₁.₀ SUPERCUT; gilbert blythe ✔

003.

There must be something special about Anne Shirley and Marianne is certain of that now.

If it wasn't true, the redhead girl would have been gone now. Yet, the day before Marilla returned home with Anne still at her side and Marianne have never felt more surprised. Now, here she is, right before Marianne's eyes: fingers clutched around small card, lips muttering the words of prayer and hair even more fiery against clouded sky. It's a nice sight, one Marianne could get quite accustomed to. Seeing Anne in a state of happiness makes her own heart feel pleasantly warm.

Though Marianne cannot help this little bitter thought at the back of her head - how come she is the only one helping Marilla with collecting all these sheets?

"Regardless of the outcome here," starts Marilla, "you should have something to wear besides that flimsy bit of business. I have a leftover piece of cotton on a bolt that may do nicely."

Anne seems delighted, as though one of her biggest dreams is about to come true any moment. "You're going to make me a dress?" Marianne is surprised the girl doesn't trip before reaching the door, considering all this excitement.

"You need something suitable that fits you."

"A new dress!" repeats Anne. "Well, I've never had a new dress, not ever!" Maybe, and Marianne realises it with a little bit of sadness, her dream truly is about to happen. "I can't wait to have puff sleeves and ever so many flounces! Do you think you can adorn it with lace at the cuff and neckline, too, like Marianne's dress is?"

"I don't believe in frills or flounces."

"But surely you don't mind puff sleeves? All the girls are wearing them," Anne seems so lost within her imagination she doesn't even notice the look Marianne is trying to send her. "Puff sleeves are divine."

"Waste of fabric."

"Oh. Well, I-I'm sure if it's a lovely azure blue or willow green, I'm sure I won't mind if it's..." Marilla emerges from the closet, a pile of dark brown fabric in her hands. "...plain."

Marianne feels sorry for her. Being meant for doing housework, the dress she is wearing now isn't much also. But in her room are a few others, bright and pretty - a reminder of times when she used to live in the city, now taken out only due to special occasions.

"You're a vain one and no mistake. Brown is a very sensible colour. I'll need your dress, so I can use it for a pattern."

Marianne moves to help Anne, but hesitates before reaching for the ties, looking to Marilla. "Maybe Anne could take one of my old dresses," she suggests. "There must be at least one I've already grown out of. With some little adjustment, I'm sure it would fit Anne perfectly."

Marilla doesn't seem pleased with that idea either. "And why would we do that? There is no need to feed one's vanity. Anne should be grateful she is getting a new dress at all."

"I am, Miss Cuthbert..."

"Besides," continues Marilla, "if I let you do all the adjustments I would have more work with fixing it than with making a new one from the beginning. Now, let's take these things off."

🌼

"The person who wrote this must have been one with a remarkable imagination, don't you think?"

Marianne looks up from her own book. Now, knowing Anne a little better, she has grown to take pleasure in her company. But, God, she should have thought about it a little longer before inviting Anne to spend time in her room.