A Husband's Reassurance

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As Anne breastfed Joyce in the parlour of Green Gables as Marilla cooked dinner in the other room, she marveled at the surreality of her current situation.

If someone had told her that she would be having her daughter, winning a protest, and losing four of her most beloved kindred spirits all in the same 24 hours, at least she may have been able to be better prepared. Her heart still raced as she thought of the Lacroixs, as well as Gilbert, Cole, Jerry, and Aunt Jo. She was sure Gilbert would most likely gather Mrs. Lacroix, Constance, Jocelyn, and Elijah, too. She could only hope they were all okay.

Anne smiled as she watched Joyce pull away and rub her eyes.

"All done, sweetheart?" she cooed. She got her dress situated before lifting her daughter up onto her shoulder to burp her. Joyce did so quite quickly before promptly falling asleep on her mother's chest.

Anne smiled wistfully as Marilla walked in, sitting next to her.

"I never thought I would feel what I felt when I came to Green Gables for the first time again," Anne commented. "But I felt it when I married Gilbert, and now I'm feeling it again."

Marilla smiled. "And what feeling would that be?"

Anne smiled and kissed Joyce's head. "The feeling that I am home."

Marilla reached over and lovingly smoothed Anne's hair. "You are my blessing, Anne. Now, Joyce gets to be yours and Gilbert's."

Anne's heart swelled as she held Joyce a little closer.

Suddenly, the two women turned their heads as a horse whinney was heard from the gate. Marilla got up and went to the window.

"Why, that's Jerry," she said in surprise.

"Is Gil with him?" Anne asked hopefully.

Marilla shook her head. "It's just him. I'll go out to meet him."

Nervous by Marilla's answer, Anne softly hummed to keep Joyce asleep, too sore to stand.

Moments later, Marilla entered with Jerry behind her.

"Jerry!" Anne called, happy to see him. Jerry approached her and kneeled down to hug her. "Are you alright?"

"Oui," Jerry answered. "Everyone else is, too. Gilbert just sent me home."

"Why did he do that?" she asked, her heart rate increasing at hearing her husband's name. "Is something wrong?"

Jerry sighed and took a letter out of his coat pocket. "I will let him explain."

Anne took the letter and carefully handed Joyce to him before unfolding the paper and beginning to read.

Dearest Anne,
        We are alright. Ms. Barry and Cole have been kind enough to offer us their home until we find safe passage for Bash, Muriel, the kids, and Mrs. Lacroix. Bash tried to talk her out of it, but you have seen her stubborn ways. There was no way to dissuade her.
        She, Elijah, Constance, and Jocelyn were not to keen on Bash and Muriel's relationship at first, and were even more shocked to learn
of Matthew, but after hearing that Bash will always adore Mary and that Muriel would never dream of taking her place, they allowed themselves to not be so tense. I can tell it still makes them a bit uncomfortable, though.
        Rollings is keeping a keen eye on the manifestos, but he and Ms. Barry warned that it may be a few weeks before we can ensure safe passage to Trinidad. Ms. Barry essentially demanded we stay with her until then. I informed Jerry that he could head home, but I have decided to stay until I know that Bash and his family will be safe. I know you, of all people, will understand.
        This may be the last letter I can send to you. I am sure Harmon had alerted the authorities at this point, and it is too dangerous to send a letter by mail. I promise to be home to you and our perfect daughter as soon as I can. Please kiss sweet Joyce for me. I love you to the moon and back.
                                                             Gilbert
        P.S. Ms. Barry has been kind enough to play piano for us. It has entranced me. Maybe I should ask Diana if she would be willing to teach me.

Disappointed that he wasn't home, yet grateful that he was safe, Anne hugged the letter to her chest. She could feel how desperately he wanted to be with Joyce. She knew what was going through his head as he wrote each and every word.

She turned as Marilla walked in.

"So is everyone alright?" she asked.

Anne nodded, wiping a tear away.

•••

The next afternoon, Anne was giving Joyce a bath when there was a knock on the door. She raised her eyes to see Diana.

A giddy smile taking over her face, she wobbled over to the door and opened it.

"My dear Diana!" she squealed, pulling the equally excited woman into a tight hug. Diana hugged her back before pulling away.

"I came to hold my niece," she informed with a smile on her face.

Anne laughed. "Come in, she's getting a bath right now."

Returning to the sink, Anne finished up her daughter's bath before drying her off.

"Meet your Aunt Diana," she whispered to Joyce before handing her off to her bosom friend and tenderly sitting down at the dining room table, still feeling the pain from birth.

She watched with a smile on her face as Diana cooed over Joyce.

"She's perfect," Diana whispered.

"Isn't she?"

Diana took a seat next to her and her expression sobered. "Jerry told me everything happening with Bash. It's so horrible."

Anne nodded, resigned. "It is not like there is an explicit law against interracial marriage. We're not living in America."

Diana shrugged, bouncing Joyce softly.

Wanting to change the subject, Anne asked, "How are things going with you and Jerry? Have your parents gotten on board?"

"It's been going quite well," she reported happily. "I really love him. My mother still treats me like an abomination, especially since I chose Jerry over a rich businessman like Fred Wright, but my father has slowly been warming up to him. Either way, I have made it clear to them that they can no longer make decisions about my life."

"I am so proud of you. I can tell how much Jerry loves you, as well."

Suddenly, Gilbert's letter reentered her mind.

"Diana, do you think you could do me a favor?"

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