Forever Red - an Anne and Gilbert Story

12. New Ways

                    Chapter song: Old Soul
                     by Hudson Taylor

                             -----------------------------

It wasn't long until Miss Stacy's arrival almost seemed like a distant memory. 

Although her methods were not traditional, the children adapted quickly to her way of teaching, and the majority of them found they actually enjoyed school, possibly for the first time, with the more dreary and regimented ways done away with. The class wanted to listen, wanted to learn, and there were no problems with discipline, fighting or unruly behaviour. The thought of disappointing their young  teacher was too much for even the most mischievous of the boys to bear, although one or two of them wouldn't admit it out loud.

Anne of course adored her. From the moment she walked in with her crown of flowers and muddy trailing skirts, she recognised a kindred spirit when she saw one, and Miss Stacy was everything she'd hope to be as a grown woman. Graceful, clever and unashamedly herself.

One of the most joyous occasions so far was when she promptly announced that couples dancing was not permitted at the upcoming community dance, as they were all too young. Anne could not have been more grateful to her in that moment.
"I'm surprised your former teacher thought it appropriate at your age" she'd announced shortly after her arrival, and the silence ringing through the room had been deafening. Several heads had turned in Prissy Andrews' direction at that point, but no one dared utter a word.
Instead Miss Stacy had cheerfully announced that they'd be learning reels instead which was far safer, with minimal touching.

So it was that their days had been taken up mostly as a mixture of dance, poetry and outdoor learning. Anne could not have been more in her element if it were not for a certain dark haired boy that she couldn't quite look at. 

Two days before the community dance, Gilbert unexpectedly approached her just as the end of the school day arrived. 

"I was wondering if you'd like to meet for our next tutoring session?" he murmured quietly, clearly not wanting to be overheard. "It's been a couple of weeks" he paused, "and you did promise me some help with my poetry- I've been having a bit of trouble with there being so much of it recently." 

She was taken aback that he wanted to start up their agreement again, but then quickly felt a stab of guilt that he'd already helped her with her arithmetic and she'd not reciprocated or even thought to. Steeling herself, she forced her chin upward and met his gaze, trying to ignore the lurch in her chest. 

" Of course, I would be happy to help you Gilbert. When would be best for you?" 

"How about tomorrow after school? There's the dance on Friday so that's no good..."

"Tomorrow is fine" she interrupted, not wanting to bring up dancing and the possibility of him using it as a chance to mention Ruby. "Where shall I meet you?" 

"How about our spot? Err.. I mean ... well.... the spot where we had the picnic last time? You know... that grassy patch" he was looking decidedly uncomfortable at this point.

" Yes, I know the spot" she quickly supplied, "Would you like me to bring any refreshments as you were so generous last time?" she kept her voice steady and businesslike, and silently rejoiced at her own acting skill. 

"That would be very kind Anne" he returned, a pained look in his eyes. 

"Until tomorrow then Gilbert," and she turned on her heel before he had a chance to see the flush rise in her face. 

Thankfully she'd recovered sufficiently by the time Diana joined her for the walk home. 

"Did I see you speaking with Gilbert then?" 

"Oh yes, we were just discussing the poem Miss Stacy had assigned today" Anne lied smoothly. 

"I'm glad" Diana smiled at her, "I haven't seen you two talking for a while and thought you'd both fallen out again. That would be awful after taking so long to make friends in the first place!"

"No, of course not! We've both been busy and not had a chance to speak is all." 

"Well yes, it has been a whirlwind since Miss Stacy arrived I must say! Mother doesn't approve of course, thinks it's uncouth to learn outdoors and clamber on trees and such. I rather like it though. I didn't expect to, but sometimes new things can be a joy can't they Anne?"

Anne turned to her bosom friend and smiled broadly. 

There had been a time when she'd been considered uncouth by Mrs Barry, but their friendship had also once been a new thing, one that had brought endless joy. 

"They can indeed my dearest Diana" and she linked arms as they made their way home.