
Anne shifted gears towards locating the box of matches. They were found easier and she moved to light the lantern near the door of the cabin. Gilbert was by now fully awake but kept his horizontal position within his bed.
With the lantern illuminating the small room, Anne found the waist coat but no watch. She located his overcoat and dipped her hand into his left front pocket and procured the item.
She squinted at his watch and announced, "It's about a quarter after five."
A soft groan came from the bottom bed as Anne stood in the middle of their interior cabin with her face pointed towards him. She shrugged her shoulders.
"Sorry..." Anne's apology sounded as if it came from a child.
"Do you think we can get another hour of sleep?" Gilbert asked.
"I can try again, Gilbert. I'd guess that I've been up for nearly an hour already though." Anne trailed.
"Well, I can try to make room?" Gilbert suggested.
"Oh no, Gil. You'd never get more sleep that way. I'll go back up and keep quiet."
Here she bent down to impart a small kiss on her husband's lips. At least, she had intended for it to be a small kiss. Anne began to leave his mouth when Gilbert reached his arms up to keep her to him. He deepened the kiss and a moment later she pulled back to view his twinkling eyes.
Anne offered an apologetic smile and retreated further.
"I'm sorry, dearest, but that is not going to happen on this boat."
She laughed as Gilbert's hands caught her once more but this time in a gentle tickle match. Finally he released her and Anne moved to the lantern, bringing the light down to the dimmest setting, and hustled back up the ladder and into her bed. She rolled onto her side, facing the cabin's wall, and focused on getting back to sleep.
At some time near seven, Anne abruptly shot up from a deep sleep. The window-less cabin was still dark and gave no indication of the time.
"Gilbert, wake up!" she sternly called to the lower bed, "Did we oversleep?"
Anne was nearly down to the floor again and sprang to turn the lantern up once more. She fished the watch out and let out a relieved sigh.
"Oh thank goodness. We still have an hour before we are to meet Mr. and Mrs. Levit."
Thirty minutes of dressing and re-packing passed and the Blythes emerged from their tiny berth in search of their new acquaintance in the common area. They stood between the posts which formed the wide entrance and scanned the room but they were not to be found. Anne and Gilbert made their way to a table for four and sat down.
They waited several minutes before Gilbert announced, "Well, I'm going to get a cup of coffee. Shall I get you some as well or would you prefer tea, darling?"
Anne responded that she'd love a good cup of tea and Gilbert shuffled his chair back, rose from it, and walked towards the cafeteria. Minutes later Gilbert returned to the still primarily vacant table with a tray in his hands.
"I brought some muffins as well. My apologies to the Levits but I am quite hungry," he stated.
"I am as well, thank you, Gil," Anne replied as she reached out for a muffin, "They're not late. Mrs. Levit suggested we meet by 8:00. We were just early." She finished her sentence just in time for her to take a nibble from the muffin.
Both Anne and Gilbert continued to monitor the steady arrival of people into the common area. The room was becoming quite full and table space was scarce. Anne and Gilbert sat for a few more minutes before Anne commented that she would wander just a short way to see the Amsterdam harbour in the fresh morning light. Gilbert nodded and agreed to save the table and he fetched his newspaper out of his bag.
Anne weaved her way out of the busy hall and found a quiet spot along the railing of the deck. She breathed in deep, cleansing breaths as she took in the home of the Dutch for the first time. The water was calm inspite of the busyness on top of it. Vessels that varied from fishing boat to barge were loading, unloading, or embarking. She stood in silent meditation for a few moments before turning back to the cafeteria. When Anne arrived to the table she was surprised to still find only Gilbert seated.
"They have not come by yet, Gilbert?" she queried.
"No, I haven't seen anything of them yet. There's been talk of the last call for disembarkation soon. I suppose if they don't turn up shortly we will have to continue with our own plans," Gilbert advised.
"That's a wise idea. Oh dear, I hope we were not stood up. I was so sure that they were good people," Anne said worriedly.
Gilbert did not respond to her comment but instead looked at her with understanding eyes.
At that moment two figures nearly screeched to a halt at their table.
"Dr. and Mrs. Blythe!" Klara said breathlessly, "We thought perhaps you would have left already!" She slowed to catch her breath.
Her husband took over now. "We apologize. We overslept! Don't ask us how."
Klara had recovered enough to continue with her own apology. Anne laughed and explained their own harried morning.
"I don't believe we have much time for a proper breakfast now," Louis said regretfully, "We will need to be off the ferry in a matter of minutes, I'm afraid."
"Perhaps after we have made our arrangements at the guest house we can all enjoy a more leisurely brunch?" Anne's light voice suggested.
All were in agreement and so they left the common area and made their way to the gangway and down onto the wharf. The morning had just enough coolness to make a person appreciate the warmth that would come in the midday. They each claimed their luggage and climbed into a large carriage.
Klara instructed the driver to take them to Parck Guest House along the Brouwersgracht canal. The foursome chatted happily back and forth as they drove through the barely blooming city of tulips. Eventually they arrived at the grand building.
"You're certain that this is a guest house? It looks more like a hotel," Anne asked Klara as the men unloaded the luggage.
"Yes, my cousin said so. She told me it was large though - with many modern conveniences. Perhaps the only difference is that we can have meals?" Klara responded with her question.
"I suppose we shall see!"
By now Klara had claimed Louis' arm and Anne had Gilbert's. They walked into the house with the Levits taking the lead. In the wide and spacious foyer there was a desk manned by a young gentleman. Anne and Gilbert stood back several feet to allow privacy for the check-in procedure. Not many moments later the Levits turned back to the Blythes and provided them with their room number and suggested meeting back in the foyer in twenty minutes for brunch. Anne and Gilbert nodded and bid them a brief farewell as they stepped to the desk.
The young man welcomed them, checked the availability for four nights, and then proceeded to advise of the nightly rate - which Gilbert was caught off guard by. He looked at his wife out of the corner of his eye, sending her a silent question with his somewhat arched brows. Anne's lips tightened and then curled into a small smile, her elbow into his side provided her subtle reply.
Gilbert cleared his throat, accepted the offer, and brought out his new billfold.
They walked into their spacious accommodations and Anne released an audible gasp. The large room featured an enormous four-poster bed, a large writing desk, a private washroom, and a large balcony which overlooked the canal. Most prominently featured was a claw-foot tub several feet away from the bed.
Anne had occupied herself with exploring the room before she caught a glimpse of a grinning Gilbert, whom in turn was occupied with staring at the tub. She could see his wheels turning.
"There's quite a lot to look forward to tonight, isn't there?" she teased him.
"Are you sure it has to be tonight?" Gilbert asked as he came to capture his wife.
Anne's lips were no more than an inch away from his. "Mmm, sorry Gil - but we have to be back down to meet with the Levits."
Gilbert offered his best boyish pout. Anne leaned in the inch and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips.
"It's a shame that your sons have that same pout, Gilbert. You cannot get away with anything using it," she laughed.
Gilbert chuckled and then whispered, "Drat," then in his more manly voice he said, "Well alright. Let's go then."
The Blythes exited their room and went down to the foyer where they met Louis and Klara, whom were engaged again with the man behind the desk.
"I asked for a quaint spot for us to get a late breakfast as the kitchen here is closed until lunch time," Klara commented, "He suggested a restaurant called Cafe Karpershoek. It'd be about a twenty minute walk - or we could hire a cab?"
The four looked at each other for a moment before Anne said, "I am quite alright with a walk. It'd be wonderful to see more of the city from the walkways. What are your thoughts?"
The remaining three agreed and they stepped out of the foyer and onto the sunny sidewalk. They began their walk along the wide canal and commented on the pretty scenery - the infant leaves with buds waiting to burst to a bloom, the tall warehouses which loomed over the streets, the lazy boats bobbing along on the sparkling water, and the famous cyclists whom were expertly sharing the road with the horse-drawn buggies. The city atmosphere felt very relaxed.
The two couples arrived at the cafe and opted for a table near the window which allowed for the bright mid-morning sun to penetrate through into a cosy warmth. The waiter arrived with menus, meals were ordered and the couples chatted back and forth in the getting-to-know-each-other fashion. Anne and Gilbert learned that Louis and Klara were second generation owners of their local general store and that their twenty-one year old son and his new wife were taking it over.
"They have all sorts of plans for it. Apparently they would like to put in a soda fountain and ice cream shop," Louis bemoaned.
"Well, that sounds quite wonderful!" Anne remarked with a quirked eyebrow, not sure of why he would say this in a regretful tone.
Klara sighed. "It might be. It has been difficult to pass the store down and witness it change so drastically already. It has only been two months since they took it over and they've expanded the clothing area by twice its original size - less people wanting to make their clothing nowadays, they say."
"Oh I understand now. And you are still involved?" Anne questioned further.
"We have dropped down to shorter working hours. Louis suffered a mild heart attack last year, you see. We took it as a sign to lessen our stress and workload and to live more," Klara said with a look towards the doctor, "We have a seventeen year old daughter, as well. She works behind the counter, too."
Gilbert cleared his throat to speak, "I certainly hope you enjoy your time then."
Louis nodded, "And so you have children as well?"
Anne and Gilbert simultaneously smiled. "Yes, six that are living. Our first daughter passed away not long after birth but we have three boys and three other girls. Our youngest is six."
"My, what a family! You were able to leave such a brood?" Klara quizzed Anne.
"Well, the opportunity came and we couldn't disregard it. We have family in our home village and they were happy to spend time with the children. We celebrated our fifteenth wedding anniversary in September and this was such a rare opportunity," Anne explained.
At this point the breakfast was served and the conversation continued between polite forkfuls of food.
"You've only been married fifteen years?" Louis asked. Himself and Klara had already celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary and the Blythes did not appear to be much younger than they.
"Well, we married later than most, I suppose," Anne smiled and dominated the conversation, "We became engaged after we received our B.A.s at Redmond. You've heard of it?"
The couple seated opposite them nodded.
Anne continued, "After we became engaged, Gilbert still had several more years of medical school to work through. I taught school during the interim."
"Ah, well you seem to be very happy."
Gilbert smiled and reached for Anne's hand on the table, "Thank you. We are."
The conversation returned back to topics they had in common - regaling stories and adventures of raising children and housekeeping, among other things. When the meal was complete they stepped back out onto the street and lingered somewhat awkwardly.
Gilbert broke it by stating, "That was a fantastic meal. An excellent choice with great company." He turned to Anne momentarily as he brought her arm into his and then turned back to the Levits. "Now, I believe we may take our own stroll and explore a bit more. Perhaps we will see you in the evening?"
Louis shook his head, "No, I am sorry. We have made plans for a private dinner tonight. Tomorrow?"
Gilbert looked to Anne to gauge her opinion, which he translated to be in favour of it. "Certainly. I'm sure we will bump into each other again tomorrow. We can finalize then once we have a better lay of the land."
"Oh! Tomorrow is Sunday! My, it is difficult to keep track of the days when on holiday. Would you care to join us for service tomorrow?" Klara asked.
Anne and Gilbert consented and once again all four were in agreement of the half-made plan and departed with a friendly goodbye.
Anne and Gilbert slowly wandered further down the street and discussed the remainder of their day. Their conversation was interrupted when Anne spotted a couple motoring a pedal boat along the canal.
"Gil! Look at them! Can we rent one as well?"
"I don't see why not," a casual Gilbert agreed. Amsterdam's laidback fee had rubbed off on him.
They glanced around the street searching for the shop at which they could inquire about the rental. Eventually Gilbert noticed, at a distance and through squinted eyes, a sign that indicated the rental shop. They increased their pace and came to the shop window. Within minutes they were being chauffeured by a heavily-whiskered man, whom held a small cloth pouch of bread crusts, down the steep bank of the canal and into the pedal boat. Anne and Gilbert seated themselves before the man handed them the bread and shoved them to the greater depths of the canal.
Their legs powering the small boat, Anne and Gilbert had sat back into their seats and took in the stunning early spring view from the canal. Anne released a happy sigh and reached out to hold Gilbert's left hand. They continued to pedal the boat along the canal and came across a small group of ducks. Anne reached into the bag and pulled out a piece of bread for herself and then for Gilbert. Together they tore their crusts into smaller pieces and flung them into the water towards the ducks. The birds were all too happy to feast on their generous offerings and swam closer to the boat. Anne and Gilbert halted their pedalling and sat laughing as they continued to toss the hunks of bread. One bird in particular was especially insistent and greedy, creating a humorous show for their audience. Ten minutes later the bag of bread was empty and Anne verbally expressed her apologies to the obviously indignant ducks. They resumed their leg work and continued to move along the canal. An hour had passed in a most enjoyable way before Anne commented that her legs had begun to feel like jelly. They maneuvered the small boat into the opposite direction, headed back towards the rental shop, and Gilbert's strong leg muscles took on the sole responsibility of power for several minutes and thus allowed Anne to rest hers. Their ride back to the shop was a more direct route as they did not pause to admire the scenery nor feed the noticeably absent ducks. When the pedal boat approached the bank, Gilbert side-stepped his way onto the land and pulled the boat in further, stabilizing it for Anne's departure. With shaking legs she nearly stumbled and Gilbert instinctively wrapped his arm around her lower back as Anne mirrored the move. Supporting each other they climbed up to street level.
"Gilbert, I'm terribly sorry but I think I need to rest my legs a little again. There's a bench over there on that bridge. Can we sit awhile?" Anne asked her husband.
Gilbert hummed his agreement and they slowly walked together to have seat. They sat mostly in silence as Anne's legs began to return to their normal state. A small groan escaped both of them as they slowly stood up.
"And what now, Anne-girl?" Gilbert asked as they moved across the bridge.
"Shall we return to the room?" Anne's voice dropped the suggestion.
Gilbert grinned again, "You don't want to stay out? It's the middle of the day, darling."
"Honestly, I am ready for a hot bath and a nap. We deserve a lazy afternoon in bed, don't we, dearest?"
Gilbert laughed. "Oh Anne, you'll find no objections here!"
Therefore Anne and Gilbert ambled back to the guesthouse and slowly climbed up the stairs to their room. Gilbert once again found himself glancing at the tub, this time with a questioning look on his face.
"What is it?" Anne asked as she sat onto the chair and worked off her boots.
"I don't think the tub is big enough for both of us." Gilbert remarked with disappointment in his voice.
Anne thought for a moment as she pulled off her last remaining shoe. She stood and joined her husbands side, whom was still in his full walking gear.
"Well, what if you sat in one end and and I sat in the other?" Anne suggested, using her finger to point out the meaning.
Gilbert pursed his lips and said slowly, "Well it isn't what I had in mind but that will work, too."
He turned to Anne to kiss her lightly and then she began to work off his gloves and then coat. Minutes they were clad only in their under garments as Anne turned the tubs faucet on. As it filled, their remaining garments were removed. There was an awkward moment when they both stood naked in front of the tub as they were silently guessing on how to proceed.
"Well Gil, you're larger. You get in first and then I will follow you."
Gilbert did as he was told and stepped into the hot water and sat down, his back resting vertically against the side of the tub. Anne stepped in on the opposite side and slid down with her body near Gilbert's feet. Anne wasn't sure what to do with her feet though, until Gilbert suggested that she set them upon his thighs. They lay back in the hot water, both with their heads tilted over the lip of the tub. Then suddenly Anne remembered that she forgot something.
"Oh no. I forgot the soap," Anne said with her neck now craned towards their bag
"Let me get it-" Gilbert attempted.
"No, no. It'd be much more difficult for you to get out. Stay put - I'll be right back." Anne said as she gripped her hands on either side of the tub and pulled herself into a standing position. She then nimbly stepped out of the tub and walked to fetch the soap from her bag. She then chortled out loud and made her to way to where the towels were kept.
"We will probably need these as well," she laughed blithely and placed them on the floor and within their reach.
Anne stepped back into the tub and began to work a generous lather onto Gilbert's calf muscle, gently massaging it. Gilbert smiled and leaned forward to steal the bar of soap from her. In turn he held her foot and began to later and massage it. They continued this until each foot and muscle was lovingly loosened. When the water began to cool Anne and Gilbert assisted each other out of the tub and towelled each other dry.
Gilbert had then swiftly swung Anne into his arms and moved towards the bed, a shriek of laughter trailing from Anne. They canoodled on top of the bedcovers for several minutes, keeping their hands and mouths busy with the enthusiasm of newlywed explorations...but with more experience. Eventually Anne's red head popped up and she ran first to her luggage and then into the small adjoining room. During the brief intermission Gilbert moved back the sheets and waited for Anne to reappear. When she did, she slowly approached the bed as Gilbert held his hands out for hers. They remained locked together for the rest of the afternoon in both love and then a sound slumber.
Anne and Gilbert woke up from their nap at the same time - with pangs of hunger. Still, neither particularly wanted to dress and find food. They relaxed into each others arms for a short while longer when Anne could handle it no more. So, they dressed and Anne fixed her hair. They left the room with Gilbert whistling a joyful tune. Anne gently elbowed him as a reminder that they were not at Ingleside but Gilbert only laughed and resumed an even louder whistle and added a wink for good measure. What could she do?
As they entered into the main area of the guesthouse they ran into the Levits, who had just returned from their day in preparation for their special evening out.
"How was your day?" Anne asked them.
"Oh, lovely. We went all over town. We also located a church for tomorrows service. It begins at ten o'clock and should take us only about ten minutes to walk to. And how was your day?"
"Oh, it was very pleasant," Anne smiled, not wanting to elaborate on the events of their day.
"That's wonderful to hear. Shall we meet up tomorrow morning at nine-thirty?"
Anne and Gilbert nodded and the two couples moved separate ways, with the Blythes in search of meal. They found the large kitchen and the chef that was residing in it. He took kindly to them, stating in rather good English that he was in the middle of dinner preparations but that he would throw something together quickly for them. Within twenty-five minutes Anne and Gilbert were seated at a small table in the kitchen, as the grand dining room table was also being prepared, and had taken their first bites of the zuurkool stamppot which the chef had prepared. Anne and Gilbert joined eyes after their first individual tastes of the potato and sausage dish and Anne had remarked that she wanted to get the recipe before they left the boarding house.
With their meal completed before standard dinner service the Blythes were free to do their own early evening city sightseeing. The late afternoon temperatures had dipped and warmer outer clothes were piled on. As they turned onto the street Anne and Gilbert headed in the opposite direction of their earlier jaunt. Anne and Gilbert roamed the canal-lined streets in the growing dimness. As the streets became darker brightly lit lanterns began to appear in the windows of the buildings, which offered a comforting and romantic atmosphere to the experience. Anne clutched Gilbert's hand tighter and rested her capped head onto his shoulder.
"What shall we do tomorrow, love?" Anne sighed dreamily.
"Well, we have church service tomorrow," Gilbert noted, "And I don't know if the entire city shuts down on Sundays." He laughed at this point in his train of thought. "Tomorrow probably would've been a better day to be lazy, Anne."
Anne chuckled and said, "Ah, I think we can find something to get up to. We can ask at the desk tomorrow."
As they came to an intersection in the street they noticed a busier area. Intrigued, and without words, they turned the corner and made their way to a bit more action. They had discovered a section of the city which contained several shops. Anne and Gilbert popped into many stores. They sampled Dutch cheese, which Gilbert was instantaneously enraptured with whereas commented that she was "never very fond of cheese" and privately warned her husband to sleep with his buttocks away from her that night.
They also discovered a delightful shop which sold authentic Dutch souvenirs. Anne and Gilbert perused the compact aisles that were lined several shelves high with very breakable items. They primarily searched for smaller items - collecting several Dutch cookie molds in the shapes of windmills and clogs - Anne counted the numbers on her fingers and mumbled her list of names. They collected small bags of licorice..."for the children," Gilbert stated as he popped two pieces into his mouth. They also purchased five small painted pots which would be perfect along a window sill.
Laden with their finds, Anne and Gilbert chose to return to the guesthouse to drop them off in their room. On their way up to their room they passed by the boisterous dining room. The meal had long ended but good cheer and laughter were still served. Gilbert looked to Anne and asked if she'd rather stay in and join them. Anne shook her head replied that it would be rude to have practical strangers interrupt their fun evening. They had three more nights to enjoy the genial evenings at the house. Instead, when they returned to the foyer and out onto the street they decided to seek out some live music and locals.
Much later in the evening, still at a respectable time, Anne and Gilbert sauntered into their room. Once their outerwear was off Anne moved to prepare her outfit for the next day's church service while Gilbert arranged his morning grooming items. They continued to unpack their belongings and allowed themselves to feel at home in the space.
Finally, they collapsed into their giant bed - almost completely content. Anne found it difficult to be perfectly content when her husband insisted on teasing her with the placement of his rear end. 'Married fifteen years, indeed,' Anne thought to herself with a smile. Eventually Gilbert retired from his antics and moved closer towards the edge of his side of the bed with the front of his body now facing his wife. He grinned and leaned in to kiss Anne goodnight.
On Sunday morning Anne and Gilbert dressed for church and descended the stairs and into the dining room for breakfast. This day breakfast was an assortment of breads and spreads, fruits and cheese, coffee or tea. They ate their simple yet delicious meal and while they enjoyed their last sips of tea they were joined by the Levits. Anne and Gilbert chose to remain seated with them as the comfortable atmosphere at the table almost reminded them of home. As Louis and Klara began to collect their meal Gilbert announced that he'd fancy a second serving and rose to join them.
As the couples departed the guest house, Klara and Louis took the lead as they had researched and discovered the church. Some light conversation passed by when Louis inadvertently dropped a hint that they were well on their way to a Methodist church service. Fortunately the comment was nothing untoward of nor directed to Presbyterians. Both Gilbert and Anne choked back a laugh but could not help the smirk that came to their faces. Wait until they told Miss Cornelia!
At that moment the very bright Mrs. Blythe stopped cold in her tracks and asked, "Will they even speak English during the service?"
A deadpan silence rang through the halted foursome along the side of the canal.
"I never even thought of it!" Klara said in shock and humiliation.
Louis was quick to cover for his wife, "Not to worry, dear. If they don't speak English we should be able to follow along. We will be in attendance and that's what counts to God."
With this they resumed their walk to the church. Anne and Gilbert shared many side-eye looks of humour. What were they getting into?
At the end of the very Dutch service the couples agreed that while the language barrier was indeed an issue they were still able to quietly observe their own practices and mumble along with the otherwise beautiful hymns.
While in the privacy of their room, as they freshened up for lunch in the dining room with the Levits, Anne cheekily commented, "So that was a Methodist service in Holland. Huh."
Gilbert laughed and replied, "Oh I was all heads and tails throughout it all. I'm glad it is over."
At this Anne felt a pang of guilt and quietly remarked, "Gilbert, remind me that we should atleast hold devotions tonight before bed. Really, what would Miss Cornelia say? Or Susan...or Marilla?"
Gilbert came to stand close to her and kissed the top of her now bare head. "Even worse, Rachel Lynde. Of course, Anne-girl. Whatever you want."
After their shared lunch the four divided into two once again for their independent afternoons. Anne and Gilbert swung past the manned desk in the foyer to inquire about how to spend their afternoon. Indeed it was true that most museums and sightseeing locations were closed on the Sunday - but there was a private park that would likely have bicycles to rent. And so, Anne and Gilbert hired a buggy to take them to the famous forty-five hectare Vondelpark, Amsterdam's version of Central Park.
They stepped out of the buggy and onto the sidewalk. Gilbert took Anne onto his arm and they strode down a small hill and into the park. Not for the first time on their trip, Anne was internally crestfallen that they weren't able to visit the Netherlands later in the spring. To see the park alive with vibrant colours and wildlife would have been a highlight for any gardener. Still, she jutted out her chin in resigned stubbornness. There were still things to appreciate even if one did have to look harder for them.
Gilbert, having been witness to this expression from their very first day as acquaintances, could tell that Anne was determined in something. The 'what' puzzled him though.
"Anne-girl? What's got you riled up?"
Gilbert's words broke her internal thoughts and she chuckled. "Oh, I have made up my mind to enjoy myself today and not think about how we're missing the park at its best. Most every plant is still sleeping. I'd guess within a fortnight they'll be in bloom."
"Ahhh," was Gilbert's only response.
Over their years of friendship, engagement, and married life Gilbert had obtained a sensibility to the beauty of the world...or at least sought after it to present to Anne. However, there were still times when his mannish ways prevented him from connecting entirely. Such was this case. To Gilbert, this was a park. A lovely park. He never thought to be disappointed in the fact that the flowers weren't fully blooming.
They continued down the winding walking path, past the large pond and the intervening brook. At the sight of the brook Anne's face began to crumple with homesickness as she thought of the laughless brook at Rainbow Valley. Her pang even took her as far as the brook at their House of Dreams. Gilbert was once again in tune with Anne and without speaking, he snuggled her into his side further. He knew exactly where her thoughts were going now.
Anne shook her head and remembered her vow from only minutes ago. She let go of Gilbert and stooped to look into the shallow depths of the brook, admiring the ripples and listening for fairies. Gilbert smiled and squatted to join her.
After a few moments of silent listening they straightened and continued their jaunt throughout the park, now in search of the bicycle rentals. They came across a shed which appeared to be manned by an elderly groundskeeper.
"Excuse me," Anne asked, "Do you speak English?"
The elderly gentlemen gave a hesitant nod and said, "Only a little."
"Can you tell us where we can rent bicycles for the day?" Anne asked as simply as she could.
"Here," the man said, his swaying arm evidently showing them into the back of the shed. "The bicycles cannot leave the park."
A few more simple sentences were exchanged and some money paid - Anne and Gilbert were now walking their bicycles out of the shed and onto the pathway.
"I truthfully can't remember the last time I cycled," Gilbert said in wonder. He was clearly trying to recall in earnest.
"Neither can I," Anne responded, "It was always more of a boy-ish activity, although it appears to be the standard here. I've heard it said that you never forget how to ride a bicycle. Shall we put it to the test, Gil?"
Gilbert grinned at her with a wink and then sobered for a moment. "Are you able to manage it with your skirts?"
"I think I should be able to but, Gil, I might need your help at first."
Gilbert leaned his bicycle against the side of a tree and moved to hold Anne's while she stepped over it, straddling it under her skirts and then slowly moving her body up onto the seat.
Gilbert looked to her. "Alright. If you think you're steady I'll let you go now..."
Anne nodded and Gilbert released his hold on the bicycle and stood back. She seemed just fine with her feet placed on the ground. He moved to his own and mirrored her actions.
Slowly they began to pedal - Gilbert managed just fine but his wife struggled to maintain balance and direction at the same time. They paused a few times and Gilbert admired Anne's perseverance.
Eventually Anne got the hang of it and they were able to easily move along the pathways.
"You seem like you've got it, Anne!" Gilbert called from behind her.
"Yes, I think so! It's exhilarating!" Anne shouted back.
Gilbert added a bit of oomph to his movements and came up next to Anne.
"Would you care to race?" he asked.
Anne turned her head towards Gilbert in order to respond but found the entire bicycle rearing in his direction with the movement. She quickly aligned her entire body back into the ride.
"What are the terms, good sir?" she asked, her face now focused on the pathway before them.
"Well now, if I win I get to wash your hair every time while we're on holiday," Gilbert offered.
Anne nearly flew over the handlebars at this. "You want to wash my hair?"
"Remember on our honeymoon I used to do it? I've always wanted to again."
Anne's shock was evident. "Oh. Well Gilbert, I'll let you know that it is actually a chore. It's hardly sensual."
"That's not for you to determine, Carrots. Now if you win?" Gilbert countered.
"You handle all of the washing for the duration of the trip." Anne spoke without a moments hesitation.
It was now Gilbert's turn to be surprised and his eyebrows rose. "All of the washing?"
"Mhmm, Gilbert. Underthings and everything," Anne said frankly.
At the mention of Anne's delicates Gilbert was quick to take the deal. This had just become a serious race. They continued their slow pedalling as they worked out the remaining details.
"Now, what's the finish line?"
"The brook? The path must circle round back at some point," Gilbert suggested.
"Very well then, Gil. You may go ahead and start the race," Anne graciously offered.
"Alright. On the count of three. One...Two...Three!" Gilbert shouted.
They took off neck and neck, racing down the gravel pathway and through dense trees and then sudden clearings, up and down the small sloped hills. The race had been run for several minutes when the large pond and it's accompanying brook became visible once again. At this point both were heaving breaths with their high speed. As they took a curve on the pathway Gilbert played his final move and powered through a speed increase, cutting off his wife and moving ahead of her.
Anne let out a terrified gasp as she swiped to avoid a collision. Next she scowled and picked up her own pace, exerting the last of her womanly strength into winning against Gilbert Blythe. In the end Anne was forced to concede defeat as her component crossed the bridge over the brook with herself trailing only seconds behind.
Once over the brook both riders halted their race. Gilbert was standing with his bicycle between his legs heaving in great gulps of oxygen. Anne would've done the same had she not have a word or two to communicate.
"Gilbert Blythe! You nearly ran me off the path!" she loudly scolded.
"Ah, but I didn't, did I? I won fair and square, Mrs. Blythe."
"Don't you 'Mrs. Blythe' me! I could have been seriously injured."
A mostly recovered Gilbert gave Anne his very best eye-roll and responded, "Again, Anne - you didn't fall and if you had, you have me to patch you up."
"Oh great fun - the rest of the trip spent with a broken arm!" a still fuming Anne retorted.
Gilbert was exasperated. In his mind he wasn't nearly close to actually side-swiping her.
"What would you like me to do? Say that I'm sorry for winning?"
Anne scowled and squinted her eyes once again. "No, you did win. I'll give you that. However, you ought to apologize for terrifying me so." Her dainty chin was jutted out again.
Gilbert, finished with the silly argument, moved off of his bicycle, letting it fall to the ground. He moved to stand in front of her.
"Well Anne, I am sorry if I frightened you. Truly, I am. I didn't think I was that close to hitting you."
Anne gave him a saucy look and said, "You're forgiven Gilbert. However, perhaps you'll still have to assist me with the washing." She grinned now.
"My pleasure. Besides, most of the places we are staying at will complete our laundry for us." Gilbert said with a smile, thankful that he was able to easily smooth over this kerfuffle. "So, Anne-girl, are you about done pedalling for the day?"
They both stood alongside their bicycles and pushed them towards the shed.
"Indeed I am, Gil. I found it quite enjoyable, save the ending there. Do you think tomorrow we could cycle around the city?"
"If you are comfortable enough with it. You may be dodging bigger vehicles than just me, Anne." Gilbert warned.
"We can start with a quiet street," she responded as they handed the bicycles over to the groundskeeper with a nod of thanks.
They began their journey back to the guest house to ready for their evening meal with the Levits and their other fellow guests. The remaining evening was spent with more laughter than they had experienced together in years. For two hours that night they sat around the dining room table with six other occupants - one of whom was an especially funny woman whom held the unique talent of offering side-splitting quips and one-offs as well as the ability to tell vivid stories. Between herself and Anne, the entire party left the dining room wiping laughter induced tears from their eyes.
Back in their room Anne and Gilbert dressed for bed. Anne moved to her trunk, sorting through the chaotic mess that days of traveling caused. Tomorrow, she determined, she'd have to organize it again. Finally she found the item she was looking for.
Anne walked to the large bed where Gilbert was already seated against the pillows. She brought herself on to the bed and snuggled up next to him as she opened the small book of daily devotions that Mrs. Lynde insisted that they travel with.