The hours passed slowly. Anne who famously adored the great outdoors was currently bedbound. There was a reason to it, she understood, but that did not mean she wasn't fretting at being sequestered so.

Thankfully she had plenty of visitors. Marilla naturally was always on hand, but there were others besides. Perhaps most importantly the twins, pleased and proud of their role in the delivery. Upon entering Dora immediately sat on the edge of the bed while Davy stood in the corner seemingly unwilling to get too close.

"So beautiful," Dora murmured, stroking Matthew's face. "Look at his wee fingers," she added as the baby stretched. "Like starfishes."

Anne looked on fondly. "You're going to make a wonderful aunt, darling." Dora straightened as if only now aware of her new responsibility.

Feigning disinterest for it seemed an unmanly affair, Davy watched on, desperately attentive despite himself. Suddenly baby Matthew's face turned a violent puce and a distinct noise was heard at which Davy giggled while Dora tried to look demure. Anne smiled, "he does that."

"Marilla can't like it," Davy remarked. "I get into all sorts of trouble if I do it."

"That's different," Dora replied. "You can stop it."

"She's right," Anne replied to Davy. "When you were little, like Matthew here, you would have done it too, but no one minded because you were just wee. Now that you're grown, you must mind your manners."

"Wish I was still little then, like you," Davy whispered, pleased there was another boy in the family at last. Then he realised he was happy to have the baby around and started dreaming up ways he could lead him when he was older, things only he, the man in the family knew about.

When Diana came it was a merry affair. She demanded to hold the baby and laughed when he rooted for her breast. "Not me, darling one. How's it all going?" she added when Matthew had swapped chests.

"It's wonderful. He's a sweet little fellow."

"Are you getting any sleep at all?"

"Well, not much. He's up a few times a night. Somehow, I thought I could feed him, and he'd go back to sleep, but."

"I know, it doesn't work like that does it. At this stage nursing is a drawn-out affair and then you must wind them. And he'll still be learning how to get himself to sleep. My advice is to nap when he does. Now," Di lowered her voice, "tell me. I overheard Rachel telling Mother that Gilbert was in attendance during the birth. But I know Rachel Lynde, she's a terror for stretching the truth. Was he really here?"

Anne grimaced, "usually I'd agree with you regarding Rachel, Di darling, but this time she's telling the truth. Gilbert um, he helped, um." If Anne's words failed, her eyes conveyed the truth.

Picking up on her message as only the best friends can, Di's own eyes opened wide in astonishment. "But Anne, he's not even a doctor!"

"Not, yet. Hopefully soon."

"And he's, I mean he's not supposed to. You know he saw you, your. Oh my." Diana thought back to her own labour, the thought of having Fred in attendance was appalling.

Anne smiled ruefully, "yes, well it wasn't planned that way you know. But we needed help, and the doctor was held up. We had to make a choice." She looked almost apologetic.

"Oh, of course you did darling. You had to." Diana looked thoughtful for a moment then whispered, "how are you going to be when you see him again?"

Anne visibly blanched. She had not considered that. It was one thing to let him see her most intimate parts when she was in the throes of labour, but what on earth could they talk about if they met again, which, she realised they most undoubtedly would. She grimaced and let out an embarrassed giggle. Soon the two of them were laughing uproariously at the terrible scenario, so much so that the baby disengaged from the nipple and started crying.

Startled by the cacophony Marilla popped her head in. "Everything all right in here?" she enquired which only caused them to laugh harder while Anne attempted to latch the baby back on. "Fine, just fine," she spluttered.

"I was just making you some tea, but perhaps I should wait a moment."

"How about some raspberry cordial," Anne whispered when she had left.

"Don't remind me," Di smiled. "I've never been able to touch the stuff since. And anyway, I am a proper lady now, don't you know."

"It's a bit like I spilt the cordial down here," Anne said.

"I do recall. You'll be pleased to know it does settle down after a week."

"So Rachel says. I'm happy to hear she's telling the truth about that too. I shouldn't be so mean; she has been very helpful."

"That's lucky because I suppose Marilla…" Anne shook her head.

Overhearing their conversation as she approached with the tea tray Marilla sighed inwardly. Buck up, she reminded herself afterwards when she had pulled yet another set of sheets off the bed, you've had children, and you didn't have to go through all this at least.

Later after Diana had gone home, the baby snuffling in his sleep swaddled in his basket beside her bed, Anne settled down for a nap as per Di's advice. However, Diana's words put ideas into her mind which prevented her from truly settling. Marilla came by to check on her and at her tread Anne opened one eye, "did we do anything wrong?" she asked sleepily.

Marilla sat on the bed and stroked Anne's hair, "we did what was necessary," she said understanding instantly to what Anne was referring. "I doubt you remember, but I had a decision to make. I used what I had at my disposal to get you through safely and I'll have you know I stand by my decision. I'd do it again if I had to, though, God willing, I never will."

"Mm," Anne nodded drowsily. Her mind at rest she settled back on her pillows.

Leaning against the wall Marilla rolled her eyes. Trust Rachel to spread the news. I was naïve to think she'd keep her mouth shut.

It appeared Rachel had been busy. When Marilla went to town to pick up some supplies, she found folk huddled in corners looking pointedly her way. Notoriety had never been Marilla's forte, but she squared her shoulders greeting her neighbours with her head held high. What would they have had her do? Lose Anne, lose the baby for the sake of propriety. I suppose I've never been the most conventional woman; this just proves it to them for once and all.

For his part Gilbert was also mortified. He had hoped one day that he might have access to that part of Anne, but as an act of love, not desperation. His fellow students had teased each other when they studied gynaecology; though Gilbert had always taken things more seriously wondering if the anatomy was universal. He wondered if there was more to know, to understand. Naturally his parents never spoke of it and his professors kept things strictly clinical. From his brief examination, it seemed wonderous. Not merely from its expansive properties during childbirth, but the way the child was conceived in the first place. He determined to study it in greater depth when he got back to school, surely there were more books on the subject.

Having seen Anne, Gilbert had no idea how he could look her in the eye again. Medically, of course he'd acted professionally. But she was more than a patient to him, and he wasn't her doctor. He shuddered, and hopefully never would be again as barring emergencies he'd never be required. But he adored her so he hoped one day he could get over this embarrassment, but at this particular moment he couldn't see how.

When his mother returned from her visit, having dropped off some food and held the baby she asked if he had plans to see them. He shook his head.

"Why not? He's a bonny little fellow. Such a lovely head of hair."

Gilbert muttered something but so low she was unable to hear. "I beg your pardon?" Gilbert shook his head unable to look her in the eye and said, "I don't think I can."

"So, you saved her life and now you'll never see her again? Is that your plan?"

"It's complicated, Ma."

"Complicated my foot! Goodness me, Gilbert. You're an adult now, probably time you started behaving like one."

"You don't understand." Gilbert walked away while his mother shook her head.

She's right, Gilbert thought chewing a grass stem while he lay in the field staring up at the clouds. Marilla asked me to help, I did what I could. Does that mean I can never see her again? But what are you going to say to her, the little voice inside his head said. You aren't supposed to see it before marriage. Remind me when you got married, Blythe. I must have missed it. Ignoring it, Gilbert got to his feet and went to saddle the horse.

"Gilbert! How lovely to see you again. I must thank you for your help. You were marvellous. I wouldn't have thought you could have helped so much since you're still learning and all. It was a high-pressure situation, but you really pulled through for them. I know I was hesitant and for that I apologise, I'll be grateful for the rest of my life," Marilla babbled when she saw him on the doorstep.

"It was my, er, pleasure," poor choice of words the little voice told him, "Miss Cuthbert. I was happy I could help."

"You'll want to see Anne I suppose; and meet little Matthew."

"I, um, yes I guess so."

Sensing his embarrassment, Marilla tried to put him at ease. "Don't worry Gilbert. I know it was somewhat unconventional, but you did the only thing you could have under the circumstances. Anne probably won't even remember."

However, given Anne's blush when he saw her, he figured maybe she did. They had gotten Anne out of bed by now. She was in the parlour, with the baby in her arms. "I'll just go and help Charlotte with the tea things," Marilla said, deciding these two needed to get a few things out of the way.

Their conversation faded after Gilbert greeted her and praised the baby. Anne handed the baby over, since most of her visitors had expressed an interest in holding him. Gilbert had scant experience but held him tightly lest he should drop. They sat in an awkward silence until Marilla bustled in with the tray. Then, in a manner most uncharacteristic, Marilla jostled the conversation along, asking Gilbert how he was and brightly telling him how baby rearing was going in these first few days. When prodded each answered monosyllabically unable to look each other in the eye.

Eventually Marilla gave up and decided to leave them to it. "Well, I must get on with the laundry," she declared. "I'll say good day to you, Gilbert, in case I don't see you before you leave."

Gilbert got to his feet, shifting the baby to his shoulder, and nodded his farewell. He rather wished he could leave, having done his duty but he felt he should stay, if only out of politeness. Looking at Anne, he watched her raise her face to his. They stared at each other for a long second before each started talking about how sorry they each were and how they had put each other out. But as soon as they did the baby started grizzling, unhappy with Gilbert's tight grip. "Here let me," Anne said reaching out.

"No, it's fine. I have him," Gilbert replied, hoping he could give her a break.

"He's probably hungry. I should nurse him," Anne pressed.

Matthew let out a massive burp. "Goodness me, Davy would be proud of you, darling," Anne said smiling.

Gilbert laughed, "I'm impressed."

"I wouldn't be surprised if Davy was pleased to have another boy about the place."

"Oh dear," Gilbert said, thinking it through. "Someone to lead astray."

"He's already commented on another of his bodily functions. They're rather disgusting little things," Anne clapped her hand to her mouth. "Oh dear, I'm not supposed to say that."

Gilbert grinned, "no, I agree with you. I expect they don't do much at this stage."

"No, not much. They just burp and spew and fart and poo." She relaxed for this was Gilbert after all, but even as she did so Matthew opened his mouth and without any further ado let out a stream of curdled milk. They both watched as it trailed down Gilbert's front. "Oh," he said looking down, the warmth tracing down his chest. Anne wondered where it would all wind up. Gilbert looked down and then up at her raising his eyebrows. "Ah."

"I'm so sorry."

"No, it's fine."

"It's patently not."

"I've seen far worse on the farm, and in school."

"Yes, but your shirt."

"It'll wash out."

"Babies are," said Anne smiling and trying, somewhat unsuccessfully, not to burst into laughter which Gilbert after a beat joined in with.

"Messy."

"That's just what I was trying to say."

"I've just come in for the tray." Marilla said, then noticing Gilbert she said, "oh."

"No matter, Miss Cuthbert," he spluttered between laughter.

"No, no we must do something for you. Charlotte!" she called. Charlotte came at once, upon seeing Gilbert she stopped. "Oh."

"Do we have anything Mr Blythe could change into?"

"Not here, I don't think Miss Cuthbert. Maybe I could fetch something of Earl's."

"Could you? We can't send him home looking like that." Charlotte left at once, grateful for an excuse to visit.

"Well, I suppose I had better, I mean do you mind if I?" Gilbert gestured at his milk-stained shirt.

"Take it off, take it off at once." Anne watched as Gilbert stripped, first his coat and then his shirt. Eventually he stood before her, half naked. She could not help comparing him to her deceased husband. Gilbert cut a far finer figure than Roy ever had. A life of indolence and good food had rather fattened Roy up whereas Gilbert, who had always worked and played hard possessed a chiselled abdomen and broad chest sprinkled with black hair. Despite the circumstances Anne found herself struck dumb.

While they waited, they found themselves chatting almost despite themselves. They started off talking about babies and how messy they could be; something Anne knew only too well. Then their conversation moved onto other matters; what their ethos was regarding child upbringing, medical school, their school friends. Eventually the conversation trailed off so that they sat and started at each other barely breathing, acutely aware of the other. Anne took a breath as if to break the silence but could think of nothing to say. Anne gazed into Gilbert's eyes and he, his embarrassment behind him, gazed back. Anne watched while Gilbert drew closer, her eyes slipped shut and she waited until his lips connected with hers. Their noses bumped causing them to giggle momentarily before they resumed their exploration. Soft lips on soft lips, his warm tongue on hers. Thoughts of Roy threatened to intrude but she beat them back, relishing this moment, this kiss, this man. Her hands came into play, and she ran them up and down his chest, feeling for the first time its silky smoothness. Time seemed to stretch and slide, going too fast and then ever so slowly.

Hearing their conversation Marilla had smiled. When their talk stilled Marilla waited with baited breath and when Charlotte returned, she rushed to the front door to head her off when it looked as though she was going to intrude on their tryst; after all, this was what Marilla had wanted from the beginning. Roy had been but a distraction, as far as she was concerned Gilbert was the real deal.

Pulling apart Anne breathed heavily and leant into the warmth of him as his arms enveloped her lovingly. There was nothing else to say, no need to speak. The baby snuffled and Anne glanced at him and back to Gilbert. "He's beautiful Anne."

"Thank you."

At their words Marilla nodded at Charlotte and together they entered the room, Charlotte cradling Earl's spare shirt. "It'll probably be far too big," she cautioned handing it over.

Gilbert got to his feet; somewhat sad the spell had been broken but smiling graciously. "That's fine, it's better than nothing."

"Now leave your shirt to us, Gilbert. We'll launder it for you," Marilla said.

"There's no need," he replied.

"Gives you a good excuse to visit again," Anne said with a coy smile.

He turned to her, "well there's that."

"Not that you need one."

"No indeed," Marilla added. "You're always welcome, Gilbert."

"Well, I had best be on my way, thank you for the shirt, Charlotte. Please pass on my thanks to Earl as well, if you get a chance." Charlotte smiled.

"Good day, Miss Cuthbert, Anne, Charlotte, and you too little man," he added to Matthew.

Anne watched him go, feeling the unfamiliar warmth that had gathered in the pit of her stomach dissipate. "How did that go?" Marilla asked.

"Better than expected."

"Despite Matthew's best efforts?"

"Perhaps because of them," Anne replied. "You know I don't think Roy would have been quite so understanding."

"Even of his own son?"

"Hm?"

Their day winding to a close the women moved about the house setting the table for dinner, putting the finishing touches on dinner and preparing to sit down to their repast when a knock on the door interrupted them.

"I'll go," said Anne getting to her feet.

She opened it wonderingly, for this was an unusual time to pay a visit but her jaw dropped when she saw Mrs Gardner on the doorstep. Ignoring her for the moment she whirled around to Marilla who had come up behind her, only to see her apologetic face. "You didn't?" she cried. "You couldn't have!"