Welcome to Avonlea

Chapter 28

Looking through the fabric and designs. I was satisfied that around twelve could be made along with petticoats, corsets, undergarments, nightgowns, robes, hats, and other accessories. They even had a little jewelry area which I picked several pieces. "Lydia." I looked at Anne while she was picking everything out what she wanted. "Gilbert came by... last night, after having dinner with Winifred and her parents." I looked at several more pieces as well as a few more dresses. I requested a steamtrunk and that they be put in properly. "And?" "Her father granted him permission to marry her, and also help his way through college in Paris. They'd be going together." I nodded to the woman that I was happy with my orders. "They should be done soon. We'll get them started right away." Leaving the store, I went in search of another steamtrunk for my other things. "So they'll be living together unchaperoned. Sounds scandalous, but when they marry, it would be no problem then." "I thought you loved Gilbert?" "I do. But he can make his own choices. It's something I'll have to get over with." My voice cracked a little but stayed composed. "Why are you buying so much?" "I want to be prepared for anything." I looked through a bookstore and found all that I needed there. I didn't know how much anything costs wherever I end up. I would have to check the bank when I reached Charlottetown and take in my manuscripts. Then I would inform Mr. Benedict where to send the checks to where I would be staying and have my money transferred to the new bank. I was thinking about leaving the money in Charlottetown for when I did come back. I had more than enough to make it until next year with what I'll be taking, I may take out even more for after just to travel. "It will be so wonderful to see Aunt Josephine again. And Cole. But we might be able to visit and also see where our living quarters will be located." "Yes. That would be quite the adventure. Do you plan on keeping your promise to Cole?" "Yes. When I finish college and still haven't found anyone and neither has he. We will get married." "Do you love him?" "Of course I do." "I mean... love him. To have as your husband and father of your children." "I've thought about it and I believe the answer is yes." "Good."

My hand ran over the small dictionary and kept opening the front of the book. Just seeing his name made me close it quickly. My eyes glanced at the letter peeking out from under the typewriter. Setting down the small book, my fingers rested on the keys and started typing away quickly for my new book. I had peace and quiet since and went to see Aunt Josephine. It made me wonder if her and Diana will talk, because she won't even speak to me and I have no idea why. I smiled feeling a small breeze come through the window. "Lydia. You have a visitor." My fingers slowed to finish the sentence.

My eyes became wide seeing Gilbert waiting outside. I took deep shaky breaths before going outside. "Hello Gilbert." He turned quickly to face me. "Lydia. I hope I'm not disturbing you." "No. I actually could use a break. My fingers could definitely use it." "I want to ask you something." "Sure." "I spoke with Winifred's father. He offered to pave my way through college in Paris." I looked surprised and happy for him. "It sounds like everything you wanted." "He also gave me permission to marry her." I nodded. "What should I do? I'm confused." "You know I can't tell you whether to accept what they're offering you and a life. You need to choose for yourself and make sure it's what you really want." "What if I'm doubting it?" "Proposing or going to school in a beautiful city with so much history?" "What if I want something different?" "What would that be?" "What if I don't take his offer or propose to Winifred? What if what I wanted was here... in Avonlea?" He stared at me and it made my heart beat quickly. "You would give up a once in a chance lifetime for something here?" "I would if the reason wanted me to." "I don't understand. What would be the reason?" "I, um... I just want..." He was really having trouble with his thoughts either all over or is tongue-tied. "What is it you want to do?" "What do you mean?" "You still want to go to school, right?" I nodded. "Yes." "What if you were... you know..." I felt completely confounded by what he was talking about. "If I what?" I continued staring and looked just as confused and thinking. "You know... if someone were to ask you something? What would you say?" "I would need to know what they want to ask to have an answer." "If someone asked you to marry them, would you?" I looked past him and messed with my fingers. "I dont know." "What if they wanted to give you everything they can and a future of happiness?" "Why are you asking me this? I mean... I... I don't... I'm not..." I couldn't think of any way to respond. "I, uh.... you... It depends... It's not that I... Gilbert, I-" He cleared his throat and couldn't look at me. "I think I took up too much of your time. See you around Lydia." He went to get on his horse and left. I stepped after him and only realized what he was asking but fear clouded everything. I lost my only chance to actually tell him anything and I was so close to saying it, he stopped me before I could. I sat down on the porch and felt tears roll down my cheeks. He was going to marry Winifred, I lost him.