A warning, the baby is born in this chapter, but there are complications. If you stop reading when her waters break, I don't blame you.

"Anne?" asked Dora a little shyly.

Feeling enormous, her feet particularly swollen and aching, Anne looked up hoping Dora did not need her to move, "yes?"

Dora took a seat beside her, "it's just you know how much I enjoyed geography this year."

Relieved, Anne replied, "of course, you were my top student."

Dora smiled proudly. "Was I? It's just I find other countries so interesting."

"They are, aren't they. So much to learn."

"Mm."

Anne paused wondering where the conversation was going. It was true that Dora had loved the subject, her face fairly lit up when they covered those units. Whereas mathematics and literature had not caught her interest at all, those lessons where they covered different cultures obviously fascinated her. "Yes, well I was wondering." Dora was on thin ice here, she had mentioned her topic to Marilla who had scolded her and told her to leave Anne alone, but Dora was sure that Anne would not mind and after all she was wealthy now.

"Yes?" Anne encouraged.

"Is there a book out there about different cultures? Does something like that exist?"

Anne gazed at her astounded, rarely in her experience did a child seek out further learning, especially during vacation. "Yes, of course there are darling, it's called an Atlas. Would you like me to purchase one for you?"

Dora nodded. "Marilla told me not to worry you. She said you had enough to be getting on with right now."

"I always have time for you, Dora darling. Especially since you've been such a help lately. You can always ask your big sister for a favour; I'd like to think. Next time you're in town pick up an Eaton's catalogue and we can find the perfect one for you." Anne leant back with a sigh, the baby was getting rather large and uncomfortable.

The golden weeks of summer passed. Gilbert paid visits often and they drove all over the east reach, getting reacquainted. Where once they would have darted and dodged each other in a mad dance, now their relationship deepened and grew stronger. Instead of discussing literature as they might once have done. They spoke of more profound matters; child rearing, hopes, desires, how they might see their life mapped out before them. Over time Anne and Gilbert's bond grew more passionate despite barely touching. Oh, they touched hands when Gilbert helped Anne out of a chair or into the buggy, but they did not kiss again as if afraid to ruin their burgeoning friendship.

One day Anne realised she had wanted to stay home. She could have left, she just had no desire, home felt like the best place for her to be right now. Gilbert dropped over, expecting to take her out again but she declined. "I'm just staying put for now," she said. Gilbert sat down on the veranda beside her. Charlotte served them a glass of lemon barley water. Each were acutely aware that her time was soon. It's hard to say who was more worried; Gilbert with his book learning knowledge of what might go wrong; or Anne to whom it might happen. Each knew people to whom the worst had happened and prayed it would not happen to her. But neither articulated their thoughts for fear the speaking of them would make it true.

When he returned home this intelligence made its way back to Green Gables. Marilla hearing the news packed and got Davy to drive her to Echo Lodge. "Goodness!" exclaimed Anne when Marilla arrived with Davy and Dora in tow. "How on earth did you know?"

Ignoring her words Marilla got straight to work sorting out the house. For, in her mind neither of these young women had a clue how to run a house. Tutting over the laundry, the state of the kitchen and the linen cupboard Marilla started directing Charlotte. Anne naturally was exempt. "For," Marilla said solicitously, "you have enough on your plate." Anne kept her annoyance to herself; in truth she was relieved to have Marilla nearby; she had such a steadying influence despite her ignorance in such matters.

Diana had told Anne about the nesting instinct, and it seemed now as though it had jumped a generation, foisting itself upon the grandmother by mistake. Though, Anne thought as she watched her mother scrub the kitchen floor, since when has Marilla tolerated a speck of dirt. Grunting as she lifted her feet out of the way Anne felt the baby move. It had ceased to do much in the way of kicking lately. The doctor had paid a visit recently and told her that was normal. "There's not much room in there these days," he'd explained, and Anne had nodded, it seemed incredible that it could grow any larger.

Pressing her hand to her back Anne eased herself out of the chair and shuffled outside to stay out of Marilla's way. Much as she appreciated her work, it was unrestful to be in her vicinity. She caught Charlotte's eye as she passed and murmured a regretful, "sorry," in her direction.

For her part, Charlotte did not mind overmuch. She had little experience overseeing a house, Miss Cuthbert taking over was reassuring. Additionally, she had worried how she would cope when Anne went into labour, as it seemed she might shortly do.

Gilbert arrived on the veranda at pretty much the same time as Anne. Though he would never say, she was enormous, with her belly stuck out in front. He'd noticed some weeks earlier how her centre of gravity had shifted and today it seemed more pronounced than ever.

"How are you?" Gilbert asked to which Anne merely groaned. Patting her stomach she replied, "sick of being pregnant, that's for sure." Though the concern had been building for some time, it came to a head now for with a gasp of realisation she knew there was only one way this baby was coming out and she prayed she would survive it.

"What does it feel like?" he asked.

Patting her stomach she clarified, "this?"

"Mm."

"I feel massive, akin to a beached whale. It's not pleasant. My body is not behaving the way it should."

Talk subsided and they found themselves gazing at each other, a small bird singing in the background. Anne noted Gilbert's chin, eyes, nose, eyebrows, beard - it being late in the afternoon; on their own they were handsome enough but coalesced together they formed a most pleasing sight. Unmindful she leant in, subconsciously noticing that he did likewise awkwardly for the massive belly was in their way. Lifting her lips up to his ever so softly they touched relishing each other's scent, taste, softness. Slowly Gilbert placed his lips on Anne's and was immediately lost. Tentatively he held his lips to hers, it felt like forever and a moment. A gentle sigh escaped from Anne as finally she knew how beautiful a kiss could be. This was nothing like Roy, all stiff and formal, but a living breathing vibrant moment of beauty. His lips started to move of their own accord breaking contact for a moment then coming together again in perfect harmony. Greedily Gilbert captured her bottom lip between his own bringing his tongue into play.

"Ooo," Anne felt a distinct tearing way down low almost immediately followed by a small gush she bent over in sudden pain. Reluctantly she pulled away and blinked rapidly. A sharp agony suffusing her entire being.

Gilbert pursued her, but she took a step backwards, pressing her hands to her belly. "What is it, what have I done?"

"No, no, no. I'm sorry. I can't I just have to. Oh," and with one last panicked look Anne ran inside.

Gilbert followed Anne, expecting he'd be needed but Marilla barred his way. "No Gilbert! You mustn't."

"What?" he was completely nonplussed.

"I think you should go for the doctor; you're not coming in here."

"What about Davy, wouldn't he be a better idea and if I stay then I can help if I'm needed."

"I absolutely forbid it, it's improper."

Anne moaned behind her causing Marilla to pause and gaze at Gilbert. "Now leave, while I tend to Anne." She turned and closed the door behind her firmly leaving him frustrated on the wrong side.

Gilbert started at the door for a moment, then taking matters into his own hands he went to find Davy.

"Is Anne alright?" the young boy asked urgently.

"She's having the baby."

Davy's eye's opened wide, "now?"

"It'll take a while, Davy boy. Could you and Dora take the buggy and go fetch the doctor. She's got a while to go yet, but I reckon he'll be required before the end."

Feeling very proud to be tasked with such an important job, Davy and Dora left almost immediately leaving Gilbert to pace the veranda watched by a nervous Charlotte. "Why did you do that?" she asked.

"Well for starters, we will need the doctor eventually. Miss Cuthbert hasn't any experience with these things and I'm guessing neither do you?" Charlotte shook her head. "And I reckoned it might get a bit noisy hereabouts. I didn't think we needed the twins underfoot." Charlotte nodded; it made perfect sense when he put it like that.

Gilbert stared at the shut door. "Wish you were in there?" Charlotte asked.

He nodded, "mm, hm. But there's nothing I can do. Hopefully..."

There was a flurry at the door as Marilla thrust some damp sheets at Charlotte and asked for some fresh ones. Gilbert looked up hopefully, but Marilla steadfastly ignored him.

The twins had left hours ago and when they didn't return to Green Gables Rachel figured something had to be going on at Echo Lodge. Considering the state of its inhabitants she reckoned it could be only one thing. Stowing some clean sheets in her buggy she too departed.

"Yoo hoo," Rachel called. Charlotte appeared at the front door, and she could see Gilbert sitting on the veranda. Looking askance his way she made her way inside. "What's he doing out there?" she asked Marilla as she handed over her sheets.

"Wants to get involved," Marilla shook her head. "As if I'd let him anywhere near her."

"Naturally, they're practically courting, Marilla. It's completely unseemly."

"That's exactly what I said, Rachel. But he's stubborn."

"Just like a Blythe. Now, tell me what's going on here?" They turned to regard Anne writhing on her bed.

"Anne dear, how long has it been going on?"

Gripping the side of the bed so hard her knuckles turned white Anne shook her head imperceptibly as a wave of pain moved through her. "How long since the last one?" Rachel asked Marilla.

"I don't know, is that important?"

"They get closer as the labour progresses. When they become constant, we know the baby is not far away."

"Oh, I had no idea. Well, we'll keep an eye on the time from now on."

"Would you like a sip of water, Anne? Now the next thing is how far she's dilated." Marilla looked at her blankly. "Oh dear, you really have no idea, do you." *

Anne laboured, her body working hard to create the space for the baby. Periodically someone left the room to collect more supplies. Gilbert maintained his place, but they swept past him in their femininity. The birthing room was a woman's domain, he had no part.

Eventually Marilla came out and he implored her, "please Miss Cuthbert. You'll be there too. I shan't do anything untoward, but she might need my help."

"It's not as though you've ever done it before, have you?"

"No, I haven't." Gilbert swallowed hard, "but I've read up on it."

"Fiddlesticks! You two with your book learning. Not all knowledge is to be found between the leaves of a book, you know."

"Ordinarily I'd agree, but in this case it might be worthwhile. Miss Cuthbert, the doctor could be hours yet. Do you want me to help, do you think we can afford to wait?"

"You'll see her."

"Yes, I will but it's medical not um." There being no way he could utter that word to her he stopped. "Anyway," he added leaving the word unsaid but dangling. "I just think I need to be there."

Unaware of the unfolding drama, Earl dropped by to pay a call with Charlotte. Hearing his voice Gilbert poked his head outside. "Earl! Could you do us a favour?"

"Sure thing, Mr Blythe."

"Could you ride, fast as you can, to my place and fetch my obstetrics textbook."

"Your what, obsets?"

"Obstetrics. Here I'll write it down for you."

"Sure thing," said Earl unable to make much sense of the word even then. Wheeling his horse around he waved at Charlotte and set off down the road with a clatter of hooves.

In his day Earl had been quite the racer, but it had been a while since he had given the horse its head and spurred it to gallop as fast as it could. Leaning over its neck man and horse fused into one and fairly flew down the red road towards Avonlea. He slowed the horse momentarily as they took the left fork and they hurtled off again, the horse as keen as its rider. Eventually they reached their destination and with a clutter of hooves came to a halt. Earl dashed off the horse and met Mrs Blythe at the front door, thrusting the scrap of paper into her hand.

Mr Blythe appeared from the barn, they had a brief discussion about whether he should take his horse or whether Earl should ride back. Ultimately it was decided that it would be faster for Earl, the time lost in saddling a fresh horse considered too lengthy. He gave the horse a sip of water and patted it encouragingly. The weighty tome in his saddlebag Earl wheeled the horse around for the return journey. Unnoticed dark clouds had started to mass on the horizon. Earl hadn't noticed the first fat drops of water but soon the road turned to red glue slowing them down. When they finally arrived man and horse were indistinguishable. Earl splashed through the puddles to throw the damp book onto the veranda. "Earl!" Charlotte called to him.

"Can't stay," he panted. "Got to get cleaned up."

"Thank you," she said, her eyes shining through the rain. And it was that sight that nurtured him through his subsequent bath and later when his mother had tucked him up in bed. "Sounds like you were the hero of the hour," she said admiringly.

"I wouldn't go that far," he replied through chattering teeth.

"Do you think we'll be needed?" Mrs Blythe asked John as they watched Earl gallop off. "Looks like there might be trouble ahead. It's not as though Gilbert really knows what he's doing."

John scratched his head, "what do you think?"

Might be worth take some vittles up. They'll be too busy to cook. We shan't stay."

John nodded, "you pack the basket, I'll harness the horse."

Gilbert's sitting in the kitchen his head in his hands, getting increasingly worked up. The sounds from the bedroom are getting louder and he wants nothing more than to be by her side, helping her, guiding her, guiding this baby into the world. When she had told him she was with child his first thought had been of pain. By rights this should be his child. He'd told his parents it didn't matter to him. And mostly he wasn't lying, but in some private corner of his mind he did. He couldn't help feeling terribly hurt by Anne's actions, falling in love with and marrying Roy, and now birthing his baby. If he were allowed, he'd try to bring it up like it was his own, but he knew it wasn't, never truly would be. Gilbert prayed he'd be up to the task. He gasped with the horror of it all. His glance fell upon the book Earl had so kindly brought over. Of course, I can read that chapter again. Might need it before the night's out.

He was nearly finished and prepared to start all over when Marilla appeared. He looked up expectantly. "No," she said. "I just need the privy."

"And a break, I expect," Gilbert said with more kindness than he thought he had in him. "Shall I make you a cup of tea?"

"Thank you," she sighed. When she returned, she sank into a kitchen chair and took up the cup he had pushed over to her and looked queryingly at the slice of cake he had placed next to it. "Mother brought over some food," he said. "Thought we might need fortification."

"That was kind of her," mumbled Marilla taking a bite.

Gilbert regarded her for a moment before taking the initiative. "Marilla," he said forcefully. "You need a break."

"I mustn't" replied Marilla, yawning. "She needs me."

"You lie down for a while. You're no good to her exhausted. Let me take over."

"No."

"Marilla," he wheedled.

"Look, I'll take a break as you suggest. Rachel or Charlotte will sit with her. You'll stay out here."

For her part Anne has descended into a world of pain heedless of all the drama encircling her. All she's aware of is the cramping that overwhelms and recedes, overwhelms and recedes. The time between each contraction steadily decreasing so that eventually that's all that's left. The unremitting agony as her stomach clenches in an attempt to squeeze the baby out. There were no comfortable positions; nothing she tried made a jot of difference. In the very back of her mind there's the wonder about the whereabouts of the doctor but she's too far gone to think about him much and what can he do anyway? Anne's aware that this is all on her now. Her body must labour, a word remarkably fit for purpose she now realises, to get the baby out. Dimly she's aware of Marilla by her side and is that Rachel? No matter, she's far away from their machinations, from their fraught energy. Somewhere someone's screaming, she wishes they'd be quiet, she has a job to do and they're putting her off.

There was a banging at the door, Marilla opened it a crack. "Gilbert, what have I been telling you all day. I'm too exhausted to fight with you."

"I'm worried."

"As we all are. I wish I knew where that doctor had gotten to."

"Let me be with her, I've been reading up. I have some ideas."

"Well…"

"Marilla Cuthbert!" Rachel's strident tone tried to strengthen her wavering resolve.

Marilla turned to her, "I don't know what to do? I just want her to be safe. For them both to be."

"You cannot allow Gilbert to enter this room."

Marilla leaned against the doorframe. Wearily she replied, "look ordinarily I wouldn't of course, but I have no idea what to do here. Anne is failing and Gilbert might be able to help her. I think the time for proprietary has come and gone. What would you have me do, Rachel? Maintain good manners and lose mother and child, or have Gilbert save them?"

Rachel faltered; Marilla made a good point. She nodded.

Closing her eyes, Marilla waved Gilbert in.

The moment he had prepared for had finally arrived and Gilbert was terrified. He gazed at Anne for a moment, swallowing heavily; the woman he had obsessed over for years was lying prostrate before him. He blinked rapidly taking it all in.

Heedless of his panic, Marilla stated, "I'll be staying here; I'll have you know."

Thankful that she had broken the spell, Gilbert wrenched his gaze away and nodded, "wouldn't have it any other way. I'll probably need you at some point. Now Marilla," he added. "I don't want to alarm you, but I'll need to examine her." Marilla heaved a big sigh and nodded. She hated to think of it, but she knew it was necessary.

"Marilla," Anne sobbed into her shirtfront, "make it go away, make that person stop."

"Which person, darling?"

"There's someone making a terrible racket, tell them to leave."

Marilla's terrified eyes met Gilbert's, and he ducked down to see what was going on.

"Sh, sh, there's a good girl now," Marilla soothed.

"It hurts," Anne whined at Gilbert's touch.

"I know, he won't take long."

"Right," said Gilbert straightening up. "She's progressing. I can definitely see that, but there's something in the way. If you'll just give me a moment, I'll."

"Gilbert!"

"I know, I know, you just have to let me do it as best I can. I've got my lecture notes and this here book," he said tapping it. "But I've never actually done this before." Marilla subsided, her fear was making her waspish, she recognised it but understood it couldn't help situation. "I think it'll be alright, but the baby is very big. Roy was a large chap after all." Anne's body contracted again letting Gilbert see the problem as the head emerged but retracted again. "Hm."

"What, what's the matter?" Marilla sounded panicky.

Gilbert drew away to consult his book. Flicking through the pages hurriedly he found the correct one and read through quickly. "Looks like dystocia," he said, concern lacing his words.

"What on earth does that mean?" Rachel said over his shoulder.

"The baby's too big. I keep seeing the head momentarily, but she can't deliver the rest of it."

"Marilla," Anne moaned.

Looking up from her, Marilla asked, "is there anything we can do?"

"I must study the book some more, hopefully we can manoeuvre her into a better position."

Anne fell asleep with sheer exhaustion; the subsidence of the moaning gave them a moment's peace. Gilbert took advantage of the quiet to read through the textbook once more. Marilla cleared her throat to get his attention, she wanted Gilbert to understand something important. "I don't know what the future holds, Gilbert. None of us do."

"I guess not."

"But there might come a time when you and Anne."

"I sincerely hope so, Miss Cuthbert.

"You might be wondering how it will be bringing up a child that's not yours."

Gilbert looked down at his hands. "I've considered it."

"Well, let me put your mind at rest, Gilbert. No one knows that better than I, I think I can safely say."

"I guess."

"Yes, well I want to tell you that I love my three children as much as if they were my kin. Of course, Davy and Dora are, technically, but not close. And Anne, well I can't imagine loving anyone on God's green earth more that I love this girl. Mind you take care of her, if you do wind up together, Gilbert. My wrath will be absolute if you do not."

Gilbert smiled, "I will, Miss Cuthbert."

"I guess if it comes to that, Gilbert, I think you had better call me Marilla."

Gilbert smiled wearily, "very well, Miss- Marilla."

Anne woke up at that point her moans alerting them to the matter at hand. "Would you like some water, darling?" Marilla said offering the glass. Anne took a sip and then another, looking up with pain in her eyes.

"I know, I know. Gilbert's here, he's going to help you."

"Gilb? Wha? Oh no, not him," she trailed off.

"I'm just here to help you, Anne sweetheart."

"We want to get this over as soon as possible, darling," Marilla reiterated.

Anne nodded, dimly she knew something must be bad, she had to get rid of this pain though by this point she had no idea what a pain free existence was.

Gilbert was struck by inspiration, "now Anne sweetheart, I want you to get up on all fours."

Marilla looked at him in shock, "how on earth?"

"I know, but I think it might help."

"There's no way."

"Rachel might be able to help."

Together the three of them helped Anne turn over and onto her hands and knees, she moaned as they did it but eventually, she made it up, and Gilbert examined her once more.

A commotion outside interrupted proceedings and as one they turned to look as the doctor finally burst through the door. He stopped to take in the tableau. Two women, one young man hovered around the labouring woman on her hands and knees. "Oh, I see," he said after he had taken it all in, "dystocia?" he asked Gilbert who nodded.

"The textbook suggested this method."

"Interesting. Yes, I can see how. Anyway, let me examine her first and then we'll see. How long has she been in labour, Miss Cuthbert?"

"Oh, I don't know. I haven't been keeping a track of the hours."

"Around sixteen, I'd say," Gilbert chimed in.

"Has it been that long?" Marilla was mystified, time had rather stopped in that little room.

It took a while, but eventually the two men with Anne's able assistance managed to deliver the baby. Afterwards as the women washed it and brought it to Anne the doctor discussed the case with Gilbert. "Good work there, son."

"If it hadn't been for the textbook," Gilbert shuddered.

"We all need whatever help comes our way. I wouldn't have tried it myself but look." The men turned to watch Anne sleepily take the baby in her arms. "It all came out well enough. You have the makings of a fine physician," the doctor said, patting Gilbert's shoulders.

* If you want a more knowledgeable Marilla, I recommend my other story, Catching Babies where she is a midwife, but in this world, she's clueless.