Close Proximity -Anne With An E-

Chapter 2| Gilbert finds out.

When Bash gets home after visiting Marilla, he rubs his hands together, fighting against the cold. He laughs at the thought of Gilbert's face when he tells him about their visiter next week.

Mary walks in, carrying the boys' laundry in a bundle, receiving a kiss on the cheek just for her presence in the room.

"Have you seen Blythe, my love?" Bash asks. Mary looks out the window, "I believe he's in the yard, chopping more wood, to fuel your numerous fires."

Bash kisses her quickly before setting back out into the brisk air to speak to Gilbert.

He treads toward the shed in the back of the yard. "Blythe!" He calls out. Gilbert grabs a canteen of water, breathing hard, chopped wood circling around his feet. "Yeah, Bash?"

"I just got back from Miss Cuthbert's." Gilbert stops drinking his water, giving Bash his full attention, "Her and Mr. Cuthbert are going out of town next week."

Gilbert narrows his eyes at his friend, "And... ?" He presses.

Bash shrugs, "Well, Miss Anne won't be going with them, so she needed to stay with someone."

Gilbert's eyes widen, remembering Diana saying she was going to see her Aunt Josephine next week. "So," He squeaks a little, "Who will she be staying with?"

Bash smiles at his young friend, "Well, of course, I offered for her to stay with us."

Gilbert chokes.