Ha! Two in one month! And this from the girl who once had to restrain herself from posting every second day... Never mind, things are getting better both on here and in our crazy home, and calm is returning to our little kingdom.

As ever, thank you to those who have sent messages and encouraged from afar, and to those who have walked with me since the very beginning. I never thought this story would take over a year to be told- and I've been surprised (now that I am looking down the barrel of finishing this one) to find that little ideas have been bubbling up for the sequel I promised you a long time ago.

One of the problems I've had in building it is that a normal structure just can't cover the three year time apart, and the first year of marriage that needs to be its own story. So I've decided that since I am making all of this up anyhow, I'll just make up my own damn structure! I'm breaking it into two, and there will be a 12 chapter arc, that comprises the med school time, one chapter for every season of the three years, which will be more like vignettes, I suppose. The story hasn't been clear to me for some time, and I was afraid that I wouldn't manage to find the thread again- but what can I say? The human brain is amazing- and at the right time, it will all make sense. Thank you all, and I hope you enjoy this.

Love, Cate.

Chapter 38

By the middle of January, school had fallen into its customary patterns. Classes and study groups and meetings, cold days and still colder nights. Gilbert had sat two more of the exams he needed for the Cooper, coming home late half-frozen, and insisting on not budging from the fire in an effort to thaw out. Football practices were miserable, and Gilbert had a hard time convincing Mrs Whitley that rolling about in the mud at this time of the year was justifiable. Anne only shrugged with a twinkle in her grey eyes, saying that as she was not the one trying to get his white uniform clean, she had nothing to say in defence of him.

Jo had taken to collecting Anne and Gilbert on Friday evenings to avoid the cold, chatting easily about the wedding to come and the parish that had embraced him. Anne had not been wrong about Phil's frustration in managing a wedding and exams, and the three of them had conspired together to ease both- Gilbert made sure that she studied the necessary subjects, and didn't waste time on what she already knew; Anne handled the voluminous wedding correspondence coming from her mother, and Jo carried his future bride off to the small tearoom near Redmond when she needed a break from her studies.

Aunt Jimsie (who still managed to be bemused that Phil was to become a poor minister's wife) was kept busy shepherding the girls to bed and up again in the winter mornings. Anne watched her whenever they were together, a slight smile on her face. The household of Patty's Place had grown even closer after the wedding that had upended the household- something that had alleviated the guilt she had felt in leaving them all. Aunt Jimsie could be to the point with her brood when needed, however, there was always a hand to settle Phil's unruly curls, a reminder for Prissy to not slouch, and the motherly counsel she heaped on her niece- whether Stella had asked for it or not. Stella often complained that Anne could do no wrong, as an honorary member of their household- and Gilbert was questioned closely on the wellbeing of their home, and were they getting enough rest? He was a great favourite with her, of course, however, Aunt Jimsie did not hesitate to remind him of the tremendous blessing it was to be settled with Anne so young.

The work in the final term was as challenging as the students had expected, and lamps were burning into the wee hours at both of the houses. Anne and Gilbert were rarely seen without a pencil and book in one hand, much to Rusty's disgust- his yowls were sometimes necessary to remind the couple that it was nearing supper-time, for both man and beast.

As last minute subject choices were taking place, Priscilla had announced grimly that she would take honours in Classics, come what may- young Andrew Jacobs would regret his sexist comments on the futility of women and higher education, aided and abetted by the pompous gentleman who oversaw the department. Stella's various projects kept her busy, however, she refused to leave the house on Friday evenings. The fire was banked high each week and Aunt Jimsie presided over the room full of young people, herself as popular with their guests as any of the girls. Phil had told Anne in an undertone that one of Jo's friends in seminary had visited them once or twice through the week- a dreamily handsome gentleman, she averred; and that Priscilla had actually blushed when the tall man stood up, completely towering over her.

There were several young men who visited regularly, and Anne and Gilbert amused themselves in watching the various victims. Stella had all manner of chums amongst the boys at Redmond, but had not formed any serious attachments- Anne suspected that she had no real interest in doing so, at this point in her life. She did, however, admit that she was pleading with her brother to be present for their convocation- and to bring young James Caldwell with him to the dance. Gilbert only snorted, telling Stella to keep him on the other side of the ballroom. There was no real ill will toward the young Colossus, however, the memory of a boot crunching over his collarbone was not a pleasant one.

As February began, Gilbert was somewhat dismayed to find that the cold weather was stiffening him up yet again, and had resorted to weird and wonderful stretches to try and gain some flexibility back.

"Gilbert, darling?" Anne said, one evening.

"Hmm?"

"What are you doing?"

He began to laugh, sheepishly. She was seated at her desk with papers all around her and had looked up to see him standing in the doorway, his left arm bent at an impossible angle against the wall. "Nothing terrible. I must have pulled something yesterday at practice."

She dropped her pen and crossed to his side then, and her look was thoughtful as she moved to probe his shoulder gently. "Perhaps the cold is causing it, Gil."

He scowled at her then, trying to rotate the joint. "That only happens to older people. And no cheeky comments about that, either."

Her chuckle made him smile, and he winced as she pushed the heel of her hand into a sore spot. "Well, we are wise and learned seniors- who now have old football injuries." She tugged him over toward the sofa and sat on the arm of his chair to better reach his shoulder.

"I thought you said this morning that you had work to do, tonight," he said with a slight groan.

"I do- however, I can't concentrate right now," Anne commented absently, her slim fingers working on the knotted muscles with care. "I've spent so much time reading today that I am starting to think in Latin."

"Ibimus enim a ambulant pro?"

"Et tu, Mr Blythe?" she teased, before laughing aloud at his smug grin. "I would love to go for a walk. I should put some more liniment on your shoulder when we return, though."

Gilbert got to his feet with a pretence at a grumble, and went to get their coats- however, the two of them stopped suddenly at a knock on the Mushroom door. Mystified, Gilbert opened it to see Royal Gardner standing on their step, his hat pulled low to shield him from the cool wind- the wind they had just been about to brave themselves.

"Roy? We don't have tutoring tonight."

The other gentleman removed his hat as he was ushered inside, his manner stiff. "I am aware of that. I am here to issue an invitation to you both from my family."

His eyes had turned to Anne at that moment, who raised auburn eyebrows. She had seen him in class that day, and he had made no mention of a visit- and yet here he was.

"My mother is hosting a benefit for the Kingsport Children's Asylum," he said diffidently, handing Anne a heavy and heavily scented envelope. "We haven't done so since my father passed- however Mother is starting to take up some of her old charities again."

Gilbert's eyes hadn't left Anne's face, and he watched her swallow, her voice remarkably even as she stood beside him. "I am pleased for her. However, I fail to see why you would invite us to such an event- since surely, that must be your doing."

Having visited the Mushroom many times by now, Roy removed his jacket, and placed it over the nearest chair as Gilbert pulled out another for his wife. "Yes. I asked her to include your names in the invitations. Anne- I would like to ask a favour of you. I wondered if you would consider speaking to my mother's guests at the benefit." Her grey eyes were wide, and he winced at the anger building in her expression. "I realise how this might sound, coming from me- from my family- and I have no intention of taking advantage of our- acquaintance," he said awkwardly. "However, one of my responsibilities that evening will be to give a report on the orphanage." There was a silence in the room then, and Roy exhaled. "You were the one who told me that nothing will ever change unless the children are given a voice."

Anne's hand clutched Gilbert's painfully, and she fought to suppress her immediate, negative reaction. "I- I don't believe I put it in those words."

"I am sure you understand the concept of paraphrasing."

Gilbert almost snorted at the glare that she shot at Roy. "Are you finished poking fun, Mr Gardner?"

"Truthfully, I wasn't," Roy said, sheepishly. "I'm serious. I would like you to speak after I give my report. If change is to come, then the society that I come from needs to develop empathy. They need to see potential in the children they care for. I can't do that alone- and I have no intention of continuing a flawed system, in my father's stead."

Anne was silent for some time, and Gilbert watched her, alert for any signs of distress. "What is it that you want me to say? I'm not interested in portraying myself as a victim, Roy- or as merely a token orphan."

He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "If you were willing, I would like you to share some of the challenges you have faced- and to shed some light on what it means to be a child from one of these places. They will all be congratulating themselves on doing their benevolent work- and perhaps by seeing what is possible when nurture and education are given their due, they will start to see what must change." Anne was quiet, and he sighed, his voice flat. "I don't see you as a token orphan, Anne. I know you to be a clever and confident speaker, and that your story is worth hearing. I am familiar with all of the people who will be in attendance, and I know what they will expect to hear. I've had these charitable conversations a hundred times," he said bluntly. "I should like to try something different."

To his surprise, Anne's laughter sounded. "Are we merely an excuse for you to rebel, Roy?"

Gilbert's mouth quirked at Roy's oddly sheepish chuckle. "My mother might think so."

Gilbert cleared his throat then, his eyes flicking to Anne to check her reaction. "What do you think?" he asked quietly. She paused and gave him a faint smile.

"I did say that we needed to effect change," she said slowly. "Perhaps this is where it begins." The couple was silent for a short time, before Anne turned back to Roy, calmly. "Very well then. We accept your invitation."

Roy's relief was obvious, and he exhaled. "I should like to meet with you beforehand to work on your presentation, if I may. I do not want you to think that I don't trust your instincts-"

Anne smiled wryly. "You have a better understanding of the audience. I understand." She rose to take the letter opener from her desk and opened the cream-coloured invitation to check the date. "In two weeks time?" she asked, and he nodded. "I can have a draft to you by the end of the week."

He stood then, clearly having done what he came for. "I have included an invitation for you to bring guests, as well. I will send a carriage for you all on the night," he said, before holding up a hand in defence. "If you are willing to do this for me, it is the least I can do."

When the door closed behind Roy only a few minutes later, Gilbert turned to Anne and exhaled, his eyes watchful. "Are you really alright with this?"

She gave an odd laugh, moving to nestle into his side. "I'm not sure," she said truthfully, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. "It certainly isn't anything I ever saw myself doing." She played with the buttons on his waistcoat for a moment, before admitting- "I had been considering visiting the orphanage myself, one of these days."

"Really?"

"There are occasionally people who volunteer there," she said quietly. "It's rare- at least, it was while I was at the Hopetown asylum. However, the staff were only too happy to turn their charges over to someone else, if they had the inclination."

He put his hands in his pockets, worried. "What is it that you think you could do there?"

She hesitated, and pulled a notebook from a stack of her books beside them, handing it to him silently. Gilbert's eyes widened at the considerable list before him: reading to the younger children, grammar lessons, sewing, socialization skills, supervised outings, and so on- and at last he rubbed his face. "Anne, you know that you can't do all of these things right now," he said reluctantly. "You won't have the time around your college work."

Her face coloured, and he almost smiled at the way her chin rose. "Not now, perhaps. It might take time to build a relationship with the institution- and it's quite possible that knowing the patrons could open the door for me, later on. If you were to study next year-"

"Anne," he said, in some exasperation, and she clapped a hand over his mouth.

"We haven't ruled it out yet, Mr I-am-winning-the-Cooper-prize-for-a-reason," she insisted crossly. "There is no harm in trying to prepare for all possibilities."

"That does it," Gilbert muttered, grinning at her shriek when he hoisted her in the air to carry her through to the bedroom, and dropping her on their bed unceremoniously. "I am not a parrot that needs to be silenced. If you want me to be quiet, I suggest you find a better way to do it."

Anne struggled upright chuckling, as he sat down beside her, and a short silence fell between them when he pulled her close.

"You don't have to do this, Anne-girl. You don't owe these people anything."

"I know that," she answered him, her grey eyes wistful. "Gil, do you know what it might have meant to be treated as a normal child, in that place? What if there had been one sympathetic ear, just one person who cared for us, a little?" His look was grief-stricken, and she cupped his face in her hands earnestly. "One day- one day I might be able to do that for someone. The children need people to teach them, people who won't hold their status against them. Just one person who believes in them."

Gilbert brushed his fingertips over her lips to pause her speech, a tender look on his face. "So that really does work," he murmured, before nodding. "Alright. Whatever you want to do, Anne." She gave him a more hopeful look, and he chuckled. "You know that you weren't really asking for my permission."

"Nooo- although I do want your understanding," she admitted. "It will take time, and I have a feeling that it will take proper connections to get in there. This may be my opportunity to do so."

He hugged her tightly, before tumbling them backwards onto the tulip bedspread, smiling when she brushed back his brown curls in her long fingers. "We missed our walk. Did you still want to go out?"

Anne laughed, feeling the weight of his body against hers, knowing immediately that her husband had no desire to go anywhere. She pulled on the tie that was already loosened, her smile mischievous as she closed the gap between them.

"I'm sure we can find something to occupy us right here."

Phil flopped herself down on Anne's bed the next afternoon, her eyes enormous. "Royal Gardner asked you to address the patrons of the Kingsport Asylum?"

"Yes," Anne replied, before grabbing her hand, her look pleading. "You will come with us, won't you?"

Phil waved her other hand dismissively. "And miss a Gardner extravaganza? Certainly not. Their family moves in some of the highest circles in Kingsport. It's sure to be magnificent."

"And the girls?"

"It will just be Jo and I, I'm afraid. Priscilla was invited to a concert that night, and Stella's father is visiting her then."

"Not her mother?"

"He's coming to Kingsport on business. Mrs Maynard doesn't travel in the wintertime, apparently."

Anne sighed, a clouded look on her face that Phil instantly noted.

"What is it?"

"I- sometimes miss knowing these things about you all, right away," she said slowly. "It never used to be so hard to keep updated with each other."

Phil gave her an affectionate pat on the hand. "Honey, none of us expect you to know everything as soon as we do. You have your own household to attend to. And neither of you want to be sharing with our crazy household, really."

Anne chuckled. "I'm quite happy to be alone with Gilbert, thank you."

"Which I am sure that I will appreciate, come June this year," Phil said, her tone droll. "Imagine being the sole person in charge of the butter money though! It's gone up again, you know."

"I don't know," Anne commented airily. "Mrs Whitley insists on doing our ordering with her own, and simply gives us the total."

She was hit by a pillow before Phil rolled over to look at her seriously. "Anne, might you and Gil really stay here in Kingsport?"

"We don't know, Phil."

"But if he goes to Medical school-"

"Then, of course, we stay," Anne said, with an odd little sigh, and there was a lull for a time as the two friends stared at the once-brown ceiling.

"Professor Daniels was saying that the results could come out as early as April," Phil said, eventually.

"Yes- although it will be kept quiet until graduation. Gilbert has to sit another two exams for it next week."

Phil gave a little shudder. "As if the regular ones aren't enough! No thank you. Does he even have time for the benefit?"

Anne chuckled, crossing her hands behind her red head. "He's making the time. Between football practices and extra classes, he's rarely home before supper, these days."

"You're surprisingly cheerful in spite of that."

"It's just a season, Phil. Three more months of this- and then we will have all the time we want."

"Hmph. Until school begins again, Queen Anne. No, I want your beloved going to medical school," Phil said firmly. "Someone responsible needs to oversee my transition from the belle of Redmond to minister's wife in Patterson Street- and it had much better be you, oh domestic goddess."

She gave a sharp yelp when Anne pinched her side. "Phillipa Eudora Gordon, whether or not we are here next year, that is a matter for us to decide," she retorted. "I will be wherever Gilbert needs me to be."

"Oh fine, chose your husband first. I should be the next consideration though, certainly."

Soon the girls heard the front door open with Gilbert's cheerful call, and Anne snorted as Phil got herself off their bed post-haste.

"Phil, do calm down- he already knows you're here. You were there when I told him at the dinner break."

"Which was far too long ago," Gilbert stated as they entered the living room, before tossing his bag underneath the desk and bending to kiss his wife. "You have about one minute to tell me what I can and cannot eat, Anne-girl- or I'm devouring the entire pantry."

Anne shook her head with a little smile. "Darling, Jo will be here for supper soon, if you can wait just a little longer; although a few biscuits should tide you over in the meantime."

"I'll take them."

As he headed for the kitchen, Anne turned back to see Phil's wide-eyed look. "Oh, no! I was focusing on learning to clean a house and to bake to impress the Ladies Aid. I completely forgot that you had to feed them."

Laughter bubbled up at once, and she took her beloved friend by the elbow. "Every day. Although men aren't children, you know- they are quite able to feed themselves. Although setting limits is also necessary-" she commented, aiming her comment at the pantry.

"That only happened once!" Gilbert said, injured, emerging from the cupboard. "How was I to know that you intended that cake for Mrs Whitley?"

Phil took some plates from the cupboard, smiling to herself as Anne moved to assist her husband. Her own marriage, her own household was only a few months away now. As she listened to the easy banter behind her, she looked around the small Mushroom and sighed in contentment. However humble the Patterson Street manse was, she could see that it really didn't matter. She and Jo had all they needed to make a home.

On the first of February, Gilbert and Jo stood waiting in the kitchen at the Mushroom, holding the wraps for the ladies. Phil had insisted on being early enough to help Anne dress, fussing and clucking over the guest of honour for the evening. Anne had chosen to wear a deep navy gown that displayed her creamy skin to perfection, her red hair shining against it in the lamplight.

"You look lovely, Anne," Jo commented sincerely. Gilbert only smiled, reaching up to brush the soft curl that drooped on her forehead, always looking as if it wanted to fall.

"Now, no touching, Gilbert," Phil scolded, slapping his hand away. "She is practically perfect, now- and you have no idea how merciless these socialites can be." She proceeded to pinch Anne's pale cheeks, while the damsel in question rolled her eyes.

"Is that really necessary, Phil?"

Phil then turned her critical eye on the men and glared at Gilbert's question while she brushed a piece of lint off his shoulder. "Yes, it is. When in societ y, you must do as society does-" she then halted in dismay. "Oh, good heavens, I've become my mother." Gilbert couldn't help but laugh, while Jo tried to remain still as his tie was being centred.

"I almost expected you to tell me that good society has rules for a reason," he teased, chuckling when Phil's mouth drooped. He wrapped an arm around her comfortingly while Anne crossed to take up her wrap from her husband.

"Phil, my darling, these people will accept me, or they won't," she said philosophically. "We needn't worry about it. Besides, it may be that I offend them so royally tonight that I am asked to leave."

Gilbert shrugged. "If they do, I know a nice little diner we can flee to. We'll be fed, at least."

There was a knock at the door then, and a smartly dressed footman stood waiting when Gilbert opened it. Phil and Jo were directed to follow the man down the little laneway, while Gilbert ushered his wife out and locked the door behind them. Anne checked the little bag she carried to make sure that her notes were safely in there, for the first time feeling nervous. Gilbert smiled, turning to pull the wrap around her closer, her soft hat resting gently on artfully arranged copper curls.

"You'll make them love you without even trying," he said firmly. "I've seen you win over crowds of people a hundred times before- you'll be no different tonight."

Anne sighed as he tucked her gloved hand into his arm, and picked up her skirts with a little twinkle in her eyes. "Once more into battle?"

"You've already won the war, sweetheart."

The moonlight shone down on elegant gardens as the carriage drove them to their destination. The ladies were handed out of the carriage before a brightly lit mansion with soft music in the open foyer, and the sound of horses moving steadily up and down the driveway behind them. Gilbert's hand was firm in Anne's as they walked up to the stairs with other guests, Phil leading the way with confidence. Liveried servants took coats and wraps, and when the ladies stepped out of the rooms that had been designated as dressing rooms, Gilbert was on hand to offer his arm to his wife, his face inscrutable amongst the throng of people around them. They were ushered toward the ballroom, and he grinned when Anne muttered that their entire house would fit in the foyer.

Anne drew in a calming breath now, seeing the line of people waiting to receive them. Roy was there, naturally, and the people beside him were no doubt his family.

"Mother, Aline, Dorothy: may I present Miss Philippa Gordan and her fiancee, the Reverend Jonas Blake; and our guests, Mr and Mrs Gilbert Blythe."

While Mrs Garner and Aline had nodded and merely given stiff nods before moving onto the next couple, a gloved hand was placed on Anne's arm as they moved aside, and she was met with a beaming smile from the youngest Miss Gardner.

"Mr and Mrs Blythe, I've heard so much about you both," said Dorothy brightly. Despite the formal introduction that had preceded them, Anne found herself smiling at the girl whose twinkling eyes narrowed at her husband. "And speaking of such, Mr Blythe, I cannot believe that you got my brother to tutor someone- he wouldn't even help me with my algebra when I was in school."

"Dorothy will not tell you that she does not readily listen to me," Roy said evenly, with an indulgent look at his baby sister. "She went through more tutors than both Aline and I together."

Anne's glance at Dorothy showed an innocent look in her dark blue eyes that seemed to indicate the truth of this, and she was swift to turn to Phil and Jonas to introduce herself, as Roy nodded reluctantly, and returned to his mother. She gestured toward the ballroom and tucked herself between Anne and Phil to walk.

"Roy rarely introduces his college chums to us, so it is a delight to finally meet you all," she said frankly. To this, Anne gave Gilbert a slightly odd glance- chums? Dorothy hadn't noticed any interplay between the husband and wife, and continued, her voice confidential. "He does like to keep his college life separate from us, I think- there was even talk of him taking a flat in town at first for his college years, only Mama wouldn't hear of it after Father died. He does love it, at Redmond. It sounds as if college must be the jolliest place."

Anne blinked at this revelation before she replied. "Well, he is a wonderful student. And yes, it is a rather special time."

The girl sighed wistfully. "I should love it, I think- although Mama- well, it just isn't possible," she said flatly.

Seeing the look in her dark blue eyes, Anne gave her the smile of the household of faith. "You must come and see us sometime yourself, Miss Gardner- I should love to get to know you."

Dorothy beamed. "Of course! Roy has told me all about visiting your sweet cottage, as well- he went on and on about it, actually. It's no secret that he never really liked the manor."

Within a minute the four people were pushed through the doors to the cavernous ballroom, and Dorothy was summoned back to the receiving line. Gilbert drew in a deep breath, his look bewildered.

"Chums?"

"Oh, I know," Anne answered faintly. She looked around the elegant room with a slight smile on her face, remembering the girl that had once been overawed by the lights and colour of Charlottetown. The room gleamed in the lamplight, and she could overhear murmured comments about the flower arrangements, the supper, and the other guests milling around the ballroom.

There was a step at her side then, and Anne turned to see Dorothy standing by her again, a smile on her face.

"Roy asked me to look after you all tonight," she explained, unruffled by the chaos around them. "He will be needed a good deal of the time, I imagine- Mama doesn't like to host alone. Oh, she has Aline, of course- however she prefers to have a man by her side."

"You won't be needed anywhere else tonight?"

"Good heavens, no. Mama likes to keep me well occupied. They only want to be sure that I won't talk about something odd- or fall in love with a penniless young fellow," she said thoughtfully, oblivious to Gilbert's choke of shock. "I'm hardly likely to here, am I?"

Anne's eyes twinkled at the young woman. "Stranger things have happened, I suppose."

"To my Aunt Jemima, yes. I look rather like her- and so I have been repeatedly warned that a Gardner does not fall in love with law clerks. Again, that seems unlikely in this crowd."

Gilbert turned to answer a question of Phil, rather relieved to turn away from the surprisingly frank stranger. Anne gave her a little smile. "You and your brother are so different, Miss Gardner."

She waved a hand dismissively. "Not really. Roy has to behave like that in public, of course- the heir to the fortune, and everything that it entails. It wasn't supposed to be like this, you know." Anne caught the suddenly wistful look on her face, her own softening. "Papa left Mother alone when he died- and she never liked that. Roy was supposed to have his years at college, free of the business, free to explore the world- and instead, he's being prepared for all of this," she said flatly. "He doesn't want it- not yet, anyway. I haven't seen him laugh in a very long time."

"It must be hard to have choices taken away from him," Anne said softly, with more understanding than Dorothy could know. The girl nodded.

"Yes- although he would never have made another choice. Duty was drummed into him as a child. He would do anything for us, I believe."

There was a sign from the musicians then, and Dorothy at once shed the serious look on her face. "Mrs Blythe- oh- may I call you Anne?"

"Of course."

"And you must call me Dorothy- having more than one Miss Gardner is so painful," she said, with an unladylike groan. "Aline once took some flowers that were meant for me, you know. It caused a terrible confusion when he came to call- Aline wouldn't speak to me for a week. She does so hate to be embarrassed." She changed the subject immediately then, her smile bright. "The speeches are to be later in the evening- I'll find you in plenty of time to be ready for them. In the meantime, be sure to enjoy yourselves."

Within minutes, Anne was on her husband's arm and being swept into the crowd of people moving in the centre of the room, Phil and Jo gliding away from them. She kept pace with Gilbert easily, although her attention was often on the people around them.

"Gil, is that Professor Winston over there near the refreshments?" she whispered, startled.

Gilbert turned to see the distinctive grey head of Anne's professor and turned back comically. "Err- yes. Along with the head of the Redmond board, and the president of the Lambs, apparently." At the bewildered look from Anne, he carefully pulled her closer to him. "The Lambs are involved with every major charity in Kingsport- although I hadn't known about the orphanage."

"Good heavens- this becomes more complicated by the minute," she muttered, grey eyes mutinous. "Suppose I say the wrong thing? These are the people deciding your future, in a few months time."

"No, I'm the one doing that," he said patiently. "It's my future-it's our future to decide."

"But-"

He bent his head, smiling. "This is not my moment. Mine will come- but this is yours."

Anne rested her red head against his cheek, her breathing quick. His hand on her back was soothing, and she noticed that they had slowed considerably. She looked up into concerned hazel eyes and gave a little smile. "I feel just like I did when I recited at the White Sands Hotel, actually," she admitted, unprepared for Gilbert's huge grin.

"You were gorgeous that night," he said. "I was worried about you, at first; you were so pale I thought you might faint- and then you caught my eye, and obviously decided to show me show me what you were made of."

Anne pulled back, her voice teasing. "Do we think ourselves the centre of the universe again, Mr Blythe? What made you think that I was reacting to you?"

"Oh please," he scoffed, his voice low. "You gave me that look at school every day for five years, Anne. I knew what you were thinking- and it was that you wouldn't want to fail before me. You never have, you know."

She chuckled, relaxing a little. "Alright, I was, then. You were nodding at me."

"I was not!"

"You were! I thought you were laughing at me at the time- you and Josie Pye, of course."

There was a twinkle in his eyes, and he grinned. "Careful, that almost sounded like jealousy, Carrots."

Her laughter brought a goofy smile to his face. "Not right then. Although I could do with less of the women in this room watching you now," she said, her voice in a low growl that made him laugh again. It was true- Gilbert was looking his very best in his evening suit, every inch the gentleman that he was- and there were several young ladies watching him with undisguised admiration. Gilbert squeezed her hand in his, lowering his mouth to her ear.

"Isn't that why you wanted me to wear a wedding ring, sweetheart? I am obviously very, very taken, by you."

"Mmm. Very taken," she murmured.

As the selection came to an end, they had come to a stop in a less well-lit section of the room, and Anne looked up at him, her eyes glimmering with the green he loved. He caught his breath, suddenly remembering that they were in a room full of the most influential people in the city- and he pulled away, a look of intense longing on his face.

"You know, I could very easily slip into a world where it was only you and I," he said quietly.

Anne's pink lips curled into a gentle smile. "A little place far from everyone?"

"It's selfish of me, I know."

Anne moved back with a little sigh to tuck her hand under his elbow, her cheeks warming. "Things will be changing so very soon, Gil. You know that we will miss this Redmond life when it's finished."

He picked up her hand to kiss her gloved fingertips and smiled. "I know. But I'm missing you more."

She didn't need him to explain his cryptic comment, and sighed. "And I, you."

Gilbert spotted Phil and Jo standing under a floral arrangement that most likely cost more than their rent each week- and he steered Anne toward their friends. Jo turned to them both with a profound look of relief.

"I just got asked if I was related to the William Blakes of Halifax," he said in a droll undertone, making his future wife chuckle. "Their family is in diamonds, apparently."

"And what did you tell them?"

"Do I look like I came from diamonds? My father is a well-respected cleric. They seemed terribly disappointed."

The refreshment tables were stationed around the room, with gleaming platters of fruit, and sparkling glasses of punch being served by trim maids. The atmosphere was bright and cordial, and every now and then Anne had to remind herself of her job for the evening- something that became unnecessary later in the evening when Dorothy led the way to a small ante-room, where several other people were waiting. Roy stepped forward, his look almost nervous.

"Mrs Blythe, Mr Blythe, I should like to introduce you to one of our other guests. May I present- Mr Neil Cross."

Anne's stare was wide at the little gentleman beside the fire, who came forward with an awkward bow, and a hesitant smile. "I'm- very pleased to meet you, Mrs Blythe. Professor Winston and Mr Gardner have told me much about you."

Anne was gripping Gilbert's hand tightly, and only released it when he whispered to her-"Breathe, love."

She soon marshalled a small smile, her look quizzical toward Roy. "I- Mr Cross, I had no idea that you would be present, this evening. It's such an honour to meet you."

He only looked uncomfortable at that, and shrugged, while Roy stepped in smoothly.

"I asked Professor Winston to contact him a month ago- it took some time for the invitation to reach him. We only received confirmation from him this morning. And in truth, I hadn't wanted to raise your expectations, in case he was not able to be present."

There was a sheepish chuckle from the gentleman, then. "Emile and his confounded persuasiveness. I had no idea that anyone in the academic world knew me, apart from him."

Anne met Roy's eye, a thoroughly non-studious twinkle in them. "Your work was quite influential, sir- it sparked great debate amongst the class."

The academic looked embarrassed at the attention but nodded. "I am- pleased. Utterly mystified, of course, but pleased nonetheless."

Roy cleared his throat. "Mr Cross will not be speaking tonight- however, I have asked him to address the asylum board later in the week."

Anne could see the older gentleman's frown, and she smiled at him. "I have no doubt that you will bring a wonderful perspective to them."

"I rather doubt they will enjoy that," he muttered dryly.

"Mrs Blythe will be speaking to the guests tonight to bring another perspective," Roy added carefully. "She and her husband are both teachers, and my fellow college students-"

"And I was orphaned as a baby," Anne filled in, smiling at the look of shock on the gentleman's face.

"My dear, I am so very sorry-"

Gilbert had been watching closely, and almost moved forward at this point, noticing that Roy was also tensing, and watching him nervously. Anne however, was steady- and Gilbert saw now how far she had come, from the girl who had shut down all talk of her upbringing earlier in their marriage. He made himself relax, and after a moment nodded at Roy.

The older man had her hand in his and was patting it in a fatherly manner that made both men smile. Her revelation had broken the awkwardness of the conversation, and within a minute he was talking animatedly about the writing of his book and asking Anne about her own ambitions.

Several minutes later, Roy coughed and stepped forward. "Mr Cross, Mrs Blythe, I do not wish to interrupt your conversation-"

"-however it is necessary when there is a job to be done," Anne added, her nerves gone for the moment.

"Yes. I will introduce you both to our guests before I give my report, and then I will call you to the platform, Anne. Will that be alright?"

Gilbert grinned at the mischievous look in Anne's eyes, and the proud way she stood, her hand securely in his.

"Lead on, Mr Gardner."