5. I don't need you.
Gilbert was making his usual Saturday journey into Charlottetown in order to assist Dr Ward, only this trip was different as the Cuthbert's had enlisted his help to safely escort Anne to Aunt Jo's mansion and back. Gilbert could see how much Anne's family were fretting over her travel, he found it quite amusing, and endearing as Marilla fussed, telling Anne to make herself presentable so as not to look like an urchin and attract trouble. Gilbert had never met anyone else in his life who had a knack for attracting trouble the way she did, no matter how she presented herself. His travelling companion was looking increasingly tense while she defended her own capabilities and as she boarded the train Gilbert did what he could to ease her families discomfort with reassurances that he would ensure she stayed out of ditches. The Cuthbert's seemed more at ease after what he said, Anne however looked even more exasperated as she took her seat.
In an effort to ease Anne's annoyance at Marilla's fussing Gilbert decide to tell Anne of his observations. "She's fond of you. Marilla." Maybe if she could see from Marilla's point of view she wouldn't take it to heart so much.
To no avail, "It's ridiculous, really." She replied.
"If it's any consolation, I don't mind being your escort." Gilbert said with cheer. He had been more than willing to accompany Anne to Charlottetown when she approached him with the idea. Maybe it was just because he made regular trips to where she was heading, but Gilbert smiled knowing she had needed a reliable escort she could count on to appease the Cuthbert's and she had thought of him. Unfortunately he hit a nerve and before he knew it Anne was giving him a rundown of all the ways he was unnecessary and unwanted on her journey. "Well I mind. I can fend for myself! Do you even know what my quest is? I am on a deeply meaningful personal journey. And I certainly don't need you."
The longer she went on the more the cheerfulness drain from Gilbert. No he didn't know her purpose for travelling into Charlottetown as she was yet to mention it. That wasn't to say that he wouldn't have listened and supported her however she needed. However she was being abundantly clear about how she felt towards him and she had been repeatedly clear on the matter for as long as they had known each other. Anne had captivated him and they had shared many moments that reinforced for him the notion that she was not as unaffected by him as she made it seem. He had felt her reluctance to look away the countless times they had locked eye contact as if magnetised to each other, something bigger than a healthy classroom rivalry was pulling them to each other. Even if that were the case, what did it matter when she clearly wanted no part of it. And Gilbert was only going to get hurt if he continued to put himself in positions that allow her to push his friendship away. There was only one thing to do.
"Yes." Gilbert agreed "I've taken notice of that" subtly referencing the most recent prior wound he had allowed her to inflict upon his heart. Anne paused, suddenly snapped out of her fiery annoyance by the realisation that she had hurt Gilbert's feelings. She had not intended to brush him off so coldly, she had once again let her temper get the better of her and in the process of staking her claim as an independent capable female who did not need an escort, she has accidentally gave him the impression that she did not want him there with her, which was not the case. She did try to explain but he had already retreated into a book.
After successfully delivering Anne to the door of the mansion she politely thanked him, to which he flatly replied "You're welcome," and went off to his day. He did not want to hear her polite small talk following her very clear rendition of her feelings towards him. It was as though someone had poured a bucket of ice over his head. There was no future for Anne and he. He needed to face forward and try to put her out of his mind.
Walking into Doctor Wards office as he did every Saturday, Gilbert heard the sound of a woman talking, he recognised the voice of the receptionist, Miss Rose. Only he had not heard her use this tone of voice before and it peaked his interest. It was not only the playful note to her voice, but also the way she intelligently conversed with 'Mr Bones' in such a humorous way. When Gilbert made his presence known she displayed her quick wit and sharp tone, indicating that he had been rude to listen as long as he had and she was elegantly embarrassed. She had certainly grabbed his attention and he was suddenly feeling very bold, perhaps tea with Miss Rose would be a welcome distraction.
Tea had indeed done wonders for Gilbert's mindset. Winifred was elegant and beautiful, and for the first time Gilbert had a mature young lady seem genuinely pleased to share in his company despite his lack of experience with social meetings such as tea with a young lady. She schooled him on all sorts of things, and when she stumbled out of her seat as an elegant ploy to place her hand on his arm Gilbert felt quite assured of her interest in him. And it was a pleasant feeling.
He took the memory of tea, and of the scandalous Mr Bones with him home on the train that day. Feeling a mutual appreciation so freely was an experience he valued highly, especially after the morning he had. As Anne sat down next to him Gilbert politely, yet absently enquired about her journey. She said something vaguely positive and then Gilbert went back to his thoughts silently. And for the first time, Anne Shirley-Cuthbert's presence had no effect on him. What welcome relief.