𝑺𝑵𝑶𝑾𝒀 𝑫𝑨𝒀𝑺 - Gilbert Blythe [1]

ONE

1|AVONLEA

The harsh autumn wind whipped around her face as she stepped off the train, her bags gripped tightly in her grasp. Her curious blue eyes darted around the seemingly empty train station. Few people got off the train, pushing past her to find their horses and carts. She felt a sudden sense of peace from the quiet countryside, calming her brewing nerves.

"Excusez-moi, Monsieur." Her thick French accent split through the fresh air as she approached a dark-haired man who was helping his wife into a carriage. "I am searching for the Blythe residence in Avonlea. Would you be able to tell me which direction it is in?"

"Oh why of course. How about we take you there?" The man offered, smiling at the young girl. His expression was soft and warm, a kind glint behind his eyes.

"Oh, no. I would not want to cause you any trouble." She replied, nervously playing with her golden locks. Her hand snapped back to her side, remembering her father's harsh words about giving the indication that she was nervous. A woman must always stay prim and poised.

"Please, it is no trouble." His wife added, sticking her head out the carriage. Caving in, she handed her bags to the dark-haired man so he could put it in the back. She stepped into the carriage and sat next to two young girls.

"My name is William Barry and this is my wife, Eliza." William introduced, gesturing to himself and the kind woman next to him. "And these are our daughters, Diana and Minnie May."

"It is a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Amaryllis Bonnefoy." Amaryllis smiled at the family. "But please, call me Marie."

"What business do you have at the Blythe residence?" Eliza asked, watching the anxious French girl fidgeting with her pale fingers.

"I cannot say." Marie shook her head dismissively. "But my father is an old friend of the family."

"It is alright dear."

"De quelle partie de la France êtes-vous?" Diana spoke up, smiling sweetly at Marie, proud of her knowledge of the French language.

"Un petit village pres de Montpellier." Marie replied, surprised at her fluency in French.

"Ah, that is us coming to the Blythe residence." William announced, watching the house appear in the distance. Marie quickly followed his line of sight and gasped as she saw the house. It seemed as if someone had not lived there in a long time.

"Thank you so much for taking me here." She said gratefully, smiling widely to the family. William stepped off the carriage first and offered his hand, helping her descend to the ground. Once her bag had been given to her, Marie thanked the family one last time before walking away towards the quaint two-story home. The leaves under her feet crunched as she wandered over to the woman standing on the porch.

"Excusez-moi, Mademoiselle." Marie approached the woman, hesitant with every step. "Is this the Blythe residence?"

"Oh, hello dear." The surprised woman twisted around to greet her. "Yes, this is the Blythe residence but I am afraid no one lives here at the moment."

"Oh." She sighed, glancing down with worry. She had no idea what to do now, she could not go home back to France. The journey to Canada was long and exhausting, something her stomach would not be able to handle straight away. She didn't know what to say, what to think. Her plans had been simple; travel to Canada and stay with the Blythe family to fulfill her father's deal with an old friend.

"I looked after the family, is there anything I can help you with?" The older woman walked closer to Marie, fixing her scarf. She handed the woman a letter, something she had been clinging to since she first left France. Marie watched as the older woman's brows furrowed with confusion then sadness. "I am afraid Mr. Blythe passed away five months ago and his son left and I don't know when he will return."

"Do I have to return to France?" Her blue eyes filled with tears, fear and uncertainty weighing on her heart as she cluelessly tried to think of anything. "I don't have a return ticket. When is next boat leaving for France? And my father, he will be so angry at me."

"Calm down, dear." A comforting hand was placed on her hand, a soothing hand calming her storm of emotions. "You can stay here. I'm sure Mr. Blythe would want that. Until Gilbert returns, I shall sign you up to the local school. I'm Mrs. Dorcas Kincannon but you can call me Dorcas."

"Oh, merci!" Amaryllis looked up with glossy eyes. Her hands reached forwards, grabbing Dorcas's hands, squeezing them with appreciation.

"But you have to keep it clean." The older woman said sternly but a smile quickly returned to her lips. "Welcome to Avonlea, dear."

And just like that, the next chapter in Amaryllis Bonnefoy's life began. A bright promise looming over her, promising her happiness.