Devoted To You || Gilbert Blythe

XXXI

Unwrapping it carefully, I discovered a delicate gold locket. The pendant featured an intricate floral pattern.

"Oh, Aunt Josephine, it's exquisite!" I gasped, feeling a swell of emotion. "Thank you, it's absolutely beautiful."

Aunt Josephine beamed, her eyes reflecting the joy of the moment. "It's a locket. It's to carry those you hold dear, close to your heart. I wanted to place my own portrait in there for you but I thought you might want to place a photo of your choice in it instead." I snicker as I look at the gorgeous locket. "May it be a reminder of the love that surrounds you, today and always."

The day unfolded with a mix of delightful surprises, from the laughter-filled breakfast orchestrated by Gilbert and Bash to Aunt Josephine's heartfelt gift, each moment contributing to the joyous tapestry of the Christmas and birthday celebration. As the festivities continued, I couldn't help but marvel at the bonds that made this holiday season truly special.

"Now where is your sitting room?" Aunt Jo asks as she searches the kitchen.

"Right down this way, ma'am." Gilbert leads the way.

Josephine stops him and gives him a firm look. "You must be Rupert."

"Gilbert! Aunt Jo." I laugh as I correct her.

"That's what I said isn't it?" She asks.

"It's lovely to meet you, Miss Barry. Ada talks fondly of you." Gilbert shakes her hand when we make it to the sitting room.

"Now I know you are lying to me." She smiles smugly before taking a seat. "Glad to see you made it back from your trip in one piece. Those riveting letters you sent Ada always kept me on my toes."

Gilbert gives me a look that I can't read. I blush a deep red and take a seat across from Jo. "I'm glad you enjoyed them. Bash and I will leave you two to chat." They nod before heading outside.

"Sorry to embarrass you." Jo says monotonously.

I playfully roll my eyes. "No you're not."

"I must admit, Ada. I'm here for another reason." Jo says, making me sit up straighter. "You're sixteen now and there are some things I need to inform you on." I urge her to continue. "When your mother decided to stop having children, she and your father focused on finding a way to give you and your brother a prosperous future. Your father took on Alex and your mother, you."

"And?" I give her a quizzical look.

Aunt Josephine reached out, placing a comforting hand on mine. "Your mother had foreseen challenges in her life, ones she didn't want you to bear. That's why she left something special for you – a trust that will be yours once you complete finishing school."

My eyes widened in surprise. "A trust?"

Aunt Josephine smiled kindly. "Your mother, bless her soul, was a wise woman. She provided as many life skills as she could, but your dear aunt Eliza insisted on setting aside money for you. Your mother agreed. She wanted to ensure you had a secure future. The trust is substantial, Ada. It's enough to buy back your childhood home, to reclaim the place filled with precious memories. You could live off of it for quite a long time."

Tears welled up in my eyes as the weight on my shoulders seemed to lift. "I had no idea. Why didn't anyone tell me about this before?"

"Your father wanted to shield you from these concerns, my dear. He granted me permission to tell you on your sixteenth birthday. Sometimes, we adults make decisions thinking we're protecting those we care about, even if it means keeping them in the dark."

I nodded, absorbing the revelation. "But why finishing school? Why not now?"

"A promise to your mother," Aunt Josephine explained. "She believed in the importance of education and growth. Going to finishing school is a symbolic step, signifying your readiness to face the challenges that lie ahead. She always wished you'd follow your heart or in her footsteps."

"I... I don't know what to say," I stammered, a mixture of gratitude and astonishment in my voice.

As Aunt Josephine unveiled the details of the trust, a whirlwind of emotions swept over me. The promise of a secure future was a comforting thought, but the realization that it involved finishing school in Paris brought a bittersweet tinge to the revelation.

"Aunt Josephine, I appreciate everything you're telling me, but finishing school in Paris?" I uttered, a hint of reluctance in my voice.

She nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation. "Yes, my dear. Your mother went to the exact one and believed that Paris would not only provide you with a top-notch education but also offer new perspectives and experiences. It's about growth and preparing you for the challenges that await."

"But everyone I love is here. Avonlea is my home." I sighed, the weight of leaving them settling on my shoulders.

Aunt Josephine's expression softened. "Change can be difficult, Ada. But it's also an opportunity for new connections and discoveries. Your father and brother will be there, and you'll create a new chapter in your life. Sometimes, embracing the unknown leads to unexpected joys."

I nodded, trying to absorb the wisdom she offered. The prospect of reuniting with my family was undeniably appealing, yet the thought of leaving behind Gilbert and the friends who had been my pillars of support weighed heavily on my heart.

Aunt Josephine patted my hand reassuringly. "Life is a journey filled with twists and turns. Your mother wanted you to have the tools to navigate it successfully. Embrace the present, my dear, and trust that the future will unfold as it should."

As I contemplated the path ahead, a mixture of gratitude and apprehension settled within me. The promise of a trust and finishing school in Paris held the key to a new beginning, yet it meant saying goodbye to the familiar faces and places that had become an integral part of my world.

Aunt Josephine squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Take your time, dear. Your mother cared deeply for you, and this trust is her way of ensuring you have the means to rebuild what may be lost."