golden • gilbert bylthe

✨CHAPTER THREE✨

"Marigold Abbot-Cuthbert, you will not talk to be like that! Now, go change and help me with breakfast."

The girl left with a huff and slammed the door to her room, furious at her caretaker. Angrily putting on her clothes for the day, she stomped down the steps. She walks into the living room the same time as Marilla to see Anne holding a little statue that was on the mantel.

"Put that down at once!" Marilla scolded her. "Did you take anything?"

"Marilla," Marigold spoke with shock.

"No! I was only memorizing," Anne spoked.

"Let me see," The woman demanded, holding her hand out for the orphan's bag.

"Marilla, stop right now," Marigold jumped in. She was ignored as Marilla pulled out a branch from Anne's bag.

"Stop your snooping and come to breakfast," Marilla said as she took the branch and threw it into the furnace. Anne looked distraught, staring blankly are the ground. Marigold went over to the redhead and wrapped her arm around her.

"I'm sorry, Anne."

"Is she always so cold?"

"Not all the time," Marigold moved in front of her and put both her hands on her shoulder. "But don't let her put a damper on her spirit. You have to imagine that you are not effect by her heartless words."

A smile crept onto Anne's face. "Oh, Marigold. You do know how to bring a glimmer of hope into my tragical life."

"Come, we better get some food. You haven't eaten since you got here."

Anne grabbed a hold of Marigold's hand and walked into the kitchen together.

"I'm pretty hungry this morning," Anne said as she puts food on her plate, "The world doesn't seem such a howling wilderness as it did last night. Marigold definitely helped my sorrows with her wondrous words." Sending a smile to the blond who gladly returned it.

"I'm glad it's a pretty morning so we won't be driving back in the rain," Anne continued. "That would be extremely difficult to bear. It's all very well to... read sorrowful stories and imagine yourself living through them heroically, but... it's not so easy when you're actually woeful, is it?"

"For pity's sake, hold your tongue. You talk entirely too much," Marilla snapped.

"Yes, ma'am." The little orphan girl reached over quickly grabbed her sister's hand. Marigold squeezed her hand to try and comfort her. It was quiet for a minute before Matthew spoke up.

"Just so's you know, I sent word to see if that French boy is available through harvest."

A moment went by before Anne shot up from the table.

"Gracious me!" Marilla exclaimed.

"I can milk a cow and split wood! I can wash clothes, iron, dust, sweep and so many other things! There's no end to what I could accomplish given the chance," Anne brusted. She quickly grabbed her and Marilla's dishes. "I'll take care of these dishes for you, Miss Cuthbert. You will see, I'll do them right."

"Be careful with the kettle," Marilla ordered in a haste. "It's very hot. Use both hands."

She sighed indeat. "I see it clear now: this very idea was folly. You can't make up a family. Only kin is kin."

Those struck a nerve in Marigold and appearly Anne as well, who dropped the silverware in a daze.

"I'm so sorry! Nothing's broken," She exclaimed, rushing to pick up the cutlery before dropping her shoulders, "Oh, you'll never keep me now."

"I was never going to keep you," Marilla replied coldly. Anne face sadden before running upstairs. The two adults left in the room didn't seem to notice the other little girl was in the room until they heard a soft voice.

"What am I?"

"I beg your pardon?" Marilla asked, finally looking up and noticing her eyes glossed over.

"If only kin is kin then what am I?" Marigold whispered, a small tear escaping.

"You are...um," she hesitated.

"I see," the blond said, sadness dripping her voice. She slowly rosed from her seat. "I'll see if Anne needs any assistance before tending my chores."

"Marigold-" Matthew started, but never finish as she was already up the steps. He turned to look at his sister and was met with a look of guilt. She never met to hurt her, she just didn't think. Matthew got up from the table silently before heading out the door to the barn, leaving Marilla alone.

___

"I'll be back in time for tea," Marilla said as she and Anne got set in the cart. Matthew and Marigold standing off to the side.

"Anne..." Matthew started.

"Goodbye, Mr. Cuthbert"

"I, uh... didn't say I'd hire a boy to be rid of you. It was in hopes that you could stay."

Anne grabbed the older gentleman and pulled him into a hug, "Thank you. I'll never forget you."

"You take care now... Anne with an E," Matthew said as he pulled away. Marigold walked slowly up to the cart.

"I'm going to miss you," She said, with tears streaming down her face. Anne pulled her into hug and whispered into her ear.

"You will be my sister forever, Marigold Abbot."

"You as well, Anne Shirley."

"Oh, for heaven's sake," Marilla said, causing the two girls to pull away and whisper their final goodbyes.

And just like that...

Anne was gone.