Welcome to Avonlea

Chapter 16

"What is it I can help you with?" Marilla gave me the go ahead even though I could see her hesitation. "I was wondering if there were places around here that could be possible dig sights." "Dig sight?" "Yes. I study and find rare rocks and minerals." "I would suggest going down by the beach then. There are cliffside rocks and a few caves. There's not much but fresh soil, or the creeks, you may find something there." I stopped once we reached the gates to the property. "Did you want to join me? I can show you if you'd like." "I'm afraid I'll have to pass on that for now. Maybe Anne and I can come and see. She would tell you a whole story about how if it's a rare mineral that's beautiful. How much magic or beauty it holds." "Fair enough. I'll see you later at supper." "Until then Nate." He turned and walked away and I headed back to the house. "Lydia. When I went to see if we had any mail at the post. This one was addressed for you." I took the letter before heading upstairs. Closing the door, I headed towards my bed looking at the letter and froze seeing the name of the sender. I didn't waste a moment and opened it. I smiled seeing Gilbert had wrote to me. His handwriting was so elegant, I ran my fingers over the paper. He told me exactly where to send any letters so he could receive them. I was happy that he was doing well and had questions for when I would write him back. I wasted no time and got a paper out to write back. I did have to calm myself before I started but froze. I wanted to tell him but I didn't want to not receive a letter back, did receive it but it was unrequited, or make him feel like he had to come back. I answered all his questions then of my own. Where he's been so far and what he got to experience.

Sitting for supper that night. I felt this was going to feel very different. I looked at the other end of the table to see Matthew. Both him and Marilla seemed happy that the boarders were here and paying their dues. It just seemed strange since Mr. Dunlop was more around the house while Nate had been going out digging. "I wonder what's become of Nate?" I stayed silent since I was the one to tell him about the cliffs. "Well, I guess we should make a start." We all stop when the door leading outside open producing the man in question. "My apologies. Sorry I'm late. I got lost in my work again." "We were getting worried is all." "Please don't hold it against me." I saw the look on both Marilla and Anne's face as he sat down. Why was I the only one feeling uncomfortable? "Shall I say grace?" "My, its been a long time since we said grace in this household." "It does seem like there's an awful lot to be thankful for, especially now at harvest time." "Grace would be very nice." When he took my hand, I stiffened and wanted him to let go. "Dear lord, we thank you for-" "Could you say 'Graciously Heavenly Father'?" "Anne!" "It sounds so much more romantical." I looked at Matthew and he was also feeling uncomfortable. "Gracious Heavenly Father, please bless this table and the Cuthberts for taking us in their home. We give thanks to you for this food and for the hands that prepared it." I felt like spiders were crawling all over when his thumb ran over the top of my hand. "We ask for your blessings upon this meal, that it will nourish our bodies and refresh our souls. Bless those that are here and those who are in our hearts. And all those that are not as fortunate on this day. Amen." Everyone except me and Matthew said it. I quickly pulled my hands away from both men still feeling the spiders.

"Why do you do that?" I turned with my back to Anne. "I need to do this every morning. I still don't care to be stared at." She came closer. "Do you realize how the rest of us wished our bosoms would grow faster. You've been so blessed to become a woman so early." I tied off the end of the wrap before pulling my dress over my head but looked down seeing the wrap was hiding most but not all, you could still see they were a little there but was starting to strain. "What are you planning on doing today?" "I want to see if Nate will take me with him while he digs." I sighed looking out the window while buttoning up my dress. "You know you shouldn't be alone with a man." "Then come with us." I turned to her. I really wanted to finish up my book. I wanted to go to Charlottetown and give my manuscript to Mr. Benedict then use what was left of my earnings when we were at the train station to buy as much paper as I could. I would be able to slowly work on my next book since I'll have four before the year was over and I would get my royalties and put most of it into Marilla and Matthew's account and open my own. I didn't ever want them to go through what they did. "Fine. But only if he says yes. I'll be writing so... come and let me know what he says."