Chapter 22

The planning of the wedding was in full swing. Anne stayed in contact with Diana though letters. And Mrs. Blythe also wrote her again and again and spoke about the preparations. Anne liked her future mother-in-law more and more. All the preparations, the school, and the writing of her stories filled Anne's days. In spite of it, she had enough time to meet Gilbert often. They both were happy and enjoyed every minute together. Sometimes Anne couldn't wait until autumn. But the thought of leaving her students hurt her, too. Above all she would miss little Sarah terribly. Meanwhile the little girl spoke a lot with Anne and Gilbert. But she was still shy with other people. What would she do, if Anne were away? Would Sarah still speak a lot? If Anne were married, she would live with Gilbert in Halifax. They had found their new home, a little house near the harbour. Anne looked forward to it and in her dreams she had already furnished it.

The Blythes announced a visit to Halifax in July. On a hot sunny day, Gilbert drove to the station to meet his parents and than to Hopetown to meet Anne. They greeted her at the gate of the orphanage. Mr. and Mrs. Blythe hugged Anne.

"How are you, Anne? You look well." Mary laughed and looked at her daughter- in-law. "I'm glad to see you. How was the trip?" Anne asked. "Fine. Although Halifax cannot be compared to Avonlea. Everything is so full and cramped there." said Mrs. Blythe. "Avonlea isn't a town, Mom." Gilbert laughed. "Of course not, but it is more beautiful." Mary answered earnestly. "Avonlea is really more beautiful. I have never seen such a beautiful and peaceful place before. You should be proud to live there." Anne looked dreamily towards the horizon. "But come on, I will show you the orphanage." She interrupted her thoughts.

Anne guided them to the house, showed them the classroom, the recreation room, and the dormitory. Than they walked into the garden where the children were playing.

"Anne, how did you convince Miss Brook to let them play in the garden?" Gilbert asked, surprised, as he saw how some children running over the meadow, while some others were sitting under a tree. Anne grinned: "Finally I have caused to persuade Miss Brook, while I promised that we take care of the garden. So she can economize by letting go of the gardener. Anyhow, the children are happy and they have fun caring for it." Gilbert kissed her quickly, as his parents walked outside to the garden: "You are great, Anne-girl."

The excited children watched the unexpected guests. Anne introduced every child and they greeted Gilbert's family in a friendly way. As always, Sarah was standing a little bit farther from the others. But Anne walked toward her and took her hand. "This is Sarah," she introduced the little girl. In a short time, Sarah started chatting with Mrs. Blythe. Mary Blythe loved children and with her kind ways she made Sarah love her immediately.

In the following two days, Mary Blythe spent a lot of time with Sarah. They went for walks and she read stories to her. She noticed how bright and clever Sarah was. On the last evening before their departure the Blythes went out to eat. "We have thought a lot about Sarah," Mary said suddenly. "It is pity that such a clever and kind girl is growing up in the orphanage." "Sarah is really a darling. I wish she could find a family. But it is difficult to find a good home for the children." Anne answered. "John and I have thought many hours about it and. well we were pleased to give Sarah a home. I know we are old but I think she could be happy with us." "Are you serious?" Anne asked astonished. "Yes, sometimes we are quite lonely at our farm. I think Sarah would bring new life into the old house. Besides, Avonlea is a beautiful place to grow up." Mary said. John nodded and squeezed her hand. "Ma, Dad, this is really a great idea." Gilbert smiled. "Don't you think, Anne?" For a while Anne was silent but than she smiled: "I think Avonlea is the best place to grow up. I'm really happy about your decision. I'm sure Sarah will be happy with you." She stood up and hugged her parents-in-law. "I will speak with Miss Brook. Of course there are some papers to sign and we must speak with Sarah." "Anne, I think you should speak with Sarah. The girl likes you so much." John said.