Chapter 30

At first they had planned to go to Avonlea for Christmas. But Gilbert had to cancel the holiday because another physician was ill and he had to fill in. Therefore, Anne decorated the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve alone. Mr. Raymond, a nice neighbour, brought the tree in the afternoon. Around 7.00 pm, Gilbert would come home. Until this time, Anne would make everything perfect. He was very sad that they couldn't spend the day together. But Anne had smiled and replied they had the whole evening together. Although Anne was sad, too. It was their first Christmas since their wedding.

Anne stepped back and looked contentedly at her work. The tree was decorated with red candles and silver balls. It smelled like fir-needles, and the fire in the fireplace crackled. Slowly, the house was filling with the fragrance from the roast goose, which Anne was cooking. Later, she starts to lay the table festively. After everything was finished, she sat down on the sofa and waited. Rusty kept Anne company. The hands of the clock moved slowly toward 7.00 pm. Anne listen expectantly and hoped to hear Gilbert's steps in the hall. But nothing happened. It was near 7.30 pm and Gilbert didn't come. Restless, Anne walked into the kitchen to look after the roast goose. The goose was done and should have been on the table. The clock ticked incessantly. Anne tried to read, bus she couldn't concentrate. By 9:00 pm, Anne was despairing. The goose was cold and thus ruined. Crying, she sat in the parlour. This wasn't how she had imagined her Christmas.

It was almost 11.00 pm as Gilbert walked with fast steps towards the small house. It seemed dark and empty. The view was painful for him. He had planned a wonderful Christmas Eve with Anne, but now was everything ruined.

The emergency room had been filled with many sick people. All the nurses and doctors had to work overtime. For hours, they hadn't had time to rest.

He opened the front door, and saw a weak fire in the fireplace of the parlour. Quickly he unbuttoned his coat and went inside. Anne was sleeping on the sofa. Dry tears stuck to her cheeks. Gilbert looked at the pretty Christmas tree and the festive table. Anne had take pains with it. Rusty lay on the armchair and looked angrily at him. Gilbert ignored him and kneeled down in front of Anne. Gentle he stroked her cheek: "Anne?" He whispered. Sleepily, she opened her eyes.

"Anne, I`m so sorry." He apologized at once. "We had so much work, I couldn't go home. Can you forgive me?" He looked suppliant.

Speechless, Anne looked at him; she knew it wasn't Gil's fault. Instead of an answer, she laid her arms round his neck.

"I'm so sorry, my Queen Anne. You have taken pains with it all." He whispered in her ear.

"It isn't your fault, Gil. Only, sometimes I feel so lonely." It was the first time that Anne spoke about it.

Gilbert was astonished; he had never believed Anne could feel lonely in Halifax.

"Come to me," he stood up and pulled her in his arms. "I don't want you to be unhappy."

"I'm happy Gil. I love you, it isn't important."

"But it is. You are not happy here in Halifax, are you?"

"I'm happy; it is only less than in Hopetown or Avonlea. I have no friends here and." She sobbed a little bit. "You aren't often here."

He held her in his arms. "I hadn't known this, Anne-girl. I haven't thought about it. Please forgive me."

Although Anne said everything would be all right, Gilbert slowly a decision. He wanted to make Anne happy and he would do everything for this end.