Anne would normally be relishing in the sound her skirts made as they swished across the freshly fallen snow. Usually Anne would be mesmerized by the wonder that always came with watching the snowflakes swirl in the moonlight. Perhaps she'd imagine the snow fairies whirling in waltz steps of their own like the ones at the benefit bazaar she had just left. But it was the dancing at the benefit that occupied her mind. Though her steps were quick, she was hardly running. Even so, she knew she was fleeing. She was angry and disappointed in herself for the feelings of jealousy she couldn't dislodge from her heart. Hadn't she befriended Emmaline for the girl's sake, and not her own? She was genuinely pleased that Emmaline's father had finally seen the light and shown affection for her. Pauline was getting more freedom and Mrs. Harris was less and less cranky. So why did seeing Morgan dancing with that Evans woman make her feel so small and insignificant? What was Anne to Morgan Harris? She'd seen for herself his wealth and experience in business. For pity sake, he'd already gotten married, had a child and buried his wife before Anne had even come to live at Green Gables.

Anne sighed a deep sigh and slowed her footsteps in the snow.

"Anne!"

At the sound of her name Anne stopped her feet all together and turned around. Wearing no coat or hat there was Morgan lumbering across the white blanketed yard toward her.

On instinct Anne's foot had lashed out and kicked Morgan sharply on the shin. Anne immediately apologized, sputtering excuses. Mid apology she heard him say, "I wanted to ask you to marry me."

"What did you say?" for surly Anne hadn't heard the words she thought she'd heard.

"I'm in love with you, Anne, please marry me?"

Anne couldn't believe it. Here he was the rich, handsome, brooding suitor she'd always dreamed about. He could have literally walked off one of her storied pages and onto this beautiful snowy landscape. He was perfect, even in his imperfections. So why weren't her insides screaming for her to say yes? Why hadn't she crossed the short distance between them and fallen into his arms?

Misreading Anne's silence as ladylike bewilderment instead of the blatant shock she was experiencing, Morgan offered her a lifeline, and to her surprise, she took it.

"You need time to process, I understand. Take some time."

Anne nodded dumbly. "I still have a waltz free?" She said finally since that made about as much sense as anything else right then.

Arm in arm Anne and Morgan made their way back to the hall. They danced the waltz together and Anne noticed not for the first time how strong Morgan's arms were and how easily he twirled her around the floor. The waltz ended and evening was over. As her escort Morgan was bound to take Miss Evans home. He wanted to take Anne home as well but Anne convinced him that the gossiping bitties of Kingsport could only stand so much fuel. And besides, it was a short walk back to KLC.