Anne with an E The Next Chapter

A Simple Kind of Peace

Diana woke up peacefully on Monday morning, knowing she was in the safety of Anne's room and staying with people she loved and who loved her most. Jerry was already off in the barn getting things going for the day. She peaked out the window at him wondering if he was feeling any better after his first encounter with a whiskey bottle. Anne had left early for school that morning because she had to get quite a bit of content in this week and had done no planning at all. Her seniors were getting ready to write their Queen's entrance exams in the next few weeks and Anne knew there was still a lot of material to cover. She planned to have Diana in this week to help split the groups off and work on seperate parts of the curriculum. She then had the idea to have each group present the content back to the class. It would be a great way to get them entrenched in their learning and prepare their presentation skills at the same time. Diana was looking forward to working with the students in the next few weeks and helping Ruby with her wedding and departure prep. It would be a full and busy week, a vast change from the boredom and sadness she'd experienced the last few months in Charlottetown. As she dressed and combed her hair this morning she reflected on the time she'd had to heal and recover and she felt so grateful to her aunt for letting her stay there. She'd need to write to Aunt Jo and Cole this evening to express her gratitude for everything. 

Diana came down to find Marilla tidying the kitchen and getting herself ready for the day.

"Good morning Diana, how did you sleep?"

"I had a restful sleep thank you. I'm so sorry if I overslept. I think the events of the weekend made it difficult for me to sleep the last few nights. It was a little bit of a world-wind all at once".

Marilla wiped her hands on her apron and looked at Diana with much compassion. "I suppose when you've been tucked away for so long, spending a weekend with Anne could be quite eventful. Not to mention everything you've been going through with your family. I know they mean well Diana. They love you very much, but sometimes we can't see what's good for people even when it's there plain as day in front of you. Do you have any idea how you might work through this with your mother?"

"I'm not quite sure Ms. Cuthbert but I know that she and I have hugely departing ideas when it comes to my future and I simply can't imagine a life without Jerry now".

"I do understand that" Marilla said as she placed toast on the table for Diana with a cup of tea.

"Thank you so much" Diana said, appreciating the simplicity of Marilla's table and the way she prepared food.

As Marilla milled about the kitchen she asked Diana what her plans were for the day.

"I don't have much in the way of plans today. Probably go through my suitcase and refold my things. Ruby is busy for the next two days so there will be no wedding plans to work on. She's training Prissy to take over for her at the post office".

"Prissy Andrews??? I had no idea she had taken the job.

"Well the office ran so well with Ruby there managing everything, they decided they wanted to look for another educated young woman for the position. Ruby was telling Prissy about it and she said she'd like to apply.

"She is a very competent young woman, I'm sure she'll do well".

"She was hoping to get involved with her father's business but he hasn't been very encouraging about it. I'm sorry if that sounds like gossip Marilla, I just know you'd never repeat it".

"I wouldn't think of it... especially not to my dear friend Rachel" Marilla said straight faced.

"Yes, so in the end, she said she'd like to go out into the world and get some experience. Her plan is to run a business one day. She's highly accomplished in mathematics. I believe Gilbert said he wants her to look at the books for the orchard. She would be an asset to him and Bash" Diana shared.