Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters created by L.M. Montgomery and Moira Walley-Beckett. I do not claim any ownership over them and offer my writing to the world as a homage to their creations as well as an outlet of imagination to imagine an infinity of alternate storylines. This is just one of them!

VI.

Gilbert eventually fell asleep, after Anne fed him some of the soup that Hazel had made before she left. While his temperature was still too warm, Anne was reassured that it was declining thanks to the cold cloths she placed on his forehead. Rachel brought with her more food and supplies for the kitchen pantry. She had heard about Gilbert from Matthew, and how Anne had immediately come to help.

Anne and Rachel went downstairs and sat at the kitchen table after being on their feet for most of the morning and early afternoon. They were still waiting for Dr. Blair to arrive.

"It's not been the happiest of Christmases, has it?" Rachel poured out two cups of tea.

"It started out promising enough with Gilbert back in town. But now that both he and Elijah aren't well, it has been a miserable Christmas. I just hope no one else gets sick."

"Indeed. As you've probably already heard, the Gillises have all been sick this winter, with Ruby fighting a terrible cold. That's where Dr. Blair has been."

"I'm sorry to hear about Ruby. She has fallen ill so often these days, I hope she is alright."

"She will be. Her constitution is not as strong as most."

"But at least it isn't typhoid. I've seen typhoid before and it's terrible. Bash is with Elijah now, and I hope they've been able to get him better before his symptoms get worse."

"You've seen typhoid before?"

Anne nodded. "It was with one of the families I was placed with, and the father had it. It was an advanced case so the doctor couldn't do much for him. Elijah looked far better than he did which gives me some small measure of confidence that he'll recover."

"What about Gilbert, do you think he has typhoid fever?" Rachel took a sip of tea.

Anne shook her head as she put her cup down to respond. "No. Gilbert suspects he has a normal fever because he doesn't think he has all the same symptoms as Elijah. But he did stay with Elijah for most of yesterday so I'm still worried of course."

"Of course, naturally." Rachel paused dramatically and smiled slyly at Anne. "So. When is the happy day?"

"Why you are just as bad as Diana Barry…" Anne stopped herself. "Come to think of it, you've actually been asking me that ever since -"

"Ever since he came to his senses and didn't propose to the wrong girl? Yes, that's right. As far as I'm concerned, and you know me, I'm always concerned, the two of you are perfect for each other. The both of you are always in your books and practically speaking your own language to each other. Well, I can't think of any other man who could possibly keep up with you, Anne, but Gilbert comes pretty close."

"He's already surpassed me, Rachel. He's going to the University of Toronto to become a world-renowned doctor."

"And you, you will be a doctor's wife! And what's more," Rachel spoke before Anne could respond. "Knowing you, my dear Anne, you will also have a career of your own."

Anne was stunned. "Who are you? Are you sure your name is Rachel Lynde?"

They both erupted in laughter. Rachel stood up to fill the teapot with more hot water from the kettle at the stove.

"Here I was, expecting you to go on about the virtues of housekeeping, supporting my husband, having children, and…"

Rachel walked back to the table with the teapot. "Well, of course all of that holds true and is important. But I don't need to become a part of any progressive mother's group to know that the times are changing for all women. And you, Anne Shirley-Cuthbert soon-to-be Blythe, are destined to outshine us all. Brains, beauty, and that something more: you're a survivor."

Anne was tempted to remind Rachel of what she once said of her beauty when they first met, but demurred. Anne's laughing face quickly grew somber. "I-I don't know what to say. Thank you, Rachel." She stood up and embraced Rachel.

All of a sudden, Anne began to sob as she let into her heart all of the fears and worries that she had been managing to hold off at a distance.

"Now, now…" Rachel gently patted Anne's back as Anne cried onto Rachel's shoulder. "I can't believe I've rendered you speechless, of all people! Oh, now, I didn't mean to upset you."

"It-it's not you. I've just come to realize how true your observation is, how I've always survived. All my life I've always been left behind. I've lost too many loved ones over the years. And-and I don't think I could survive losing Gilbert…"

Rachel pulled away to look at Anne, whose cheeks were wet with tears. "Stop that talk. Look at you now, surrounded by family and friends who love you. Anyhow, you just told me he may not even have typhoid…"

Anne sniffled as she wiped tears with the back of her hand. "That's simply Gilbert's opinion. But he's not a doctor yet, Rachel! We don't yet know for certain he doesn't have it. When I saw Elijah sick in bed and Gilbert just now, I-I couldn't help but think of poor Mary, and-and how there was nothing any of us, not even the doctor, could do to help her survive. It's so unfair…"

"Don't lose hope now! Let's wait and see what the doctor has to say. Far too premature to think the worst. I happen to have every confidence in Gilbert's constitution, as he has a special someone to live for." Rachel squeezed Anne's hand, and she squeezed it back in return with a smile.

About a half-hour later, there was a knock at the door. Anne opened the door and found Matthew there with Dr. Blair. She greeted and invited them in. "Gilbert is upstairs sleeping. Rachel helped me get his fever down, and did Matthew tell you…"

Dr. Blair interrupted her. "Yes, he told me that Gilbert was helping Elijah Hansford with typhoid fever. Let's hope Gilbert does not have the same condition, but if he does, we should be able to ensure it does not advance any farther." Dr. Blair headed to the stairs with his doctor's bag in tow.

"Let us know if you need anything, Dr. Blair," called Rachel as he walked upstairs.

"Matthew, is Marilla back yet?" Anne made him sit down at the kitchen table as she prepared a fresh teapot.

"N-not yet, last I was home. But when Diana came to Green Gables she suggested we ask Rachel about where to find Dr. Blair, and sure enough she knew he was already in town tending to the Gillises. S-saved me a trip to Carmody."

"Well of course I knew, Matthew." Rachel smiled at him, hands on her hips. She brought over a plate of cookies to the table while Anne brought him a cup of tea.

"Anne, you're not...too tired?" Matthew spoke after eating two cookies and gulping down half of his tea. "You g-got home awful late and-and now you've been here all day."

"I'm fine, Matthew. As soon as we hear more from the doctor, I'll help here until Bash gets back."

Rachel also reassured Matthew that she was also there to help.

As they all finished their tea, Dr. Blair came back downstairs. "It does not appear that Gilbert has typhoid fever."

Anne realized she had been holding her breath before he spoke, and finally she could feel herself relax for the first time that day.

Dr. Blair continued. "He needs to rest now, and really he should stay in bed until his fever is gone for good."

"Thank you so very much, Dr. Blair! You have no idea how frightened I was for Gilbert!" Anne gave him a large embrace, which surprised him and made him blush. "I was so worried it was typhoid."

"Fortunately it isn't. He'll be as right as rain in a few days, so long as he rests and recuperates properly."

"Bash's mother took the baby to Green Gables. Gilbert wanted to keep them safe in case it was typhoid."

"Excellent thinking. They should stay there until Gilbert recovers."

Anne's brow furrowed with concern. "Does this mean that I shouldn't return to Green Gables, since I've been here for most of the day?"

Dr. Blair looked at her thoughtfully. "How are you feeling? You appear to be healthy."

"I feel fine right now, Dr. Blair. But I also recall Gilbert appearing to be perfectly healthy just yesterday."

"Well then, it's best that you should avoid returning home for at least a day or two, just to be certain."

"But she certainly can't stay here!" Rachel interjected. "Gilbert is still sick and she would be staying here alone with two men…"

"Certainly not, I wasn't suggesting that," agreed Dr. Blair. "Gilbert needs to stay quarantined for the time being. I would not want anyone else to get sick at this point."

"But if I can't stay here and I can't go home, where do I go?"

Matthew shyly cleared his voice. "Well now, Rachel, can-can Anne s-stay with you? Just-just to make sure she isn't sick. If it isn't an-an inconvenience."

Rachel smiled, looking slightly miffed that she had not thought of this solution herself. "It's not at all an inconvenience, Matthew! Very well. It's settled, Anne, you'll stay with me and Mr. Lynde."

"Thank you, Rachel!" Anne smiled. "And just to make it clear, I was not at all suggesting I stay here!"

"Yes, I know that. Matthew, could you send Jerry over with some of Anne's things when you get back to Green Gables?"

Matthew nodded and also responded that he would let Marilla know where Anne is staying once she returned.

"I'm wondering if Marilla should also come to me since she's been in Charlottetown. Oh my, Mr. Lynde is going to be quite outnumbered!"

"I don't think that is necessary, so long as Marilla hasn't been exposed to the patient for too long a time period," interjected Dr. Blair. "But Anne, if you do get sick, please make sure you rest and stay with the Lyndes until you are better. And have Mrs. Lynde find me of course. I know that won't be a difficulty." He and everyone in the room smiled at Rachel.

The doctor stayed for some tea and cookies, but then he had to rush off and attend to another patient. Matthew also left for Green Gables at the same time.

Later that afternoon, Anne was helping to sweep the kitchen floor when Bash walked in. "Hello Anne! You're here! Why are you cleaning our kitchen? And where is everyone?"

"Gilbert is sick, so he sent your mother and Delly to Green Gables."

"What? Gilbert is sick? Typhoid?"

"No, thankfully it's not. Dr. Blair was here earlier. He confirmed Gilbert's fever isn't typhoid."

"Thank God! One case of typhoid in the family is one too many!" Bash sighed and then smiled. "Well I'm happy to report that I've got good news about Elijah! His fever broke! He should be coming home in a few days."

"That is wonderful news, Bash!" Anne embraced him. "Your mother and Delly are staying at Green Gables until Gilbert gets well."

Bash looked at Anne with such gratitude that it made Anne blush. "Thank you." He took the broom from Anne. "It looks like you've done more than enough around here. You should go and get some rest."

"I couldn't agree more! We should get going soon." Rachel came into the kitchen with a tray. "Gilbert just finished some more soup, so this is your chance to say goodbye before he falls asleep again."

Bash and Anne went upstairs to Gilbert's bedroom and found him in bed reading a book. He looked up on their approach and smiled. Anne thought he looked better but still too pale.

"Bash, you're back!"

"Blythe, I'm gone one day and you go and get yourself sick." Gilbert smiled weakly at Bash's words. "How are you feeling?"

"I was definitely worse this morning but Anne and Rachel took excellent care of me." He smiled at Anne. "How's Elijah?"

"His fever broke, so he's doing much better. Dr. Ward said he can come home in a few days."

"That-that's great news." Gilbert then turned to Anne, his expression turning serious. "Anne, you're still here? You should go home and rest, you've been here all day."

"I was just about to take my leave, and I wasn't going to go without a word. I'm staying with Rachel for a few days, just to make sure I don't get sick and pass it on at Green Gables. "

"Makes sense," replied Gilbert. "Best to take every precaution. How do you feel?"

"As I told Dr. Blair who asked me the same question, I feel fine, and I expect to stay that way." Anne came to his bedside, and felt his forehead which still felt too warm. "You on the other hand are still feverish."

Gilbert nodded slightly. "But the headache is gone. Thank you again for taking such good care of me."

Anne knelt down at his bedside as she took his hand and kissed it. "No one could keep me from coming, even if they were to dare to try. You worried me so much."

Gilbert squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry, Anne. I'll do all I can to get well quickly so we can see each other again sooner."

"You'd better, because soon you'll have to go back to faraway Toronto. You haven't even seen my parents' book yet."

"Then I'll make sure to amaze Dr. Blair with my quick recovery. I can't wait to see it." Gilbert smiled at Anne, looking more sleepy. "I love you."

"I love you too." Anne looked into his eyes before she squeezed his hand one last time and stood up.

Anne glanced over at Bash who was on the other side of Gilbert's bed. For a moment, she had almost forgotten he was there. Bash had a wistful look in his eye that made Anne blush. "Take good care of him, Bash."

"I promise I will. And give Delly a kiss for me when you get back to Green Gables."

"I promise you that when I do get to see her, I'll give her as many kisses for you as she'll let me give her." Anne caressed Gilbert's cheek as she got up. "I'll count the hours until we are reunited once more."

"Not to worry, Anne," said Bash with a big grin. "I'll wager he's going to recover in no time at all just so he could see you again that much sooner." They all laughed.

Anne kissed Gilbert goodbye. Gilbert watched Anne leave with a mixture of regret at missing more days to spend with her and determination that he would make them up. As Anne reached the doorway, she turned around one last time to look at him. Their eyes met and they smiled. Gilbert relished seeing her cheeks redden right as she turned and left.

Just as Bash was about to follow her out, Gilbert addressed him.

"Hey Bash, have you gotten any rest?"

"I got a little shut-eye while I was in Charlottetown with Elijah. The reverend made sure I was rested before I headed back home. Don't worry about me. You focus on getting better."

"I just don't want you to get sick too."

"I feel fine, don't worry about me. It's too bad I didn't have any babash here. That would've cured both you and Elijah right away. Do you remember?" Bash laughed at the memory of Gilbert drinking babash in Trinidad and immediately getting sick.

"How could I forget? But that might be a case where the cure is worse than the sickness." They both laughed.

"So? What's the new plan? Clearly you haven't asked her yet."

"Bash, I'm not going to propose to Anne while I'm sick in bed! That is not the memory I want us to have…." Gilbert then saw Bash chuckling and then he joined him.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist."

"Nothing has turned out the way I planned. I'm almost afraid to plan anything, for fear it just won't happen."

"Don't worry, the two of you are destined to be together no matter what. We'll work out the details I promise! You need to focus first on getting better. Soon Elijah will be back, and then my mother and Delly. Then you can finally ask her to join this crazy household."

Gilbert smiled at Bash's enthusiasm. "I want it to be memorable. And romantic. I also want it to be a surprise."

"All in good time, Blythe. Get some rest and I'll help you plan something memorable, romantic, and surprising. I have a few ideas."

Gilbert's eyes grew wide. "Really? What ideas do you have?"

"I'm not telling you yet. Get better and we can discuss them more."

Gilbert yawned. "Fair enough. I guess I should get some sleep. You too." He paused and reached out to put his hand on Bash's arm. "Thank you. I know it's not been an easy few days for you."

Bash smiled. "We're family, this is what we do. No need for thanks but, you're welcome." He reached for his bedsheet. "Now to tuck you in!"

Gilbert laughed. "I can manage that on my own!"

Bash left Gilbert's bedroom and walked back downstairs. He thanked Anne and Rachel for all their help and after a few more minutes, Bash finally had the whole kitchen to himself. He was glad to have some peace and quiet for the first time in days. While he missed his daughter, he knew she was safe and sound with his mother and the Cuthberts at Green Gables.

Bash then heard some footsteps on the stairs and saw Gilbert enter the kitchen. He was alarmed to see him look so pale and weak out of bed.

"Gilbert, what are you doing? You should be in bed!"

"I know, but I came up with a new plan, and couldn't wait to tell you."

Bash grinned and laughed. "You must be feeling better if you have a new plan."

Gilbert described his ideas to Bash and what needed to get done ahead of time. Bash got out a quill and paper to help write down a list.

"Okay, Blythe, this sounds like a very good plan, and we're going to get this all done in time. But now you have to go back to bed and rest. Now."

Gilbert smiled and yawned. "All right, I'll go back to bed. Thanks again for your help with my plan. And it's a surprise so…" Gilbert turned to look at Bash. "Not a word to anyone, especially not Rachel Lynde!"

"I promise I'll keep it secret….oh, I can't wait!"

Bash watched him go back upstairs, and then he retired to his own room. He saw a ribbon on his dressing table that belonged to Mary. He picked it up and looked at it closely. He saved it so he could give it to Delphine, but he hadn't been able to put it away for safe-keeping just yet. At that moment, it reminded him of a conversation he had had once with Mary, not too long after they were married. She had been braiding her hair with that very ribbon, just before they were going to bed.

"So Bash," said Mary as she combed her hair into a braid. "What is the story with Anne and Gilbert?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean! I saw you smiling at them as they were speaking together on their own after the wedding. Do you think that they…"

"Yes, Mary," Bash replied abruptly and confidently with a grin. "In my heart of hearts, I know they will be happily married one day."

"Married?! Bash, come on, they're just kids yet. Childhood sweethearts perhaps."

"Gilbert tells me they are 'just friends.'" Bash rolled his eyes. "But I'll never forget the look on his face when he got a letter from Anne on the steamer we were working on. His face lit up, and I don't think I've seen his face light up for nobody like that since. No one but Anne. He's smitten, he just won't admit it yet."

"And what of Anne's feelings? I can't imagine she's confided in you."

"She don't need to. I see her face light up too. She's always looking for his face in a room, same as me looking for your face. She's smitten too and, like him, she won't admit it yet."

"All in good time, Bash. You can't force him or her to admit anything. And especially if they don't yet know how they feel about each other. But I believe you. You just have to have patience. All in good time," Mary repeated, as she smiled and kissed him.

"You're right. But there's no harm in wishing, is there?" Bash embraced Mary closer in his arms.

"You are such a romantic! If you could help Gilbert plan out how he'll ask for her hand, you'd do it! You might even plan out their wedding."

"A man can dream, can't he?" Mary laughed as she pulled away from him to finish tying her braid with the ribbon. She then reached up to kiss him once more.

"All in good time," said Bash aloud, as he smiled at the memory as he held Mary's ribbon in his hand and then kissed it, wishing she could be there to see this wish become reality.