A promise

Chapter Twenty Seven - 4pm

Anne's POV

It's two to four. Gilbert is in the living room pacing. I'm on the couch reading. Matthew is outside with Jerry. Marilla is making tea and last but not least, Charlie and my dear friend Diana won't stop talking and laughing and blushing...

That took a surprising turn.

Let's hope Matthew does keep Jerry outside long enough for him not to hear our talk.

"Anne, please do open the door. I can already see Mrs Lynde... She looks like she will explode from all the gossiping that is in her little head."

I laughed at Marilla's choice of words and I went ahead and open the door.

"Oh dear child. You gave me quite of a fright." said Mrs Lynde as she was about to knock on the door.

"Unfortunately not enough -"

"Charlie please do stay quiet." said Gilbert quite harshly.

"May I sit?" asked Mrs Lynde as she sat down.

"What would she do if we said no?" asked Charlie. "Stand up? I'll try that." he coughed trying to act like he was professional. "No, you may not have a seat, Mrs Rachel Lynde."

"Charlie -"

"He is just having a laugh, Marilla." I said as I hit him on the shoulder.

"Strong grip for a-"

I raised my eyebrow as Diana looked like she would throw the tea Marilla just brought on him.

"Civilized, lovely young lady. I see standing before me." said Charlie with a worried smile.

"Good one, mate." said Gilbert as he patted him on the shoulder.

"She is scary. You have a weird taste my friend. I would know." said Charlie as he looked at Diana.

"Please begin, Rachel." said Marilla as she joined us.

"First things first, none of you can acknowledge the corn about Ruby's past."

"We won't." I said and Mrs Rachel Lynde nodded.

"Her mother must not have been older than nineteen when she gave birth to our wonderful Ruby. The fear of having a child that young gave her quite a scare and to make the situation worst. Her husband didn't accept her. He was the real bad egg. I remember when I saw him, quite a bummer." said Mrs Lynde disappointed.

"Bummer?"

"Drunk, my dear." explained Mrs Lynde.

"She wanted to give Ruby to a safe family."

"She found the one that wanted her first and gave her kid to her. She hated that her pregnancy made her fleshy. From what I know she got divorce and is married to another man now."

"Name..."

"I am not allowed to say I'm afraid." said Mrs Lynde sadly to Marilla.