The characters are created by LM Montgomery, and are her property... the original characters & storyline are unique to this story are copyright 2021, by Nell Lime.
— Davy —
Saturday June 19th, 4:30am
Green Gables, Avonlea, PEI
When Milty told me his brother Sam had found the best fishing spot on the coast that they'd caught some terrific fish at, and that we'd been invited to tag along with the big fellas. Well, I snuck out early with my fishing pole before it was light and before I'd done my chores. I'd get them done in time for breakfast most likely so I didn't see any reason to worry.
I'd arrived as the sun began to rise just as the fellas were gathering. There was Sam Bolton, his friend Anthony Pye, and a few other of the fellas. We set to fishing quietly. But then Anthony Pye began to talk.
"I heard Miss Shirley's going to marry some kingsport man. I figure with it just being you, Dora and the old ladies. The fella's going to have to get your permission, as the man about the place." He glanced back towards the sea, none of our lines yet tugging. "Course, I won't approve of any old Kingsport man no matter how rich he was. I respect Miss Shirley but really? From what I heard from Charlie Sloane he's a sissy. Spouting poetry and such."
"I rather…" I tried to say but was cut off.
"Well, I wouldn't give any sissy permission to marry Miss Shirley if I was you. Miss Shirley needs a manly man."
"Like you?" Sam laughed nudging Anthony.
"No." He shook his head. "She's too old for me, come on she was our teacher years ago. She's practically ancient. But I mean, my Uncle got tired of Josie taking her time so he found her a real manly man. If Anne's set on that Kingsport man, or getting ideas about women not needing to marry. Best you make sure she does. Now Dora will marry, your sisters quite respectable. But who'd marry Miss Shirley? Charlie Sloane swears a man would have to be out of his mind."
"Gilbert Blythe used to always hang around her back in the day." Milty Commented. "He was always coming by Green Gables."
"Well you need more men about, and it's high time one of those ladies got married, or you'll not have room by the time you're ready to bring a wife home Davy." Sam pulled back with a sudden tug. "
"Well, Marilla could marry…" I said.
"But who would want to marry her?" Sam laughed.
"Or Mrs. Lynde?" Milty added.
"Well she's already been married." Anthony laughed. "Nah, I think you best focus on Anne before she marries and leaves the Island for good. I'm sure you can find someone. And the old ladies would be a good idea, they're going to make you into a sissy if you're not careful with no older men about."
"I am not a sissy." I growled.
"Well, find some husbands for them."
Milty rolled his eyes at me. "I don't care myself, but what you say Davy we get away from the gossiping biddies. Unless they're trying to find a way to court Dora or Marilla, we both know neither one would dare approach Anne. Why, it must be Dora, they're seeking permission to court."
I glared at Anthony. "Don't you dare..."
"She's a baby!" Sam growled at his brother.
"Well, Frank Bell kissed her. I saw it. And Frank Bell is only two years younger then you Anthony. And I saw you carving a A & D..." I was seeing red now. Chores would have been far better. Milty jumped though then as his hook caught. And we'd all helped him as the fish fought. It was massive, dragged in from the shore.
"As if we'd be interested. We're just wanting to know when Davy's going to get some men folk about to keep him from turning into a sissy."
"Well that Kingsport man from what I heard Moody and Charlie describe him as," Anthony added to Sam's words. "Quite the sissy."
"Well I won't give him permission. And if any of you dare approach Anne or Dora, or Marilla, …or even Mrs. Lynde with aims to woo them I'll fight you."
They laughed. The older boys then turned to the current crop of queens girls and Milty and I focused our best on fishing and the shore. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to find a husband for one of the ladies. Then I wouldn't be the only man at Green Gables. I'd have to think on that. Perhaps Marilla would be best.
I got home in time for breakfast, and got a right scolding from Mrs. Lynde for going before I did my chores. But I got them done quick then and ate all my oatmeal.
I had more chores after breakfast of course, and worked on them as I contemplated who might work. Well, best I realized to make it clear. So I came inside where Marilla was baking. "Hey Marilla, is Anne going to marry that Kingsport man, I want to know."
"I don't rightly know." She said as she stirred. "But then I would assume if she was she wouldn't be taking that job in Summerside."
"Why can't she marry someone else?" I thought through the young men her age. "Charlie Sloane wouldn't do. And Moody Spurgeon McPherson I hear he's got a girl. Nah. Why not Gilbert? They used to court didn't they? What happened? Why can't she just marry him?"
"Now Davy Keith! Don't you dare ask Anne about her and Gilbert." Mrs. Lynde stormed into the kitchen. "That's a touchy subject. Now we all wish she'd had sense but what ever happened with the two of them. Why..."
"Rachel." Marilla interrupted. "Davy if I hear you ask Anne one question about her and who she's going to marry. You won't be having any birthday party this summer."
"But one of you ladies got to marry and the only one I can find a man for is Anne! I can only think of the two old sailors on the shore who are old enough for Marilla or Mrs. Lynde, and I don't think Marilla would ever let them in her kitchen. And the fellas said I needed more men about! That I'm way to out numbered. If I don't find Anne a groom. Sam Bolton, Anothony Pye and Frank Bell plan to try to court Dora! I won't let them, but I'd let Milty." I turned then seeing a bright red Dora. "You can marry Milty if you want Dora, I'll give him permission but not Frank Bell! Even if Milty saw you kiss him behind the school house."
—*—*—*—*—*—
Author's note: Hello, Davy will become more important later, but I wanted us to get a taste of what's going on with him. I'm not certain I remember right the ages, but I think Anthony is about 3-4 years older then Davy. I also added an older brother for Milty. Because what Davy wants is an older brother.
