The Arrangement | Gilbert Blythe

17

A few days had passed since Adeline and Gilbert's falling out. He had left to go work at the docks with the hope of a ship maybe picking him up. Adeline didn't care though, she just wanted him out of her sight now.

Anne and the Cuthberts were still having financial problems. Anne told Adeline everything one night when Adeline snuck out of her house and went over to Anne's.

One night, over at the Cuthberts', Adeline and Anne sat in the living room, surrounded with things the Cuthberts were to try and sell to get some money.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Miss Josephine and staying in a guest room," Anne told Adeline, "it sounds like such fun!" Anne paused, a wistful look crossing her face "Diana says that the manse is ever so elegant!"

"Yes, it's ever so lovely," Adeline smiled over at her friend.

"I just wish I had something of value to offer." Anne thought aloud before standing and running out of the room, returning a few seconds later.

Marilla, who sat next to Adeline sighed, looking down at what looked to be a broach in her hands.

"We can sell it back to the shop on our way!" Anne said, presenting her dress to Marilla and Adeline.

"Anne-" Marilla tries to stop the girl.

"No, really it's ok, it a family effort!" Anne confirms.

"Anne, come here," Marilla's voice takes on a melancholy tone, which makes Adeline unsure if she should be there for what seemed to be such a personal moment.

"Matthew is...it's not wise for me to leave home."

Anne pauses for a second, taking in Marilla's words. "I can go on my own, Marilla!" she says firmly, "I can do it! Even better, Adeline can accompany me!"

Adeline nodded in agreement, "I would love to!"

"I'm a veteran voyager, and we'd be back before you know it!" Anne continued, smiling at Adeline.

"Jerry will accompany you too, not just Adeline," Marilla sighed, "it's the only way I'd feel comfortable letting you two go."

"What?" Anne protested, "we'll be fine on our own, we don't need company, we have each other."

"It's not for company, it's for safety and assistance," Marilla eyed Anne up sternly.

"But this could be a quintessential hero's journey!" Anne argued

"You're not going alone and that's final. He'll action the shire and take his last wages from the sale."

"But I don't need-"

"Anne, maybe this is a good idea," Adeline insisted, getting an approving nod from Marilla

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The next morning, Adeline met Anne and Jerry outside of the Cuthbert's house. After some persuading, her parents had unwilling allowed her to go.

Diana had stopped by a little before Adeline got there, apparently giving Anne a brush she could try and sell for more money.

On the way up, Jerry and Anne bickered the whole time, Jerry singing loudly while Anne complained about it. Adeline sat in the back, trying to stop her mind from wandering to the topic of Gilbert.

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Anne and Adeline moved from store to store, returning the dress, saying goodbye to the horse they were selling, and the. pretending to be sisters, selling old antiques that—they told the buyer—had a royal background.