Chapter 27

Only few days after their arrival, Diana said Anne couldn't possibly live in the same house, as Gilbert until her wedding. Mrs. Lynde was gossiping in Avonlea about this odd habit. How could the bride sleep in the same house before the wedding? Before a scandal could start, Diana made a suggestion. Anne should live with the Barrys for the next few days. So Anne stayed in the guest room of Diana's parents. Here, she was surrounded with even more bustle than before. Mrs. Barry was just like Diana with her ardour towards planning. The evening before the wedding, Mrs. Barry couldn't stop talking about it. Mrs. Barry, Mrs. Blythe, Mrs. Lynde, Diana, and even Diana's sister Minnie Mae were sitting in the parlour chattering excitedly about the next day. Again and again about the seating arrangement, the music, the meal.Anne sat silently among them. She felt as if she was the only person in the world who wasn't interested in this at all. Soon would be her big day. Confused thoughts whizzed through her head. From a distance, she heard the chattering of the others. She couldn't take much more..

Abruptly, Anne stood up.

"Anne, where are you going?" Diana asked, astonished.

"I need a little bit of fresh air. I don't feel well." Anne answered in a low voice.

"What? You can't get sick now!" Mrs. Barry called, frightened.

"That would be a disaster, the bride ill on the wedding day." Mrs. Lynde added. Everyone was getting hysterical.

Anne sighed and shook her head: "I'm fine. I only need fresh air."

"Certainly it is only stage-fright." Diana said. "Go and take a short walk. We will organize everything. Don't worry." She lovingly touched Anne's hand. Anne smiled thankfully at her friend. She nodded to the others and went out the door.

"Remember to put on your jacket!" Mrs. Barry called. "Otherwise you will have a cold tomorrow, and you will end up standing with a red nose in front of the altar."

Anne didn't answer, but went out of the house. It was a relief to smell the fresh night air. The stars were shining brightly in the sky. She closed her eyes with a sigh and enjoyed the quiet. She felt as free as a bird. As she was walking down the path to the lake, her thoughts wandered to Gilbert.

Although the bustle was sometimes too much, Anne was happy about the coming day. Tomorrow she would marry him.

Suddenly she saw a familiar figure coming towards her, in the darkness. It was Gilbert. Anne smiled: "Gil!" she called excitedly.

"Minnie Mae told me that you were walking to the lake." He took her hands in his and smiled gently.

"Yes, I needed fresh air. They all are so busy with planning." She laughed.

"They cause so much bustle, right?" He stroked her cheek. "Are you worried about tomorrow?"

"No," Anne shook her head. "Tomorrow will be the most beautiful day of my life, because I will marry you. I love you, Gil."

"I love you, too, Anne."

They kissed each other and forgot all the bustle, every guest, and all these things.