Chapter 14

At least, Christine had persuaded her father to a party. It was March, and slowly it getting spring. She wants a perfect party and Christine gave the staff exact orders for it. Everything would be great and at the right moment she would speak with this Miss Shirley. Smiling she walked to her room. It would be easy to cut out this orphan girl. Final, she was Christine Stuart.

As Anne and Gilbert arrived by the Stuarts, most of the guests were already there. The house was full with elegance dressed ladies and gentlemen. Anne felt a little bit old-fashioned in her simple brown dress. But Gilbert said she looked breath taking, and some of the guests thought this, too.

Christine came glide towards them. You could really say glide. She wore an elegance blue dress with wonderful lace at the collar. The dark hair was pin up after the newest fashion. She seems as the queen of this party.

"Gilbert, how nice to see you." She takes his hand with a smile.

"Hello Christine, it is a wonderful party. I guess, you have excelled yourself." Gilbert answered friendly, than he looked to Anne: "You still know, Anne Shirley."

Christine turned her head and looked to Anne, with a put on smile on her face: "Yes, of course, Miss Shirley." He voice had an ironical sound, and it seems for Anne, as a cold wind streak her face. "We had yet the pleasure. Nice that you escort Gilbert."

"Nice to meet you again, Miss Stuart." Anne replied friendly. "Your home is beautiful."

"Yes, I know. It is the biggest one here." She looked arrogant down to Anne, which was a part smaller than Christine.

"I believe it." Answered Anne with sparkling eyes.

Christine mind for the other guests, and Anne and Gilbert join to the other guests. Anne's feeling to be unwelcome was passed. The people were friendly and interesting. She only hoped that she mustn't speak again with Christine. He dislike to Christine become more and more. She felt that Christine saw a rival in her.

Gilbert stands at the other side of the winter garden and talked with some colleagues. Anne had even talked with an old lady, which was even gone to the buffet. Christine noticed that Anne was alone and walked towards her.

"I hope you enjoy the party, Miss Shirley." Christine fluted.

"It is very nice, thank you."

"I would thank you, that you have care about Gilbert, during my absence." Christine grinned.

"Pardon?" Anne asked astonished.

"I know, I was away for a long time, and Gilbert and I had a little dispute before I left. But, now, I'm back and we will manage it." Laughed Christine.

Suddenly, Anne's heart starts to beat impetuous. What would Christine say? "I don't know what you mean."

"Oh, come on, Miss Shirley. Of course you know it. I know, Gilbert will propose me, soon."

Anne getting pale and her pulse throb in her temples.

"Or have you believed that.?" Questioning Christine looked to Anne, and suddenly starts to giggle. "Oh, Miss Shirley, you have believed he would propose YOU? Why should he marry a poor teacher, if he can have ME?"

Her voice let Anne freeze. She sounds cool and the put on smile, affected suddenly to Anne, as a nasty grimace.

"I am Dr. Stuart's daughter. A great career wait of Gilbert, and with the help from my father, he will do it. Of course, he will marry me. He would be dumb, if not." Christine spoke again.

Anne felt, how tears start to fill her eyes. How could she be so foolish? How could she believe that he would propose her? She felt how her heart broken. But she don't want leave this wide open to Christine.

Hasty, Anne looked to the clock and said: "Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Stuart. I'm sorry, but I must go, now." She reached Christine her hand and left the room with a raised head.

She takes her coat and left the house. As she stands outside on the street, the pain broke over her, as a wave. Tears rolling over her cheeks, as Anne start to run down the street.