Remains To Be Seen

A New Promise

Gilbert
      "You don't think it's a big jump from last week Bash?"
      "You've loved her a long time Blythe," he said serving dinner.
       "Muriel you must have an opinion," I asked looking to Miss Stacey.
I'd just gotten the recent privilege of calling her by her first name. Though it's been an interesting transition. I adore her opinions and ideas thoroughly.
       "I've only known you and Anne for nearly a year and a half," she was shocked by my question.
        "Well I respect and trust your opinion, unlike the childish one of Bash's."
        "I'm insulted," Bash dramaticized.
        "Oh hush!" Muriel laughed. "If she is truly the one you love, and you feel it is right, I say do it."
I nodded and looked to Sebastian. He was acting like a loon. I shook my head at his shenanigans. He settled into his seat. Delphine was already put to sleep early. It was just the three of us. I had the small item in my pocket. We were partially through dinner when I pulled it out.
        "Is this an... acceptable piece?" I questioned unsurely.
Muriel leaned in closely. Her eyes widened. Her eyebrows as expressive as her eyes. Bash glanced over too busy enjoying his own creation.
        "I'd say," Muriel said. "When do you plan on doing it?"
        "I have a date planned with her tomorrow," I pondered. "Or in a few days I'm going with her the the Queens Academy to drop her off."
        "Whatever feels right, is."
        "I agree," Bash chimes in wiping his curry covered lips.
Muriel and I both laughed. Bash shrugged and asked if I was finished. I pulled my bowl to me protectively. It only caused more laughter. It made me less nervous. I was more confident than nervous.
The next morning I woke to Delphine's sweet cackling laughter. I jumped out of bed in concern though. No one is usually awake this early, especially Delphine. I stepped out into the living room and saw Anne playing with Delphine on the floor. The smell of toast in the air.
          "Oh good you're awake," the voice of Miss Stacey-Muriel spoke.
I looked over to her acknowledging she had spoken to me. Anne was still wrapped up in Delphine's attention.
         "Anne came early to see Delphine and have breakfast with us."
The mention of her name caused her to look up seeing me. She smiled widely picking up Delphine as she stood. Bouncing the baby on her hip, she stepped over to me.
       "We're sorry for waking you, aren't we Delphine," she looked to the baby as she babbled and giggled.
I would do what I was thinking right now. Anytime felt right with Anne. With her holding Delphine only made it that much more clear. She was whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. As Bash had felt with Mary. He just knew. And right now, I know it's what I want. Marilla and Matthew were already okay with the idea. They were okay with it a year ago when I was first doting the idea.
        "Breakfast is ready," Muriel chimed in.
I nodded and excused myself to get ready for the day. Anne helped set the table and retrieve Sebastian from the farm. I put on my day clothes quickly coming back out to the table. Muriel was tapping her foot knowing me all too well. Just as Mary had.
       "You should do it," she said softly.
        "What?"
        "What we talked about. You should do it," she repeated.
         "I know," I heard the door squeak open. "I will."
Anne walked in talking Sebastian's ear off as he followed after her closing the door. He shivered and went right to the fireplace.
        "Sebastian the table," Muriel said harshly.
        "Yes ma'am," he chattered through his teeth.
He hummed over the warm stew. Bash went for a bite. Muriel smacked his hand. She looked to me and asked me to do grace. I hesitated at first. I'd never done grace with Anne present. I'd never been asked to do grace with guests present. I nodded taking Anne's hand and Sebastian's. I bowed my head lightly and tried to think of the best words.
        "Heavenly Father, bless this table before me and this family I've graciously been given. Thank you for the delicious food and for the life and love you have provided each us everyday. Amen," I said ending it short.
They all followed suit saying Amen. Anne immediately sparking conversation. She began talking about Queens Academy and U of T. Telling them how excited she was for me. For both of us. She had a brighter smile than I'd recognized. Ever since the train station. It's like her smile was real for once.
Sebastian finished first stealing everyone's bowls as they finished against Muriel's protests. Anne got her focus on Delphine rather than the dishes. I joined Bash in cleaning the dishes and everything. As we were finishing up a record sputtered on and I heard laughter. Drying the last bowl with the towel I threw the rag over my shoulder, turning to see what was happening. Muriel watching as Anne danced with Delphine. Smiles and joy all around us. Bash elbowed me and raised his brows. I blushed and jabbed him back.
        "She's the one Blythe," he said softly. "We all knowinit."
        "Yeah, she is."
Anne danced until she caught my eye. Our eyes connected for a bit before she slowed her dancing as she made way pulling Bash to join her. Then Muriel got up to have Bash dance with her. Anne then coming to me extending her open hand. I tossed the rag on the table and she pulled me over to join. Only slightly embarrassed. She still held Delphine as we danced to song after song. Spinning her and the little one around. One of the later songs slowing down. Muriel and Bash going to the fireplace with their backs to us. Sebastian was probably cold as always.
Anne and I danced with Delphine between us. Anne constantly checking on the little one if she wasn't looking at me. A soft and permanent smile seemed to stay on my lips. Muriel eventually came and got Delphine midway through a song. Leaving just us dancing together.
        "We were supposed to go to Charlottetown," I hummed.
        "This was much better," Anne claimed.
        "Is that so?"
        "Yeah," she nodded wrapping her arms around my neck.
She tucked her head into my shoulder. My arms tightening around her waist as we swayed to the final song. I was tempted to ask her right here. Right now. It would be perfect. If only the house was empty. And I had the time to light a million candles like a poetic gesture you read in books. It pretty much was. But I know a better place than here.
       "Would you care to go for a short walk?" I asked.
       "I'd love to," she smiled.
       "Beautiful," I said as the record came to a slow stop.
She stepped back and went to the record taking it off putting on a new soft melody. I went to the coat closet grabbing hers and my own. Our scarves as well. She looked like an angel as she floated over to the door. I held her coat and she took it gingerly. She shook her head. I knew she could do it herself. But it's just a habit I've formed. I passed her our scarves as I went to pull my pea coat on. She adjusted her scarf around her neck and held mine tightly. I went to grab it when she put it around my neck having pulled me close to her.
        "You had gotten my coat, I got your scarf. It's only fair," she smirked.
Pressing a short peck on her lips a nodded.
        "Fair and square," I said.
She laughed curling in her lips as she got a light blush as she did every time. I held my arm up and she took it as we went out the door. We walked for a bit towards the woods actually. I looked for the exact spot. I knew we were getting close. She was gazing at the world all around us as I was looking for one place.
I twirled the piece of metal around the tip of my finger in my pocket. This was a new kind of promise. One I was sure of. But wasn't sure how she would feel. But I was ready to test my luck and hope for the best.