Hopes and Fears

four // the inevitably unsatisfactory and misdirected revenge of Josie Pye

Music, Anne thought, was the second most wonderful thing in the world, second only after love itself.

The recitation was a pure undiluted joy and Anne felt she was in a dream throughout. It was held in the grand Town Hall in Charlottetown, gilded and high in structure giving the presence of a very old and important building. Decorated with glittering lamps and red velvet carpets, bustling with the most beautiful evening gowns and smartest suits. Anne made sure to store it all away inside her memory to reference in the penning of stories. It was like a well of inspiration.

Marianne Jean herself was a master of piano. A tanned, oval face crowned in black curls and dressed in a violet dress sparkling with jewels, she was a picture to observe too. Her delicate fingers whipped over the keys as splendid music seemed to pour out of her very hands, her mind and heart. Anne felt her heart soaring high and her eyes tearing up with emotion.

Diana sat beside her, in awe of the pianist. Piano was her biggest passion, exceeding her parent's hopes of it being a character-building hobby. Diana had talent and plenty of love for the instrument. She had never considered that a woman could perform it as a career. Marianne Jean  had made a lot of money in only one night, as the tickets weren't cheap... Diana imagined an entire tour of the country, every major town hall having a showing to a hundred people... Diana's mind was blown by the prospect of a pianist career even existing. The prospect of making money was hard to fathom, let alone from doing something she loved.

During the interval Mr and Mrs Barry went to fetch drinks, leaving the three young girls to chatter excitedly about the music. Minnie May had enjoyed the music too but her attention span was low and she was looking for mischief at this point. She began rocking in her chair, which irritated Diana enough to trigger an argument. It was likely this which drew the attention of an older boy sitting a few tiers lower than them.

"I say, Anne Shirley - you're always right in the middle of all the excitement." Edward Haswick exclaimed as he walked along the aisle to greet them. "Diana Barry, I believe? Pleasure to meet you. This must be your sister."

Minnie May stopped rocking instantly and Diana straightened up. Edward nodded his head to them politely and graced them with a friendly smile.

"How good to make your acquaintance," Diana beamed. "This is my sister, Minnie May."

"An honour, I'm sure." Edward grinned at Minnie May who didn't even stick out her tongue, which surprised both Diana and Anne. She merely waved and smiled like a well-behaved girl.

"I'm surprised to see you, Edward - with all the excitement I quite forgot you were attending." Anne said.

"Forgot? I don't recall telling you I was coming."

"Oh, Gilbert told me." Anne explained.

"I see. Did he also tell you that I've secured him an apprentice position at  Doctor Rooke's practice?" Edward smiled cheerfully. He had anticipated Anne's joy at this news but it was better than he imagined.

"He didn't! That's absolutely brilliant news. Oh, I'm so dreadfully excited for him. I know it means a lot to have that kind of opportunity. It's so good of you to provide one. I'm awful grateful. Was he so thrilled when you offered?"

"He was thrilled." Edward chuckled at Anne's enthusiasm. He enjoyed her high spirits and excited manner. It cheered him up.

"How are you enjoying the recitation?" Anne asked, with eager eyes. She longed to discuss it as she had so much to say.

"I think Madam Jean is an absolute master of the piano, don't you? She's splendidly accomplished."

"I truly adore her. It would be wonderful to be so remarkably gifted. Could you even imagine having such unending talent, pouring from your very fingers? As though every possibility of musical creation were simply resting just out of reach whenever you fancied taking up an instrument. What a blessing." Anne sighed dreamily.