A Winter's Ball

Chapter Twelve: Madame Bertha's House Of Fortune

author's note:
sorry if i over describe lol i know how reading those can be boring but i'm reading the aogg book series and it's rubbing off on me. lol please do read the descriptions though. i worked hard on them and it will give you better insight of what's going on not only in the story but in anne's mind as well.

cheers!  -♡h

Anne had been cooped up in her room all week, which was why Marilla Cuthbert was pleasantly surprised when she heard footsteps descending the stairs one snowy Monday morning.

"Anne. How lovely to see you're feeling better." Marilla greeted as the redhead sat on the dining table.

She wore her brown dress and had her hair back into their usual braids. It was a nice improvement compared to her awful state the past week but it was such a shame she still wore the same grimace.

"Yes, well. I'm still not feeling completely fine but I figured it would only make it worse if I stayed in bed all day."

"I'm glad." Marilla said smiling, her back turned as she made breakfast.

"Where's Matthew?" Anne asked.

"He left early to go to town. I asked him to get some ingredients for Christmas dinner."

Oh yeah. Christmas. Anne thought. I forgot about that.

"Which reminds me, I'm going to town as well to buy some presents for Rachel and everyone else later this afternoon. If you're feeling well enough, would you kindly lend me hand and come with me? The general store is not too far from here, but if you can't manage, it's fi--"

"No. Um, I'd be glad to be of help." Anne said forcing a smile. "I think the outdoors could lift my spirits up." She mumbled to herself, not intending for Marilla to hear.

"What?" Marilla asked.

"I-I said the outdoors can make me feel better. You know cause...I've been feverish." Anne said in excuse, her eyes flitting quickly away.
Marilla just nodded and they proceeded to have breakfast.

*****

"Jerry! Open up the gate please." Marilla called out. She and Anne now sat high on their buggy, ready to go off to the market.

"Yes ma'am!" Jerry, the little French boy, said emerging from the barn. He pushed open the wooden gate and tipped his hat.

"Don't forget to feed the animals and tend to the farm. Do whatever needs doing." Marilla reminded.

"Oui, madame. I will." Jerry politely assured. "Goodbye! Drive safely!" He called out once they've ridden past him.

The rest of the ride to town was quiet. It was very uncharacteristic for Anne to be this silent that even Marilla noticed. She admits, she does not approve Anne's endless idle chatter and highly disliked it, but today, she realized that Anne's silence was even worse.

Once they have arrived, Anne diligently tied Belle, their horse, to a nearby post.

She stroked the mare and smiled. "Stay here, Belle. We won't be long."

Anne and Marilla decided to head to Buck Barne's Novelty Shoppe first, where Marilla had her eye set on a lovely amethyst brooch that she planned on getting for Rachel Lynde.

"Good morning, how may I help you?" A young lady greeted upon their arrival, the door chime ringing as they pushed open the door.

"Hello, I'm looking for an amethyst brooch? I checked in with Pietro the other day? He worked the cash register and I told him to save the brooch and I'd pick it up today." Marilla explained with a kind smile.