Chapter 21

Ingleside, Prince Edward Island

Leslie said, "Anne, you never told me about the series of articles that you had published in Canadian Woman."

Leslie and Owen Ford were back on Prince Edward Island. Just Leslie and Owen. The Fords left Kenneth and Persis back in Toronto. Leslie had explained to Anne that Owen had some unexpected business come up on the island. Leslie also said that Owen needed to sit down and talk to Anne and Gilbert about something. Anne and Gilbert should give him a call once Gilbert was home and it was a convenient time for them to have visitors.

For now, though, Ingleside was empty except for Anne and Leslie. Susan had taken Anne's children for a walk.

Anne said, "How did you know that I had articles published in Canadian Woman?"

Leslie said, "Owen told me. I guess that he found out through his industry connections."

Anne said, "Leslie, that's a pretty random thing for Owen to discover."

Leslie said, "Owen just published several articles on Dr. Blythe, the hero doctor of Four Winds Harbor. Your maiden name came up in a conversation that Owen had about the doctor's family. You did publish the Canadian Woman articles under Anne Shirley, from what Owen said."

Anne said, "Yes, that's correct, Leslie. I was still Anne Shirley when I tried to be a writer."

Leslie said, "Anne, don't say "tried to be." Owen showed me the articles. You ARE a writer, Anne. We've been friends for a very long time now. I'm not sure why you hide who you really are."

Anne said, "Oh, Leslie. I'm no longer the Anne Shirley who wrote those articles. That Anne Shirley wasn't a very nice person. I've put all of that behind me."

Leslie said, "I don't understand, Anne. Owen showed me a very gripping drama that you wrote about a workhouse."

Anne said, "I prefer to forget that story, Leslie. I was a huge fan of Dickens, and I tried too hard to be him."

Leslie said, "Let me just say that Owen was quite impressed with your work. He said that it was a shame that you gave it all up."

Anne said, "Oh, Leslie you funny dear. I never gave up writing. I just gave up trying to get anything published."