In the Woods When First We Met

192. Settled Accounts and Imaginary Surprises

As they drove to pick Anne up from the Perkins', Marilla said to Matthew, "I think you're right about accepting the money."

"Does that mean..."

"Oh, no," Marilla said. "No baby revelations. But I think we should take it regardless."

Matthew was surprised. "What changed your mind?"

"Uh...Rachel pointed out some things I hadn't thought of," Marilla said slowly, the conversation from earlier that day bothering her. She suddenly thought, "Let's drive over to the Andrews right now. Quickly. Before we go to the Perkins."

"We'd be a little late to get Anne. You don't think she'll worry?" Matthew asked as he turned the buggy around.

"She's with Emily, I think she'll be all right. I just think it would be best to deal with this and confirm everything before they have a chance to change their mind."

Matthew nodded, and had the horses move faster.

Once at the Andrews, they rang the bell, and saw a face looking out of the curtains. Jane.

Poor girl, Marilla thought. A moment later Mr. Andrews was at the door.

"Yes?" he asked coldly.

Marilla spoke up. "We've decided it would be all right for Anne to accept the money."

Mr. Andrews looked relieved. "Does that mean you'll not pursue-"

"Oh, no, we still intend to take Billy to trial, unless you remove him from school. Do you have a date yet?" Marilla asked

Mr. Andrews breathed out, angrily. He turned around as Mrs. Andrews came up to the door. "Children, go upstairs," she said quietly, not wanting them to hear what was being said.

"We can't possibly take him out of school yet," Mrs. Andrews said softly. "We'll need time to find a good tutor, and-"

"We took Anne out of school with no other accommodations made for her," Marilla pointed out. "There's no reason you can't take him out before you've hired someone."

Mr. Andrews said, "You're being unreasonable."

"We're being unreasonable?!" Marilla began.

Mrs. Andrews touched her husband's arm gently. "Harmon, let's go to the bank now and handle this money issue. Right this moment. And while we're in town we'll pick up a newspaper so we can start scanning the ads. And I can place an ad..."

Mr. Andrews looked at his wife.

She looked sick. "Please, Harmon. I just want this over. Let it be over with."

His eyes softened. "All right."

"Look, we'll do that now," he finally said to the Cuthberts. "And since you see that we intend to take care of it today, can you at least give us to the end of the week?"

"Friday will be his last day, then?" Marilla asked curtly, not allowing them any leeway.

Mrs. Andrews touched her forehead as if she felt faint. "Yes. Yes, you can plan to put Anne back in on Monday." Her eyes filled with tears and she choked out, "I'll get my hat and we'll go into town right now. ...We can stop by to tell you about the account."

"We don't want you approaching our house. Not where Anne will have to see you."

Mrs. Andrews took a shaky breath. "Then come to our house. We'll have the papers ready for you."