In the Woods When First We Met

167. A Cuthbert Baby

Gilbert's trip to Green Gables, his walk home, and his long talk with his father about his feelings for Anne all happened while the Cuthberts' were busy meeting with the Andrews and their subsequent doctor's visit.

As they rode home to Green Gables in their buggy, Marilla longed stop at Rachel Lynde's house and unburden herself to her friend, but she decided- unhappily- that she could not confide in Rachel...at least not yet. First, she just never knew what things went into Rachel's ears that would come out of her mouth. She would like to believe that Rachel would realize how serious this was and not let it slip, and in all likelihood, she could trust Rachel- but she didn't feel she could take that risk, no matter how slight. ...Marilla realized her loyalty had to be with her child, now, and that meant she could not reveal Anne's personal worries to anyone she chose.

They drove in silence.

"Was Dr. Carter of any help?" Matthew finally asked, after Marilla had been quiet for far too long.

"No."

Then she breathed. "Well, not no. He gave me all the information I asked for, and then some. But no, he was not of help."

Matthew was quiet.

"Oh, Matthew. I don't know what to think. He said we can't be sure. We're just going to have to wait. I can't imagine how we'll wait for something like that!" She felt so overwhelmed.

"I don't know how she's been waiting," Matthew pointed out. "She's known much longer than us, and she's been waiting all this time."

Marilla had not thought of that.

When they got home, Matthew decided to stay out of the way so Marilla could broach the subject with Anne. He went quickly down to the cellar to work on a few things while they talked.

"Where did you go?" Anne asked, coming down the stairs after she heard the front door opening. "I thought you went to town, but you didn't, did you? Where's Matthew?"

"He's down in the cellar. He had a few things to finish in the house, now that nothing outside needs doing. And no, we...we went to speak to the Andrews."

Anne froze. "Why?"

Marilla said, "We'll have to be in communication with them, Anne. Until we know what we're all going to do about this."

"What do you mean, what to do about it?" Anne asked, pleadingly. "You already said you wouldn't make me talk to the police!"

"Yes, but there are other considerations," Marilla said, hanging up her hat.

"Like what?" Anne asked, angry.

"Well...like you going back to school," Marilla said. "And some other things. But Anne, let us worry about that."

She took a look at Anne, and changing the subject, she said, "I'm glad to see you've gotten dressed. No more staying in your nightgown all day- just because you're staying home doesn't mean you don't have to wake up and face the day!"

Anne felt put out. "I haven't been staying in my nightgown all day- I only have while I've been reading in bed."

"Which you've been doing all day, every day."

"You wanted me to learn at home, didn't you?" Anne asked, her tone just a tad impertinent.

"Yes, but not lying in bed all day. You must start getting up in the mornings and getting dressed just as you would if you were going to school. No more late mornings."