Anne with an E The Next Chapter

Letters and Truth

Dear Anne,

I hope this letter finds you well. I've been doing well myself but always missing you. It's only been 30 days since we last saw each other but it feels like an eternity. I'm grateful for my classes and heavy workload which keep my mind off the longing and missing you. It makes time move faster. How are things at school with your new students?  I hope they're enjoying your effervescent spirit and curiosity. They will learn so much from you. I hope your ring is a reminder, every day, that I love you and look forward to the day we no longer need to be apart. While I'm away, I'm remembering our kiss at the train station. My heart is with yours, always. See you in 30 days my love.

Yours,
Gilbert

Anne's heart was filled with so much warmth. His words came at a time when she desperately needed them. She felt so lonely and she looked forward to being in her little gable room to write back to him. She hugged Marilla after the dishes and kissed Matthew goodnight.

"I'm sorry to be heading up to bed so early but I want to spend some time writing to Gilbert to tell him about everything we've been up to. It doesn't seem that he is so far away when I'm writing to him- it almost feels like he's right there with me".

Marilla smiles at her, feeling like Anne was 13 Years old again and full of awe and wonder. She loved seeing her so happy. The last month had been an eye opener for Anne as she learned that not all students have the same love for school as she did and the parents tended to have a blatant disregard for lessons as well. She noticed that a great number of the boys had been kept back in the fall to help with harvest and it had bothered her that they would miss lessons. When she broached it with their parents she had all but been sent packing. Marilla knew that a bit of time focused on Gilbert would do Anne some good. She wished her a good evening and laughed as Anne bolted up the stairs. She she shut the door behind her she pressed Gilbert's letter to her heart.

After dressing for bed and brushing out her hair,  she lit a candle and prepared her writing paper and pen.

Dearest Gilbert

I was so overjoyed to read your letter today. I needed to hear your voice on those pages and I'm thrilled to tell you it came through loud and clear. I'm glad to hear you are keeping busy and that time is  passing quickly.

I've been well at school. The children seem to be taking to my methods, thankfully, not departing too widely from Miss Stacy's. They are darlings and so excited to learn. I do have a few boys and one girl who seem to get their greatest joy out of trying to torment me. Thankfully I'm an expert at deflection and have enough experience with their sort to take it too seriously. If anything, they need more of my love and patience than anyone else... and for them I keep my warmest smiles and my greatest devotion.

I've been to the house at least twice this month and Marilla helped me bring all your bedding to set up your room. We also collected some dishes from the community rummage sale. All the dishes have a gentle blue farm scene printed on them. I thought it would be lovely to think about your father's home while you use them.

The house is so cozy Gilbert and I know you'll be so comfortable there. I look forward to the day we can be together and call it our own. I miss you terribly. I miss leaning my head on your shoulder when we read. I miss the calm presence in your eyes. My ring and the little shell remind me that I'm not alone and that soon we will be together.

What are your thoughts about a timeline for our wedding? I have a lot of thoughts but I want to talk with you about it in person. Maybe in October when you're home

PS.

I've been helping Jerry with some personal matters. I'm hoping he and you can get better acquainted when you are home.  I think he could use a good male friend.