My Lucky Penny

Youth is the Season of Hope Part 2

The next morning, Penny was working on lunch in the kitchen when pounding on the stairs caught her attention. She quickly returned her gaze to her cutting board as Nate came into view.

"Good morning Miss Penny," he greeted, clearly aware of her discomfort.

"Good morning, Nate," she replied shortly, yet not unkind. "Off to work?"

"I sure am." Much to her displeasure, he came up behind her, close enough that she could feel his breath on her shoulder. "What are you doing?"

"Cutting potatoes," she forced out through her rigid posture. "Is this an unusual sight for you?"

He was silent for a moment before backing off. "Of course not."

She immediately felt her body relax. "Your lunch is on the table," she dismissed, eager for him to leave. "Have a good day."

"You do the same," she heard him say before the door shut behind him.

Penny went over to the sink and splashed a little cold water on her face. She felt completely violated even though he didn't touch her.

She watched out the window as he conversed with Mr. Dunlop; another pounding on the stairs caught her attention.

Anne came downstairs, almost skipping.

"Good morning, Penny!" she greeted joyfully.

Penny smiled, happy for the distraction. "Hi, Anne." She noticed the book in the young girl's arms. "What do you have there?"

"Oh, Nate let me borrow his book on geology!" she exclaimed. "The whole concept is so thrilling! Could you see me as a geologist?"

Penny chuckled. "Yesterday, you asked if I could see you as a beekeeper. You wish to be a geologist now?"

She gave a frustrated sigh. "There are just so many possible paths out there! How am I to choose just one?"

"I can't be certain, but I would say if that is all you're worrying about, you will be just fine."

Anne gave her a pointed stare before sighing. "I have to start my chores in the barn."

Penny handed her a basket. "There are two bread rolls in there. One is for Jerry."

Once the two girls bid their goodbyes, Penny checked on the casserole in the oven before heading to the dining room table. Pulling out her letter to Gilbert, she added a postscript at the end.

Dear Gil,
        I hope everything is well wherever you are in the world. Though I am quite happy with the Cuthberts, I find myself missing you a bit more fervently every day. Would it be selfish if I admitted my desire for you to come back? I return home a few times a week to check on the crops and the atmosphere just feels empty. I hadn't realized how much dad's presence filled a room until he was gone. It makes me doubt that anything will be the same again.
I know I've told you a bit about my discomfort concerning the new boarders, but it's only grown since. Mr. Dunlop is admittedly easier to deal with, but Nate just sends a cold shiver down my spine every time I see him. He claims to be a geologist from New York working on something big here, but that seems off putting. Rarely does a life-changing event occur in Avonlea. Anne, however, is otherwise enthralled by his work, as she is about most things. Nothing seems to dampen her spirits.
        Anyways, I am eagerly awaiting updates on your voyage. I miss you every day, little brother.
                                                             Penny
        P.S. Speaking of Anne, I'm sure she wouldn't mind a letter from you. Just a thought. Love you!

She smirked as she folded the letter up and slipped it into the envelope. It was quite endearing to Penny that in every one of Gilbert's letters, he has mentioned Anne in some way. It was clear he was trying to be subtle and nonchalant, but Penny knew her brother like the back of her hand. It was clear he was taken with her.

The thought of her baby brother having a crush on a girl always put a big smile on her face.

•••

Later in the day, Penny was helping gather hay with Anne, Marilla, Matthew, Jerry, and Mr. Dunlop. Thankfully, the chore was not a blistering one at the beginning of October. She kept having to warm her nose, but the breeze was overall refreshing.

As all of them began singing "Haul Away Joe," she found herself truly having fun.

"Penny," Anne voiced, catching up to her with her hay-filled pitchfork. "Matthew, Marilla, and I are going to the beach tomorrow. We have extra room in the carriage. Would you want to come?"

Surprise overtook Penny. "Are you certain? I wouldn't want to impose on family time."

Anne smiled. "Penny, you are family."

The brunette couldn't help her blush and she happily accepted, happy to have a second family.