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___ "This is a palace, not a house. You sure this is the right place?" Jerry asked as the group approached a large mansion.
"This is the address," Anne confirmed as she knocked on the door. The door opened to reveal a man in suit.
"Yes?"
"We're here to see Miss Josephine Barry. Is she at home?"
"Who shall I say is calling?"
"Anne of Green Gables."
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Rollings, these are my guests!" Josephine spoke from behind the man, "Come in, come in, come in from the cold! I was beginning to think you weren't coming. And oh, my dear Anne, it's very good to see you. Marigold, it's a pleasure to see you as well." She took a look at Jerry's beaten face and gasped. "Dear me! Whatever's happened to you?! Rollings, take poor, um..."
"Jerry," Anne finished.
"Jerry here downstairs. We'll get you cleaned up and sorted."
"Thank you. That's very kind. See you in the morning. I'll look after Belle."
"For heaven's sake, there's room at this inn. You won't be sleeping in the stable. I have guest rooms prepared for each of you, so run along and wash up, then join us for supper. This way, girls."
___
"My, my, this is an extraordinary undertaking under perfectly dreadful circumstances," Josephine sighed as the children recounted their story around the dinner table.
"It has been that," Anne agreed.
"Oh, this city is rife with ruffians. It's a wonder anyone can walk down the streets alone anymore. Good, strong lad. You'll manage things at Green Gables, won't you?" The children share an uncomfortable glance towards one another. "What? What have I said?"
"We can't keep Jerry on. He was getting the last of his wages as part of the sale of the horse."
"But how will you run the farm?"
"We're more concerned with saving it. We'll get to that part later," Mary jumped in.
"You must let me help."
"Oh, Miss Barry, you're so kind, but unfortunately, we can't accept," Anne told her as she looked over at her sister.
"Stuff and nonsense! This is no time to stand on pride."
