[2] LOOK AFTER YOU ( gilbert blythe! )

22 | THE WOMAN WITHOUT A CORSET

⎾22 | THE WOMAN WITHOUT A CORSET ⏌

LOUNGING BY THE RIVER, THE LARGE GROUP OF FRIENDS sat by one another and discussed the most important topic of the month -- getting a new school teacher. It was convenient enough that Thomas, Charlie, and Andrew got here the day of her new arrival, but the rest of the students were eager to know...who was Miss Stacy?

Thats right, the new teacher was going to be a she.

Gathering their belongings, the group of students head into the schoolhouse -- the topic still fresh in their minds.

"Mother was talking to Mrs. Pye, and she said that the PMSC felt that Miss Stacy is probably unsuitable..." Diana trailed off.

Anne only scoffed, "But she rides a motorbike!"

"She does?" Samantha questioned, her eyes widening as she placed her coat on the hook.

"Indeed," Anne beamed, her excitement taking over. "I spotted her when I was returning from Charlottetown and my was it breathtaking."

"I heard that she's a spinster," Tilly began.

"I heard she's from the mainland," Ruby continued.

Turning to the group of girls, Josie Pye scoffed and spoke, "Why would an unmarried woman from the big city come here? There is a scandal somewhere, you'll see."

Turning to Clara, Samantha whispered to the girl, "Do you think she's nice?"

"I don't know," Clara replied, shrugging her shoulders. "But anyone is better than Mr. Phillips, thats for sure."

"I couldn't agree more,"

Laughing silently, Clara and Samantha made their way out of the cloakroom; Josie and the others following just behind them. Not even a moment passed before Josie Pye began again, "My mother hated Miss Stacy on sight."

"So did mine," Prissy Andrews agreed. "Heres a recipe for disaster: show up an hour late..."

"Dressed like a man!" Jane Andrews added.

Letting out a silent laugh, Prissy continued, "...to tea with the Progressive Mothers. She may as well hung a noose over her neck."

"Dont disparate her when you don't even know her," Anne argued. "I think she sounds spectacular."

"Oi, Anne's right," Andrew agreed with a grin, hugging his books at his hip. "She does sound like quite the woman."

"Hey, Andrew, over here!" Charlie Sloan called, waving him over to the large group of boys.

Bending down to Samantha, Andrew grinned, "I like school."

Smiling in reply, Samantha Darling watched as Andrew jogged over to the boys; immediately fitting in with them. After quickly glancing at Andrew, Samantha's gaze fell on Thomas -- who was deep in conversation with Gilbert. This caused Samantha to smile. Lastly, her gaze fell on Charlie -- who was helping Cole set up the firewood. The two seemed to be extremely good friends.