The next morning, Walter was awake with the sunrise, though he had only gone to bed a couple of hours before. He had spent the majority of the night, from the time he returned to Ingleside until the wee sma's composing not one, but many sonnets. He felt alive, more so than he had in what felt like ages.
He found his mother in the kitchen, already preparing breakfast for her large family. He walked up behind her and kissed her on the cheek. "Good morning mother, how are today?"
"Oh, Walter! You scared me like that! I'm well this morning, though not quite as well as you, it seems." She handed him a cup of coffee.
"I must admit that I have once again found my muse, mother. I wrote all night, and it was wonderful! I had quite forgotten the joy of ink stains on my fingers. " He lifted his hands to show her the stains.
Anne smiled and sat at the kitchen table with him. "I'm very glad to see that you've got some inspiration in you again, Walter. I've missed my poet."
He sighed a bit. "I'm still not as poetic as I once was, I don't think that I ever could be again. However, one must keep faith." He looked down to a pile of envelopes on the table. "Is this the mail?" he asked, already opening a letter addressed to him.
"Yes. Bryant Douglas brought it by early with the newspaper. I see that there is a letter from the States for you."
"Yes," he answered, "It appears to be from my attorney in Tulsa. "
Anne glanced at the morning Enterprise and asked, "So what are your plans for today? Your father has already left to check on Mr. Alderan over harbor, and Jem has been called to check in on Joe and Miranda Milgrave's son, Richard."
"Well Mother, I believe that I should visit Miller's store today and pick up some school supplies for Tenny and Hope," he answered while reading the rather lengthy business letter.
Anne sighed now, "I suppose that should be taken care of. It will be much quieter without Hope, Tenny, Walt, and Gil around during the days."
"I just feel sorry for the schoolmaster, four Blythe children at once! My goodness!" Faith said as she sat down next to Walter. "Would you mind if I go along with you, Walter? Walt needs supplies as well."
"Of course not! Why don't we call Rilla, make a trip out of it, and take the car? That way you two could help me pick out some new clothes for the twins as well."
"That sounds lovely. Do you mind being left alone with all the children, Mother Anne?" Faith asked.
"Why not at all! Go ahead and go to town. The children all know how to behave themselves accordingly, and if I get tired, I'll send the oldest ones down to play with Cecilia at the manse. Walter, whatever is the matter? Nothing is wrong is it?" she asked, seeing the sudden look of concern on Walter's face.
"I'm not entirely sure, Mother. Mr. Hamilton has written to inform me that a certain holding of mine is in the process of being sold, but that my presence is needed to complete matters. I was hoping not to need to return there for a long time. I suppose that I must take care of the twin's needs today, so that I can attend to these things. Mother, I hate to ask, but would you mind keeping the twins while I am away?"
"Of course not, Walter. How long do you think you will need to be away?"
"The letter doesn't say. However, I am sorry to say that I won't be here when the children start school. I would have liked to have been here for that, so one of their parents could be here." He got all quiet and sullen for a moment, the proceeded to make plans for his departure and invite Rilla to the day's outing.
So Walter, Faith, and the ever growing Rilla drove to Miller's store and picked out all sorts of new supplies and clothes for the four oldest Ingleside children to start school. They had a grand time together and spent a great while talking things over with Miller and all the people who came into the store. Walter was in such a good mood that he also bought a vase for his mother and a beautiful porcelain heart for Una.
Una, oh dear Una. How he hated to be leaving her.
They were about to leave when a large, rather loud, oily, and obnoxious man entered the store. "Excuse me ladies and gentleman. I am the Reverend Samson Bell, and I have traveled all the way from Calcutta India. Can anyone tell how to get to the Presbyterian Manse?"
Faith stepped up to the man. "My father is the minister, and he lives there with my step-mother, sister, and half-brother. Why may I ask are you headed that way?" she asked, not liking the way the man strutted about.
"Miss Meredith," he started.
"Mrs. Dr, Blythe." she corrected. Rilla and Walter stood silently as Faith carried on her conversation.
"Yes, Mrs. Blythe. I am on my way to collect your sister, Una, I presume." His breath smelled of rotten eggs and she wasn't sure, but possibly whiskey. She hadn't smelled whiskey since the war, and it brought back some very bad and unpleasant memories that would always remind her of this man. What little hair he had was slicked up and combed across his head. His entire outfit was far too expensive for any good sort of Reverend to be wearing.
"Why sir are you going to collect my sister? She isn't a piece of property," Faith asked.
"She is however, my betrothed, and I have come for her. Please tell how to get to the manse!" He demanded, putting a cold, oily hand on Faith's arm.
The beautiful porcelain heart that Walter had been holding fell to the floor and smashed to an infinite number of pieces.