In the Woods When First We Met

162. No Reassurance

 I had to do some research for this chapter! And I found out that surprisingly it actually is possible to get pregnant before shortly before you get your first period. I explain later in the chapter. (But don't worry, she is not going to be pregnant).

Matthew and Marilla slowly climbed into the buggy.

"It can't be," Matthew said. "Can it?"

"Of course not," Marilla said.

"Anne's too young to have a baby," Matthew said.

"Unfortunately her age doesn't rule it out," Marilla said before she even realized she'd said it.

Matthew looked at her, surprised. "Is it possible, even with her being so young?"

Marilla felt worry nagging at her.

She suddenly put her hand on Matthew's arm. "Drive to Dr. Carter's," she said quickly. "I don't. I don't! But I'd feel much better if I spoke to him about it, and quickly."

Matthew moved the horses along faster.

"I hope he's home," Marilla said worriedly. Matthew helped her out of the buggy.

He looked unsure. "Do you want me to..." He did not want to go in.

"No," Marilla said. "Certainly not."

She walked quickly to the door.

"Aah, Miss Cuthbert," Dr. Carter answered pleasantly.

Then he saw her face. "What is it?"

"Anne," Marilla said breathlessly.

Dr. Carter looked behind her at Matthew waiting in the buggy.

"I'll get my bag," he said quickly.

"No," Marilla said, stopping him. "We weren't coming to ask you to...she's at home, but she's fine. At least we think she's fine."

"I...don't follow," Dr. Carter said.

"I must speak to you," Marilla said urgently.

"Come in," Dr. Carter said immediately, opening the door for her.

"I don't know if you've heard any rumors, Dr. Carter, but some things have been said about Anne," Marilla began.

Dr. Carter nodded slowly. "I may have heard a few things." Then he said quickly, "I thought they were just rumors, I didn't believe a word of it, of course."

"About...a baby?"

Dr. Carter nodded.

Marilla breathed out slowly, trying to calm herself.

"We thought any rumors that were going around were rumors of what really happened. We didn't know there were rumors about what didn't happen."

"I'm afraid I don't follow," Dr. Carter said. "Please, sit down."

Marilla wrung her hands. "Anne was attacked by a boy at school. Attacked in a...in a most personal nature. She was..." Finally she decided to use the word Gilbert had used, "Violated."

Dr. Carter's face changed from confusion to sadness.

"It was nearly three months ago, and it was the same boy who hurt her wrist."

"My goodness, when I treated her for her wrist I had no idea," he said, shocked. "That poor girl...I wish I had known, Miss Cuthbert. If I'd had...if I'd had any inkling at all, I would have said something..."

"Yes," Marilla told him. "But it seems now there's a rumor that she's expecting, and...well...I wanted to know from you if there's any...if there's any chance, any chance it could be possible..."