The kitchen goes quiet as the three people prepare dinner. Finally John breaks the silence. "How do you want these carrots cut?" he asks as he looks up from a massive pile of carrots that he started on after the potatoes.
"I prefer them in quarters in nice, long pieces. Thank you for asking." Marilla says as she gathers up the potatoes and the carrots. She smiles softly at him.
The three of them sit awkwardly in the kitchen waiting for dinner to be ready. Rachel and John have never gotten along and she certainly isn't happy about him being around now. Marilla stands up and goes to the pantry to collect a bottle of wine for dinner. She thinks they'll probably need it. "Can I pour you a glass of wine, John?" Marilla asks as she gets glasses out.
"Yes, please. I think I'll need more than a glass over the course of the night unless your roommate stops glaring at me." John says as he reaches for the glass.
"Be nice." Marilla growls in Rachel's ear. I'm tired of being alone, she thinks, and I'm tired of Rachel butting her nose in where it doesn't belong. I want John and I to be together forever now. It's been so long since I could say that I was truly happy, but I am now. I don't want Rachel to blow it for me.
"Why don't the two of you go talk in the parlour? I can finish up dinner in here." Rachel says politely enough.
"Thank you, Rachel, that would be nice. Will you join me, John?" Marilla asks shyly.
"Just the two of us with no chaperone? That is bold Rachel. I appreciate it though." John says kindly. He's teasing a little.
"Don't push your luck, John Blythe. I just happen to be in a good mood, now scoot before I change my mind." Rachel says with a smile. She's concerned. They broke each others' hearts the last time they were together and she doesn't want that to happen again. She's trying to protect Marilla from that. Marilla would never admit it, but she is a very sensitive soul. Marilla has enough friends to protect her from John Blythe if he tries to hurt her again.