Anne sat staring out the window of Aunt Josephine's dressing room watching the bare trees wave merrily as Aunt Jo "worked her magic" on Diana's ebony locks. It was the day of the midwinter Summer Soiree, and the girls had been looking forward to it since the start of the school year. Anne's dress was a deep mossy green silk which hugged her torso then fell gracefully to her knee where a sage lace overlay starting at fell from a beautiful sweeping applique trim. It was a hand me down from Aunt Jo but Ruby, Tillie and Diana had helped her alter it to fit the midsummer theme, even Josie had helped grudgingly. The neckline they had daringly lowered sat wide on Anne's shoulders and dipped nearly revealing her corset, (Marilla would have a conniption if she saw but it was in the modern style for an evening gown) then used some of the lace from the train they shortened to make a drape along the new neckline. Silk flowers decorated her shoulders and Jeanne had given her some scraps of ivory velvet which Anne turned into butterfly appliques and were placed whimsically at the point on the skirt where the silk transitioned into lace.
The only thing that could have made tonight perfect was if Gilbert had been able to come. Anne had not seen Gilbert since that day last autumn when he had kissed her so passionately and then had to dash off to catch his train. So much happened that day Anne could hardly remember any of it. They had planned to ride together to Avonlea at Christmas, with Diana acting as chaperone, but Gilbert's train out of Toronto had been blocked by the snow and he ended up spending all of Christmas break at the university. Usually they wrote to each other at least twice a week, but it had been a couple weeks since his last letter, and she would just have to wait for the Easter holidays. Hopefully he could get away then…. She missed him more than she liked to admit.
Once Diana's hair was finished Anne flopped in the chair with a sigh. The months inside this year lightened Anne's complexion, all but the most stubborn freckles faded completely, and darkened her hair to a rich Auburn though it still shone copper in the sun. They had agreed that while Diana's hair would be entirely up accented with white silk roses, Anne's would be draped into an old fashioned half-up style with curled tendrils draping down her neck.
" You seem quite pensive Anne, are you feeling alright?" voiced Diana. She could always tell when something was wrong with her bosom friend.
"Yes" hesitated Anne, wondering how much she should reveal "I was just thinking about Gilbert. I haven't heard from him in a while and I'm a little worried." She didn't add that she was worried Gilbert had forgotten about her or found a new love.
Diana and Aunt Jo exchanged looks. Before Anne could comment, Cole came gliding in dressed in his cream evening attire. His light ensemble would complement the ladies dark dresses and it suited his new lighter mood. He really was a city boy.
"Are you ready for the party ladies?!"
"Just putting the finishing touches on Anne's hair then it's time for gowns" Replied Aunt Jo sentimentally, pinning a few butterflies in Anne's curls. Oh to be young again.
An hour later the ladies and Cole were ready. Diana glowed in a daring blood red velvet gown with a draped bodice. At her narrow waist was a nestled posey of white silk roses. She looked like Briar Rose, perfect for the soiree. As they walked arm in arm down the hall to the stairs Anne paused at the door to her and Diana's room.
"Go on, I'll catch up. I just want to fetch the book I'm going to recite from so I can practice a bit before the concert." What Anne really wanted was to reread the last letter Gilbert had sent, it was dated January 15, 1900, nearly three weeks ago. She couldn't quite shake the feeling he was hiding something from her. True they had gone longer not writing but that was over 2 years ago when he was sailing to Trinidad and they hadn't been an item then, they had barely been friends… Academic rivals was a more apt description, come to think of it.
"Anne?!" Diana called up the stairs, "Are you coming? Nearly all the guests have arrived and the concert is going to start soon!" Sighing Anne tucked the letter into her book and headed down the stairs.
Anne, Cole and Diana sat enraptured through the performance. Aunt Josephine had retained Zelie de Lussan, a world renowned American opera singer, to sing for assembly and it was the most beautiful thing Anne had ever heard. Tears gently trailed down Anne's cheeks, even not understanding the words she could feel the heartbreak in every syllable. As Mrs. de Lussan concluded the entire audience rose as one for a standing ovation. When the revelers had dispersed and the merrymaking commenced Anne slipped back up the stairs to rinse her face. It would not do to have a tear stained face on such a lovely night. Anne slowly made her way back down the stairs lost in thought. At the base of the stairs she shook herself. She was being silly, tonight was a night to celebrate, relax and not think about Gil…anyone in particular. With that thought she, somewhat, gracefully entered the ballroom.
Too soon it was time for her recitation. Anne had chosen a playful piece for once, fittingly from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." It was true that this was a fairly expected choice given the theme of the night but Anne loved the mischievous Puck and felt that she needed a bit of that attitude back in her life. She had gone far too long without breaking any rules and she missed the adventure desperately. Half way through Puck's monologue Anne heard the door to the ballroom ease open. As the applause finished Anne felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned ready to greet whomever was there but was astonished to find Gilbert standing before her.
Gilbert froze his eyes sliding from Anne's butterfly adorned auburn curls across her alabaster collar bone and tracing the line of the low neckline then down the fitted bodice of her dress. Anne shifted uncomfortably. She had never seen such a look directed at her and was not quite sure what it meant. The closest she had observed was when she had walked, unannounced, into the kitchen at Gilbert's house in Avonlea finding Bash and Mary alone… A quiet cough next to them brought them both to their senses.
"Are you surprised?" It was Cole, Diana and Aunt Jo, "we know how disappointed you were not being able to see each other at Christmas so we thought this would be a fun surprise! We even managed to get Gilbert's professors to let him have Monday off, we may have had to use our own 'Pen of Duplicity' but we think it is worth it."
Anne couldn't find words, "I… yes… Thank you, how… Gilbert, how are you?" She breathed, "I haven't heard from you in so long…"
"I know Anne and I'm sorry. I didn't think I would be able to write without giving away the surprise. And I really wanted to surprise you. You look… I mean..., beautiful doesn't describe it."
"Thank you, Gilbert." Anne replied a little stiffly, not really sure what to say. They stood in awkward silence for a bit with Cole, Diana and Aunt Jo standing there waiting. Aunt Jo, sensing that space was needed, guided the other two away to meet a sculpture she had met recently.
"It's really good to see you Anne, I've missed you so much. Although I knew you were a big part of my life, I didn't know just how much I would miss seeing your face everyday or believe it or not, arguing with you."
Anne was still standing in stunned silence, her mind racing. How was she supposed to act now? Before she would have created an argument when she was unsure… What if she made a mess of everything? How was she supposed to navigate this relationship in person? As pen pals she could always revise her letters a hundred times before sending... She mentaly shook herself. There is absolutely nothing to feel awkward about. She was still Anne and he was still Gilbert. Wasn't he? Her thoughts were interrupted.
"Would you care to dance?" Gilbert inquired hopefully.
"I'd love to." Anne exclaimed, relieved. At least they wouldn't just be standing in uncomfortable silence.
As Gilbert led Anne out onto the dance floor they saw Diana whispering something to the band leader. The pair had been expecting a waltz or a foxtrot at such a party and laughed heartily when the Dashing White Sergeant began to play. Trust Diana to know how to put them at ease. The dance commenced, each touch reminded Anne of that first dance practice. Electricity running down her spine at every hand touch, trying to make each touch last as long as possible before they were forced to break contact. Each time their eyes met they held each other gaze slightly longer than was acceptable. When the dance concluded they stood staring just as they had in that school room less than a year before. It seemed like an age since that moment. Gilbert offered his arm to Anne, and escorted her off of the dance floor.
That was it. Anne needed to talk to Gilbert and a crowded ballroom was not the place for a conversation. Guiding him to her favorite place in the manse, the library, and into her favorite reading nook. She was convinced that nothing untoward could happen in a library with all those books acting as chaperones. Anne sat with difficulty, truth be told Diana had needed to lace Anne's corset a little tighter than usual when they were getting ready to make the dress fit. As a result sitting was a little more difficult and Anne's decolletage was more prominent than she was used to, especially considering she had recently had a growth spurt and was normally buttoned up nearly to her ears. Gilbert paused looking down at Anne, he seemed to be hesitating, then Anne realised that his gaze was directed much lower than her face and she coloured. He quickly sat at the far end of the window seat.
Anne looked straight at Gilbert, "Ok Gilbert Blythe. How are we supposed to be courting if we are going to be this awkward. You certainly don't seem inclined to sit near me and I am having trouble figuring out how to act myself."
"It isn't that I don't want to sit next to you Anne," Gilbert's voice sounded hoarse as he spoke, " it's that if I sit any closer I'm not sure what will happen."
"What do you mean? It's not like I'm going to bite." Anne replied exasperated, trying to turn to face him a little more. Why are boys so confusing? First he couldn't stop staring and now he can't seem to face me.
Gilbert breathed out, trying to find the words. "I'm not worried about what you might do, I'm worried about what I might do. You are quite literally taking my breath away. That dress is… I don't have the words to describe what you do to me at the best of times and this is a little more than I think I can handle…"
Sighing, Anne shifted a little closer. "Gilbert, it has been almost 5 months since you left for U of T." She touched his hand gently, "being pen-pals has been great, but if you can't handle the distance we can stop writing, it will hurt but all I want is for you to be happy."
"Anne!" Gilbert was exasperated, "that's not what I'm saying at all! I'm saying that I want to kiss you, deeply and passionately. I want to wrap my arms aro…"
At that Anne had leaned in and silenced Gilbert with a rather forceful kiss. Pulling away and blushing "I'm sorry, I know you were trying to resist but I couldn't."
Gilbert threaded his arm around Anne's thin waist pulling her in for another kiss. Starting slowly he gently pressed his lips against hers. She tasted the champagne they had grabbed on their way out of the ballroom. He pulled her closer, feeling the smooth texture of the silk, he continued the kiss with more intensity. Anne hesitated, then darted her tongue out testing the sensation. He leaned in to the kiss exploring Anne's mouth. Gilbert moaned as Anne nibbled his lower lip and he lifted her onto his lap, she wiggled a little trying to get comfortable. Groaning, Gilbert held Anne's hips to keep her still and transferred his kisses to Anne's smooth porcelain neck. Starting just below her ear, he trailed kisses down her neck, tracing the line the curls made as they lay over her shoulder and down her chest. Anne ran her fingers through his thick, dark, wavy hair. For once her brain seemed to stop working she was more focused on the heat rising from her pelvis.
"Anne, are you in here?" Cole's voice rang through the library.
Anne sprang up, noticing a rather prominent bulge in Gilbert's pants, a pocket mouse she giggled to herself as she gestured for him to stay put. Smoothing her dress as she stepped out from the nook. "Yes, I'm here."
"Oh good, Aunt Jo is looking for you. She wants to introduce you to an author she knows from America. Are you alright? You look rather flushed."
"I'm fine, I was just reading…" Anne lied, "I'll be right out. I just want to finish this last part." As Cole exited the library, she stepped back into the nook, leaning down she cupped Gilbert's face in her hands and kissed him with all the longing that she had felt for the last 5 months. Gilbert's hands glided up her bodice, feeling the anatomy he knew was there under the layers. Leaving Gilbert quite breathless, Anne stood and as she walked towards the door she felt a wetness on her combinations. It couldn't be her flowering time, that had just finished last week...
Aunt Josephine watched Anne enter the ballroom alone. As the young woman approached Aunt Jo smiled knowingly, she had seen Anne leave with Gilbert and had decided to give them 15 minutes to get reacquainted, not too much trouble could happen in a quarter of an hour while wearing a corset.
"You wanted to see me Aunt Jo? I'm sorry I was reading in the library."
"Reading, eh young lady." Aunt Jo teasingly scolded, "Is that why your face is so flushed? And where is that young man of yours?" Anne blushed. "Anne, I wanted you to meet my friend, Mrs. Charlotte Perkins Stetson."
"It's lovely to meet you Mrs. Stetson, Aunt Jo has given me several of your pieces to read and I found them fascinating. Are you enjoying Charlottetown?" Anne inquired politely though she never really heard the answer. She found herself in a strange state of being able to hold a conversation without actually being involved mentally. She watched Gilbert enter the room a few minutes later, looking at her with that half smirk and "romantic eyes" that he seemed to get only when looking at Anne. Absentmindedly Anne traced the line on her neck where just moments ago Gilbert was trailing kisses. Somewhere in the depths of her brain she seemed to register a question being asked of her.
"I'm sorry, what was the question?" Anne looked imploringly at Mrs. Stetson. Aunt Jo laughed kindly.
"Mrs. Stetson asked how you were liking school." turning to the author Aunt Jo explained, "that's her beau over there whom she hasn't seen since the start of term in September." Mrs. Stetson nodded knowingly and excused Anne to go be with Gilbert.
"It really was lovely to meet you, Mrs. Stetson. I'm sorry my brain isn't at all in my head right now. It feels like it's up in the clouds."
The rest of the night passed in a happy blur. Anne remembered dancing with Cole a couple of times and Gilbert the rest of the night, then suddenly the guests were leaving and it was time to head to bed. It had been arranged that Gilbert should stay the night in one of the ground floor guest rooms and Anne was of course staying with Diana in the same room they always shared upstairs .
Anne lay in bed staring at the ceiling running through the night in her mind. Her vivid imagination revisited the library and those secret kisses. She hadn't told Diana about them yet, for the moment she wanted to keep the memory to herself. There was nothing for it. Anne rolled silently out of bed and pulled her dressing gown over her thin night dress. She softly opened the bedroom door and padded quietly to the library for some solace.
She walked into the library, closing the door behind her, Anne headed for the current book she was reading. It was rather dull and she hoped it would sooth her into slumber. She directed her feet to her favorite nook, nose already deep in the pages. Someone was already there, Gilbert raised his eyes to meet hers.
"Couldn't sleep either?" he inquired.
"No," Anne replied, drawing her robe around her, "it was too exciting of a day, so much scope for the imagination… Do you mind if I join you?" Gilbert slid over to give Anne some space to sit.
They sat in silence reading for a while, when Anne noticed that their shoulders were ever so slightly touching. She was about to scold Gilbert for edging so close when she noticed that they were in the very center of the bench. She looked up to see him watching her read.
Noticing her blush, Gilbert apologized, "I'm sorry, you are so beautiful. I have always loved you in a braid. And I need to get my fill before I have to leave tomorrow night, well tonight I guess... It is after midnight." Anne went to nudge him slightly, not knowing what to say when he caught her hand. Kissing her palm he blurted, "did you miss me at all? I feel like we are stuck in a strange universe where Anne Shirley-Cuthbert is silent…"
"Of course I missed you, everyday. It was all I could do not to withdraw into my memory of that day we kissed. I'm still not sure that this isn't something my imagination dreamed up to get me through the long winter." Anne held up her wrist. It was almost as blue as the day she first arrived at Green Gables.
"What happened!? Who hurt you?" Gilbert stared at Anne, concern etched into every line of his face.
"No one hurt me. I've been pinching myself since you tapped on my shoulder during the party. I just want to make sure I'm not dreaming…"
Gilbert leaned forward and brushed a stray lock of hair out of Anne's face. He gently raised Anne's poor abused wrist and kissed the spot softly. Pulling up her sleeve he continued the kisses until the sleeve would go no further. He looked up into those pale grey eyes he loved so much and kissed her tenderly. As he drew away Anne released the breath she didn't know she was holding.
"I'm here," he breathed "And someday I will be able to stay forever, but right now I should bid you goodnight." He went to rise but Anne pulled him forcefully back down.
"Oh, no you don't. You can't just kiss me like that and leave…" She moved closer desperately wanting to continue what they started in this very spot just hours ago. If he was going to be the gentleman she would have to take matters into her own hands. Thinking back, maybe reciting Puck wasn't such a good idea… Shifting again trying to get closer, her dressing gown loosened exposing her nearly sheer nightdress and heard Gilbert draw a sharp breath. Anne leaned in, pressing her smooth, swollen lips seductively against his, she felt him slide his hands around her waist between her nightdress and dressing gown. His hands stroked her sides inching their way up as they explored each other's mouths. Suddenly one of his fingers gently grazed one of her nipples, taking her by surprise she bit back a gasp of pleasure, and leaned into his touch. He quickly pulled his hands away.
"My apologies Anne, I didn't mean, I'm trying to control…I don't want to force you into anything" he looked down avoiding Anne's gaze.
Anne looked into his eyes, "You aren't forcing me into anything. Tell you what, how about we decide right now that if I want to stop I'll tell you and if you want to stop you can tell me. I want us to be a partnership of equals. Deal?"
Gilbert stared back, "Are you sure?" But Anne was already leaning in, running her fingers through his hair, she would never get enough of that hair. Gilbert was more tentative, his hands were back around her waist but resolutely on the outside of her dressing gown. Anne sighed in frustration. She stood and threw open the blasted thing and seated herself in his lap, draping the gown behind her.
"There", she said, wiggling her hips slightly, feeling the pressure of him twitch under her firm thigh, "now don't you think that is enough being timid. I said I would tell you when I wanted to stop. I've read quite a lot of books in the past 5 months, this is a very well stocked library and I now know what a pocket mouse is and what was meant by 'not topical' thank you very much." Gilbert started to reply looking very confused but was cut off by Anne trailing her fingers down his neck, pulling his chin up for one of her rather aggressive kisses.
With that Gilbert caved, Anne obviously knew what she wanted and who was he to stand in her way. He wrapped his arms around Anne, shifting her so there wasn't as much pressure on a certain part of his anatomy that was already throbbing. His hand smoothed over the thin fabric, that oh so thin barrier between him and Anne's milky white skin. His hand cupped her full breasts as he trailed kisses down her chest. As Gilbert's lips met her erect nipple covered only by thin fabric, Anne groaned lightly with pleasure arching her back. He drew away slowly and took a few deep slow breaths.
"Is everything alright?" Asked Anne, looking disappointed, "Do you want to stop?"
"No, I just need to take a small break. Trying to remember how to go slow. You really have no idea what you do to me, and we most assuredly are not married."
"Good, I think I have some idea and I'm not done with you yet." She bent down to meet his lips, slowly unbuttoning his sleep shirt hoping he wouldn't notice. Trailing her fingers down his now bare chest she felt his skin prickle as if trying to meet her touch. He untied the bow at her neckline once again felt his lips brush her nipple, this time with no fabric separating them, he sucked lightly, sending a shock wave of pleasure soaring up from her delicate regions up over her scalp and felt his hand move up her shapely calf stopping just below her knee. Her breath caught, was she ready for this? Yes, whatever was coming she was ready. She rested her feet on the soft pillow of the window seat, maneuvering so the skirt of her night dress "accidentally" slipped over her knees revealing her porcelain thighs, pooling at her hips. Gilbert looked up into Anne's eyes bright with desire.
"You know," Gilbert said slowly, his voice low and gruff, "I've been doing some reading too." He slowly slid his hand up her thigh, "and there are all kinds of things I can do to you with no unintended physical consequences."
He bent down muffling her moan with his mouth as his fingers softly skimmed her inner thigh until he found her dripping quim.
"Shhh, remember we are in a library, we need to be quiet." He explored her silken folds and found what he was looking for. Drawing slow circles around her button, Anne felt the heat and electricity rising through her body. Cradling her in his strong arms, Gilbert gently nibbled Anne's ear lobe and sent his kisses slowly down her soft neck, pausing only once to remind her to keep quiet, "they are in a library after all," as Gilbert's mouth connected with Anne's nipple, he slowly slipped a finger in to her hot, wet center. Using his thumb to gently massage her sensitive nub, Gilbert began to slowly and carefully pump his finger in and out, her juices running down his hand into his lap. As Gilbert increased his speed Anne felt the powerful current run through her body making her shudder with pleasure and anticipation. Wanting to cry out, she pulled Gilbert's face up to meet hers as she muffled her cry of release into his mouth and collapsed panting into his arms.
It was a while before she could move, they heard the grandfather clock in the hall chime 3 AM.
"I think we should get you to bed, my love," whispered Gilbert smiling. He gently raised her to her feet. She swayed, trying to get her footing. "Can you walk?"
"I'm just a little wobbly, I'll be ok in a minute. That was amazing, how did you know how to do that?"
"I told you I read about it in a book from the east, but there is nothing like practice. I look forward to experimenting with you further." Gilbert replied, giving her his signature grin, Anne smiled, exhausted but exhilarated.
Gilbert helped her tie her dressing gown back up and helped her to the stairs. He told her to make sure to use the privy before going to sleep and drink some water. "I'll see you at breakfast, my Anne with an e."
"I love you, Gilbert. I'm really glad you could make it.
"I love you, too Anne and I'm just glad you came…" Gilbert grabbed her hand and pulled her in for a sultry good night kiss, "now it's my turn, good night sweet sleep."
Smirking and a little confused, Anne carefully climbed the stairs. She did as she was told then slid gratefully into bed, thinking to herself that apparently books do not make good chaperones and that she must remember to ask if she can borrow that book of Gilbert's. She was determined they would be equals in every way. She pulled the sheets up around her head she fell asleep almost immediately dreaming of all the time she had to look forward to with Gilbert.