Chapter 36 - Before the big night

A strong, fresh wind was blowing that Saturday afternoon in Avonlea, and the Cuthberts were on their way to Bright River station, where Miss Stacy was waiting alongside the Lynde couple.

Matthew and Marilla were particularly well dressed, because tonight was a big night: Anne was going to read her short story in front of an audience, and it was probably the girl's most important night.

When they arrived at the Bright River dock, Muriel was standing next to an elegant-looking man with blond hair. She looked awfully uncomfortable, but her expression changed the moment she caught sight of the brother and sister.

"Ma-Marilla! Matthew! I'm so happy to see you both!", The teacher rushed towards them, while they were still several meters away, the latter took Marilla by the arm and whispered discreetly in her ear, "Please get me out of this trap, Rachel couldn't help inviting this man without even asking my opinion."

Marilla began to giggle.

"There's nothing amusing about it, Marilla. I assure you if it wasn't for Anne that I was coming tonight, I'd have turned around already."

Matthew watched the low masses on the side, then heard Rachel speak to him.

"Matthew! Tell your sister and Muriel that the chitchat can wait! We have to reserve our seats!", Rachel exclaimed with her usual disdainful look.

Moments later, everyone was seated on the train, but to Miss Stacy's dismay she found herself seated next to the elegant man. On the other side of the aisle were the Cuthberts and the Lynde couple.

The schoolteacher was beside herself that Rachel had once again managed to force a man on her. And it really wasn't the time for her to worry about making conversation, while she tried to forget about a certain other event.

She hadn't seen him since the day he had accompanied her to the village hall for the Pento preparations. Her relationship with Bash was becoming increasingly strained, and although there had never been any question of anything other than a sincere friendship between the two of them, she could feel them gradually drifting apart. Of course, this had everything to do with the gossip of Avonlea's residents. She could have lived with that, but ever since she had witnessed certain words that had been uttered by Sebastian, it had been impossible for her to visit him and resume banal discussions with him. How could she? Besides, why was it bothering her so much?

Suddenly Rachel broke the young woman's thoughts, "Muriel, aren't you making the gentleman's introductions to Marilla and Matthew?"

"Introductions? Oh... I'm sorry. This is Mr. Ethan Fraser, a teacher at Carmody Elementary School. Is that correct?" asked Miss Stacy, who was having trouble coming to her senses.

"Absolutely!", the man smiled politely at the Cuthberts, "I'm delighted to make your acquaintance, from what I hear, your Anne is a very brilliant student."

"Brilliant, yes I suppose you could say that," replied Marilla modestly, "Anyway, you'll get a glimpse of her tonight," she continued.

Matthew, who was silent as usual, just smiled shyly, hearing everyone speak well of his daughter.

In Charlottetown, another soul was tormented, running her hand through her hair, and raising it to style it, Anne stood in front of her mirror with a certain nervousness. She was in her room, alone, pressing her hand to her stomach, feeling cramps as the evening approached.

Diana wasn't there; she'd had to leave the boarding house to go with her parents to Aunt Josephine's. So, without her best friend, she'd decided to leave. So, without her friend by her side and wanting to relax before the big night, she decided she could go to the Queens College library and read a good novel.

And so she snuck out of Blackmore Manor without anyone noticing her departure, not even the servants who were busy preparing tonight's dinner.

Moments later, the redhead was in the library, strolling between the rows of books. When she was plagued by doubts, there was only one book that allowed her to forget all her worries, only one book that gave her hope when she needed it, and that was Jane Eyre.

Although Jane Eyre's destiny wasn't always the happiest, it took her back to the days of the orphanage, when she was gradually losing hope in a happy future.

In fact, the edition she always carried with her had a tragic fate: one of her bullies had the good sense to throw it into a barrel containing the most disgusting liquid. Remembering this moment, as well as her favorite novel, allowed her to put the anxieties she'd been feeling all day into perspective.

In comparison, her problems were trivial, because today she had everything she needed. She could study in a college, and Marilla and Matthew supported her. She had friends, not least her wonderful Diana. And the boy she was in love with felt the same way she did. She certainly wasn't the most pitiful girl when you thought about it. Although she'd had to endure some painful situations before reaching this point.

Anne was standing in front of the bookshelf devoted to the works of the Brontë sisters. And that's how she came across Charlotte Brontë's famous Jane Eyre.

It had been so long since she'd held one in her hands. Oh, she'd caught a glimpse of it in Aunt Jo's hands, but it wasn't the same.

She would so like to own one of these books, and the future would undoubtedly allow her to do so.

Immediately, book in hand, she settled into a small leather armchair that was very close to a window, making a comfortable little spot, so she sat down.

The library was silent as usual, but it was also particularly empty, as many students were either preparing for tonight's ball or taking advantage of their Saturday afternoon to relax a little.

And yes, it was no surprise that Anne was one of the few students to venture into the library on this particular day.

Only just as she was about to open her book and read the first chapter, a familiar silhouette appeared. It was a dark-haired young man holding a book of poems. Of course, she thought, it had to be Roy Gardner. Why did he always have to be around when she was trying to relax with a good book?

The elegant-looking young man made his way to another chair which was opposite to the one the teenager was sitting in. She rolled her eyes, realizing that there were plenty of other seats available, but that he had to choose the one directly opposite her.

Roy couldn't help smiling slightly as the young redhead pretended to ignore him. Then he finally dipped his eyes to his book.

Meanwhile, still in Charlottetown, Diana was with her parents at Aunt Jo's. She had an important mission today, and her parents were still preventing her from accomplishing it.

This afternoon, she should have been spending time with her friend, only Eliza and William Barry had decided otherwise by visiting her today. And for good reason: the Barrys wouldn't have missed the charity ball for anything in the world.

But the only benefit of her being at her aunt's house was that, at some point, she would be able to make her a request in private.

Settled in the living room and as they all finished their cups of tea. Diana saw Aunt Josephine get up from her armchair.

She stood up as well, then confronted her, "Aunt Jo, may I ask you something in private?"

The Barrys weren't fooled, their daughter was hiding things again, but whatever, she'd agreed to follow them to Paris, so they could let her have a few private conversations for today.

"Yes, dear. I'm all ears," Aunt Jo replied with her usual caring smile.

Diana pulled her aunt away from her parents, so they wouldn't overhear their discussion. She cleared her throat, "Hmm. It's about Gilbert Blythe, actually."

"Oh... I see. Anne's Gilbert?"

"Indeed... It turns out he made me a request by telegram, he'll be present for the ball after all, and Anne doesn't think he'll come. He wanted to surprise her."

"Well I'm very happy for Anne, but what's that have to do with me?"

"Oh...well, I was wondering if Gilbert would be able to stay in your house tonight, as of course it's excluded that he'd be able to stay at the Blackmore boarding house. And I was thinking, given that you were hosting the Cuthberts tonight..."

"Of course he can sleep here! It's a good thing I've got a big house, there'll be plenty of people here! I love that!", she smiled.

At the same moment, as elegant as ever, Cole appeared in the living room, he approached Aunt Jo and Diana, "So there'll be even more people than expected?"

The young brunette looked at him with big eyes, she whispered, "Cole! Please keep this to yourself, but Gilbert's coming tonight, he'd love to accompany Anne to the ball."

Cole frowned, "But she has to know, you're robbing her of the enjoyment of looking forward to this ball. Besides, maybe that will influence her dress choice."

Diana rolled her eyes, "Anne is far too preoccupied with her performance tonight. I don't even think Gilbert could change that."

"So, where is she now? It won't help if someone decides to invite her before Gilbert," Cole said jokingly.

"When my parents picked me up at the manor, Anne was rehearsing in our room. Cole, could you keep an eye on her? She needs to be at the boarding house when Gilbert shows up. And I..." she glanced discreetly at her parents.

"I get it, I'm good at playing chaperone," he said with a grin on his face. He rushed out into the hall, put on his gray coat and a fine silk scarf, and was already on his way to the Blackmore boarding house.

In Toronto, the temperature was also getting colder, and Gilbert was getting ready to head for the train station. He had packed his suitcase for his brief winter break in Avonlea. He was eager to see these landscapes again, but although the city was very entertaining, nothing could beat Prince Edward Island.

He was in deep thought as he placed one last little package, carefully wrapped, in his suitcase. He was ready now. He was about to leave his student room when Jack arrived, looking totally defeated.

"You're all right?" inquired Gilbert worriedly.

"Can't I go with you? I'd like to be anywhere but here," he replied in despair.

"What's wrong here?"

"My father... My father decided to come today. Of course I suspected it, but it's still terribly depressing," His voice sounded shaky.

"I'm sure it'll be fine," Gilbert tries to soothe his friend.

"It's clear you don't know him. But I wasn't joking, I'll go with you, and it'll be a perfect opportunity to introduce me to your Anne," He said with determination.

The dark-haired boy laughed, then put a hand on his roommate's shoulder, "Don't run away, I think you'll regret it. I don't think I'll have time to make any introductions today anyway. I'm not even sure I'll make it in time. Besides, I have to leave! Good luck Jack! And I wish you a happy holiday in spite of everything!" he says as he passes through the door with his luggage.

"I wish you the same! I think it's more likely that you'll have a better one than me," He exhaled, trying to cheer himself up.

Gilbert laughed after hearing these last words, "I'll write to you!" He was now on his way to the Toronto station.

Anne had been reading her novel in the library for three hours. And the atmosphere was quite unusual, as the place was empty. But not exactly. Roy was still there. He was still reading his book of poetry.

Suddenly, the girl rose from her armchair and said aloud to herself, "Oh my God! I haven't realized how much time has passed! I've been reading Jane Eyre for three hours, and Marilla's going to scold me if I'm not at the manor when she and Matthew arrive!"

She rushed to stow the book on its shelf, then put on her coat and scarf.

All at once, Anne heard a giggle. She turned her head and saw Roy with a charming smile watching her. She frowned.

"Oh, I apologize. I couldn't help finding you amusing," He said in an attempt to justify himself.

But Anne ignored him, pretended she hadn't heard and headed for the exit door.

Roy got up from his chair and spoke to her again.

"I'm leaving too. Would you like a ride? My carriage is waiting in front of the building. I heard you were in a hurry. I mean, you're residing at the Blackmore Manor, right? It's on my way."

The redhead stopped. Admittedly, she didn't really feel like running and ending up all tousled at the mansion. It wasn't so unreasonable to accept his offer, was it?

"If you are planning to leave right now, then I'll gladly accept," she said before turning around.

Roy hadn't expected a positive response, considering how the girl had been shunning him for days, "Well, shall we go then!" he exclaimed, trying to hide his joy as much as he could while putting on his coat.

Accompanied by the Lynde spouses, Miss Stacy and her escort Mr. Fraser, the Cuthberts had finally arrived in Charlottetown. What a tiring journey it had been, with Rachel Lynde's incessant attempts to bring Muriel Stacy and this schoolteacher closer together.

But fortunately for Marilla and Matthew, they'd had to leave the rest of the group to make their way to the Blackmore Manor.

They were looking forward to seeing their Anne again. The last time they'd seen her, things hadn't turned out exactly as they'd planned, and they'd had to deal with her romantic life. They were really learning what it was like to have a teenage girl gradually becoming a woman. But whatever happened, they were determined not to broach the topic of Anne's probable engagement to Gilbert again.

They were finally in front of the mansion, and it looked dreadfully quiet from the outside. They could have sworn no one was in the house.

With some trepidation, Marilla pressed the doorbell. To no one's surprise, they were greeted by the butler.

"Good afternoon, we've come to visit our Anne. Anne Shirley Cuthbert," said Marilla with her most amiable smile. Matthew, meanwhile, was content to look around, impressed by the mansion even though it wasn't the first time he'd been here.

"Good afternoon. Miss Shirley-Cuthbert isn't here unfortunately. But please feel welcome to come in for a moment and have a cup of tea. Perhaps she's about to come in?"

The siblings agreed, since it wasn't like they had much choice now. It was either that or wait in the cold.

Simultaneously, in a teahouse in Charlottetown, Miss Stacy was still stuck with the Lynde couple and her date for the day. She kept telling herself she was doing all this for Anne.

She should have had some interesting things to talk about with Mr. Fraser; they'd talked a bit because they were both in the same profession, but it wasn't enough to create any connection between them.

Rachel Lynde had noticed this, much to her dismay.

As Muriel looked out through the window of the tearoom, she thought she saw a familiar silhouette. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Isn't that Sebastian?" questioned Rachel, interrupting the teacher's thoughts.

The young woman shook her head, "Oh... uh that's impossible. He..."

The town gossip glanced at her from the side of her eye, and she could see that her friend looked upset, but that didn't stop her from adding something, "He's quite elegant. I mean, he's all dressed up in his Sunday best. Maybe he decided to come and see Anne tonight after all. It's a pity he doesn't seem to be accompanied."

"I need some fresh air, if you don't mind," said Miss Stacy, whose cheeks were becoming increasingly red. No doubt she needed some fresh air.

Of course she needed a change of air. But a little part of her, or a big part of her, wanted Sebastian to notice her. She tried to reason with herself: what would be the point now? She knew him, he'd never join them anyway. If he'd decided to attend Anne's ball, he'd probably want to be as discreet as possible.

She stood in the street, leaning against a lamppost, her face lit by the crepuscular light that tinted the sky with a soft palette of orange and pink. Her gaze eagerly scanned every single person who passed in front of her, desperately searching for a familiar glimmer among the shifting crowd. Then, all of a sudden, her heart leapt in her chest as she caught sight of Sebastian emerging from the street, his silhouette standing out in the twilight. A mixture of excitement and anxiety swept over her as she realized he had noticed her presence.