In the Woods When First We Met

176. The Bravest Thing

On Sunday the Cuthberts went to church- leaving Anne at home- and after the church service, the Andrews approached them. Their children were with them.

"We wondered if you'd spoken to Anne yet, and got the real story from her," Mrs. Andrews said in a sympathetic voice. "This has gone on long enough, and we won't be a bit angry with her, as long as she understands she's done something wrong by accusing our son."

Prissy had little interest in the matter, but Billy and Jane were listening intently. Jane looked worried. ...Billy looked smug.

Marilla bristled, "We are well aware of 'the real story' and you-"

Before she could finish, Matthew leaned in and said quietly to her, "Marilla, let's not do this in church..."

Mr. Andrews looked back and forth from Matthew to Marilla. Then he said, "I know we've been angry with you, but we've had time to calm down, now, and we see that poor Anne will have enough troubles in life with that baby- we won't make it any worse for her by holding grudges."

Marilla calmed down, thinking Matthew was right, because she was prepared to make a scene that would cause even more rumors among the congregation. "How good of you not to hold grudges. Could we come over?" Marilla asked with an insincere smile. "I'd ask you to our house, but your house is so much closer, it seems more convenient."

"Of course," Mrs. Andrews said, seeming glad that the Cuthberts were ready to make peace between them. "Would you like to go home and get Anne first? I'm sure Billy will forgive her if she apologizes, won't you, dear?"

She put her arm around her son. He smiled. "Of course I will."

"That won't be necessary, we can talk about this without her," Marilla said nonchalantly.

"What are you wanting to say to them?" Matthew asked asthey drove in their buggy to the Andrews' residence.

"I'm going to tell them what's what," Marilla announced. "And say that we intend to take Billy to trial."

"But we aren't," Matthew pointed out.

"They don't need to know that Anne would be unlikely to win," Marilla said. "All they need to know is that we're serious about making Billy answer for his actions."

Matthew didn't see this conversation going well.

"...Do you think we should try to clear up the part about a baby?" he asked hesitantly.

Marilla shook her head. "I don't see that there's much to clear up. They think it's definite, but we don't know yet. ...Let's just leave that alone, I don't like them having more information than we do."

Matthew nodded, not saying anything.

Mrs. Andrews turned to her children. "When we get home, the three of you stay out of the grownup's way. We have things to discuss that aren't the business of children."

They nodded, each in their own dreadful thoughts.

Mr. Andrews, driving, said "Son, I'm sure you're angry at that girl, dragging you into her problems, but be a good sport and forgive her. There's no sense in holding grudges. All right?"

Billy smiled. "Sure. I'm not mad at her anymore, anyway."

Jane glared at him.

Prissy went up to her room, but Jane in the kitchen hovered near the parlor door, listening.

Billy began to make a sandwich for himself. He was the only one who felt like eating. It was lunch time, but the adults had other concerns, and Jane felt too sick to eat anything.