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joyceblythe
Mistress of Slates
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Registered: 12-2006
Posts: 191
Kindredness: 40 (+40/-0)
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Part LXI
Faith hurried over to Jem’s apartment. She was already late, and she was eager to see him. Impatiently, she rapped on the door, wondering why she always stayed late at the hospital, and why her replacement could never come on time. When the door swung open, Faith stared in shock. “Jerry?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Hello, Faith,” he whispered, smiling at his little sister. Her face broke into a smile and she laughed as her brother lifted her into the air. When he released her, she stared up at him in shock.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? How long are you here? Oh, I’ve missed you, Jerry.” He laughed at the steam of questions from her, and drew her inside, closing the door.
“I didn’t know until just yesterday that I’d be in London so soon. I called Jem first thing, because I thought I could stay with him until I go home in January. We thought it would be nice to surprise you. And look at you, Nurse Meredith,” he teased. “What happened to my dear little sister?”
“She grew up,” Faith said, smiling at the tender note in Jerry’s voice. He smiled at her and drew her close again. “You aren’t quite the same either, you know, Mr. Meredith,” she teased gently.
“None of us are after what we’ve done and seen,” he replied seriously. Faith immediately sobered as she recalled her short time at the field hospital. She had a hard time imagining anyone living through that for five years, as Jem and Jerry had done. “I’ve missed you, little sister,” he said softly, tousling her hair.
“Are we interrupting?” Jem asked as he and Abby entered the room. Faith smiled and shook her head. “Alright then. Goodness, Jerry, where are your manners? Faith, Abby, won’t you sit down? This clown over has been in battle too long. He’s forgotten all the common courtesies.” Faith laughed as her brother glared at Jem. With an extra show of hospitality, Jerry took her arm and led her to a chair, holding it politely as she sat.
Abby looked around the small room in wonder. “Do you boys realize how long it’s been since we four sat down together?” she asked softly. “Jerry, I haven’t even seen you since we left Redmond.” Jerry smiled.
“Well, in that case, we have quite a bit of catching up to do, now don’t we?” He smiled over at his sister. “I suppose you girls have heard about the soldier/nurse ball tomorrow night?” They nodded quietly. The ball had been arranged to celebrate a month of peace, and to welcome home the soldiers that filtered into London. “Abby, I don’t suppose you’d accompany me to the ball?”
“Of course I will, Jerry. James isn’t expected back for at least two weeks.” Her eyes became slightly wistful. “He’s on his way, though. He’s written that he’s doing well. He’ll stay here until April, and then go home. Jerry, it seems that you’re the only one in a rush to get home.” Jerry grinned crookedly.
“I’m the only one with a girl waiting at home. Jem and James have you two here. I’ve written home to my father. I’ll be back at Redmond next year, taking a one-year course in business. Nan and I will be married after that, I suppose.” Faith smiled.
“Well, at least you two have only one year. Jem still has two years before he’s finished medical school. I suppose we’ll be having one wedding each year at this rate.” Jem and Jerry frowned in confusion, and Abby laughed.
“James and I have decided to have our wedding this autumn, when Faith and I come home. It will be lovely to finally be together. The past five years haven’t been easy,” she said softly.
“Congratulations, Abby. I’m really happy for you,” Jerry said, beaming. Suddenly Jem frowned.
“Jerry, have you even proposed to my sister yet? She hasn’t mentioned an engagement.” Jerry’s face reddened. In exasperation, Jem flung a napkin at him.
“Jerry Meredith, after hounding Faith and me to court, you haven’t even asked Nan to marry you? I have half a mind to tell her to refuse you.” Faith giggled and clutched her sides.
“Jem, she was only eighteen when we left. You said yourself that that’s too young. I will ask her as soon as we’ve arrived at home, but I refuse to propose to her in a letter.” Jem laughed. “Getting your revenge for the way I treated you and Faith eight years ago?”
“Of course. You teased us mercilessly for three years. You didn’t think that I’d let you off so easily, now did you?” Jerry grinned and tossed the napkin back at his friend. Faith looked over at Abby.
“It looks as if we’ll be alright, dear.”
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12/13/2006, 10:13 pm
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joyceblythe
Mistress of Slates
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Registered: 12-2006
Posts: 191
Kindredness: 40 (+40/-0)
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Part LXII
Faith sighed as she sat flopped down onto a chair. Exhausted from work, she leaned back, resting her head against the wall. “Honey, there are a few letters for you,” Abby called from her bedroom. Groaning, Faith pulled herself out of the chair and went toward the room. Standing in the doorway, she watched as her friend finished off a letter to her family.
“Where are they?” she asked wearily. Abby looked up and her face was drawn with shock.
“Goodness, Faith. Did you sleep at all last night? What time did your shift start today? Come here and sit down.” Yawning, Faith made her way to the bed and sat down. Abby chuckled. “Is our dear Jem wearing you out, honey?” Faith simply nodded. “Well, there’s a letter here for you from Jerry. He wrote me as well. He arrived safely, and has been spoilt thoroughly by your father and the Blythes.”
“Well, has he used that head of his and asked Nan Blythe to marry him or not?” Faith laughed. Abby shrugged and tossed a pile of letters at her.
“Find out yourself. Nan and Rilla wrote as well.” Faith lay down on the bed as she opened Jerry’s letter. It was short and she scanned it quickly. A slow smile crept over her face. “Well? What does he say? Lord knows he hasn’t told me anything.” Faith laughed and opened Nan’s letter. “Infuriating woman,” Abby muttered jokingly. Ignoring her, Faith read the letter from Nan quickly. It was a few pages long, and was quite newsy. When she put that one down, she turned to Rilla’s letter to find the envelope gone. Abby stood at the end of the bed, arms crossed, and holding the letter. “Now, Faith Meredith, I will not let you read this letter until you tell me whether or not your brother and Nan Blythe are, in fact, engaged.”
“The wedding is set for next June,” Faith replied softly. “Just after Jerry graduates from his business program.” Abby clapped her hands together happily. “Now may I read my letter?” Abby nodded and handed her the envelope. Faith just grinned and shook her head as she took it and opened it. After finishing the letter, she looked up at Abby.
“Dear, why are you so tired?” she asked, frowning with worry. Faith smiled at the motherly tone of voice.
“Jem and I were out quite late last night, and my shift started early this morning. Unlike you, who had a day off, I had to work.” She picked up a pillow and tossed it at her friend half-heartedly. Abby laughed and sat down near her friend’s head.
“In that case, Faith Meredith, why don’t you just go to bed? You look like you could use a good night’s sleep.” Faith shook her head.
“Jem’s picking me up in a couple of hours. We’re going to the park. Don’t look at me like that, Abby. We have two years of barely seeing each other coming to us very soon. As it is, Jem will be leaving for Canada in a month’s time.” Her voice had a slightly mournful tone to it. “I get him back for a few months, and then he has to leave me again.” Abby petted her head, smoothing back the hair that was falling into her eyes.
“You’ll be together soon, Faith. What was it that Aunt Anne said? Those three years that she worked as a teacher and lived at Windy Poplars were hard, but sweet. She and Uncle Gilbert were waiting and working for each other, knowing what was at the end of that time, and working harder just to get there.” Faith smiled. “At least you know now when you’ll be able to get married, and that you will.” Her eyes connected with Faith’s. Until the victory had been announced, they had both faced the prospect of losing their loves. “Now what time will Jem come?”
“Six o’ clock. He and James are coming to take us to dinner.” Abby nodded thoughtfully.
“Go to bed. I’ll wake you at five. You can’t possibly go out to dinner looking that exhausted.” Faith nodded gratefully and pulled herself up. “Sleep well, honey.”
“Thanks, Abby.” She smiled at her friend and stumbled out of the room.
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12/13/2006, 10:14 pm
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joyceblythe
Mistress of Slates
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Registered: 12-2006
Posts: 191
Kindredness: 40 (+40/-0)
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Part LXIII
Jem sighed and leaned his head back against a tree. “Tired, Jem?” James asked, laughing gently. The older man shot a glance at him and simply nodded. “Our lovely Faith occupying too much of your time? You know, you really need to rest more. You gave your leg only a month before you and Faith started going around the city every night. I think you should take it easy.”
“Faith could never occupy too much of my time, James. Just as Abby could never occupy too much of yours. In fact, I wasn’t the one out of bed at seven in the morning to get breakfast with my fiancée this morning, now was I?” James grinned.
“So Abby and I woke up earlier than you and Faith for once. Will you never accept it?” Jem laughed. “Glass houses, Jem. Glass houses.”
“I’m proposing tonight,” Jem said suddenly. James scrutinized him.
“I thought you already did?” He looked pointedly at the dried pink rose that would probably stay in Jem’s pocket until his wedding day. “After all, Faith has been discussing your engagement with Abby.”
“I did propose, but she deserves a proper proposal. She deserves a ring, first of all.” James smiled. “I must admit, though, that this time my heart won’t be so firmly lodged in my throat. I’m fairly confident that she’d say yes.” James laughed. “And what is so funny now, James Stuart?”
“Faith would have accepted your proposal when she stepped off the train in Kingsport the first time. You were both just too stubborn and thick-headed to realize that you were completely in love with each other.” Jem grinned. “In any case, what news of your sisters?”
“Nan is doing well. She and Jerry are formally engaged, and she’s quite happy. Di has been seeing some young man by the name of Matthew Donnell. The poor guy lost his hearing in one ear. The doctors say it’s never to return. Rilla has said goodbye to her war baby, and has got some sort of agreement with Ken Ford. Mother wouldn’t elaborate too much, but I don’t think that it’s too unlikely that an engagement will be announced fairly soon.” James smiled.
“I’m glad to hear it. Are you ready to go home in a month?” Jem looked up, indecision clear in his face.
“I don’t know. Part of me wants to go home, to see my family, and a part of me can’t stand the thought of leaving Faith again. Going to Kingsport is one thing, but being parted by an ocean again is not something I wish to repeat.” James nodded slowly.
“Abby and I have decided to wait two years to get married.” Jem looked at his friend, startled. “I still have two years to finish at Redmond, and I want to have the education and the means to give her a good home. Besides, she insists that I not sacrifice my education for her.” Jem grinned.
“Well, then we’ll just have two more years of fun at Redmond before settling down, eh?” he replied, nudging his friend and winking. James laughed. “Well, we should get back. I promised I’d collect Faith in two hours.”
Hours later, Jem and Faith sat on a bench in a little park near her apartment. She looked over at her silent companion. “Jem? Is everything all right? You’ve been so quiet and strange this evening.” He looked at her, smiling, and fiddled with something in his coat pocket.
“I’ve something to ask you, Faith.” She looked confused, but nodded anyway. “I asked you five years ago to wait for me. Now that the war is over, I want to ask you to do me the honor of marrying me.” He blushed as he held out a box. She took it, and smiled.
“You dear. Is this what you’ve been fretting about all evening? Of course I’ll marry you. I promised you five years ago that I’d be yours.” She leaned up and kissed him softly. “Now what could possibly be in here?” she joked, after pulling away. She opened it and gasped. The ring was beautiful. “Jem, this is….” Her voice trailed off in awe. Grinning, he took it and slipped it on her finger.
“I thought you should have something to remember me by. For five years I’ve carried this rose, but you’ve had nothing.” She laughed merrily. “Besides, what would everyone at home think if I didn’t give you an engagement ring?”
“It’s perfect, Jem. Absolutely perfect.” She looked up at him seriously. “I’ve been thinking, Jem. What if Abby and I stayed in Kingsport? We could work at the Red Cross again as nurses. I’m sure they’ll need us for some time. Then we could teach until you boys have graduated.” His eyes lit up happily. “I don’t think I could bear another two years without you close by.”
“Neither could I. The past five were hard enough.” She smiled at him, struggling to suppress a yawn. Jem laughed. “Come along, then. I’ll take you home. We’ve both been out quite a lot this month.”
“Yes, we have,” she agreed quietly, taking his arm. “In fact, my dearest roommate has been trying to convince me to sleep more because of you.” Jem laughed and squeezed her hand happily.
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12/13/2006, 10:16 pm
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joyceblythe
Mistress of Slates
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Registered: 12-2006
Posts: 191
Kindredness: 40 (+40/-0)
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Part LXIV
Faith shut her bag with a sigh and let her gaze linger on the diamond she wore. With a soft smile, she imagined Jem’s face when she would walk into Ingleside, almost a month before they had planned. “Abby, honey, are you ready to go?” She was met by the shining face and bright eyes of her best friend.
“I’m ready. I simply can’t wait to step off the train in Glen St. Mary. What luck, Faith, that Mother and Father chose this month to visit Aunt Anne.” Faith laughed at the sly look on her friend’s face. She picked up her case heavily and carried it over to the front door, looking back at Abby as she spoke.
“Yes, and how fortunate that James decided to visit Jem at the same time.” She dropped the suitcase and turned around to look at the apartment. “Well, Abby, this is it. Time to say good-bye to our dear little place. That kitchen table has seen us through the best and the worst of times, I’d say.” Abby smiled sadly and looked around at the simple apartment.
“Yes, it has. And now we’ll go home to our families and our men, knowing that we’re safe.” She took Faith’s hand gently, and opened the front door. “Let’s go, Faith. It’s time to go home.” Faith grinned and followed her friend out the door.
It was a warm day when the pair stepped off the train in Glen St. Mary. Faith looked up and down the platform quickly, making sure that no one she knew was close enough to see her and spread word of her return. “Come on,” she said excitedly. “Marshall Elliot said that he’d have a buggy waiting for us. Oh, there it is!” Her eyes brightened at the sight of the Elliots’ familiar buggy. The two girls loaded their bags quickly and hopped into the carriage, Faith taking the reins and steering a slower, less populated route to the Manse. As they neared the house, they could see Una’s slight form making her way inside, arms laden with flowers. They hopped out a little way off from the house, not wanting to make anyone come outside at the sound of a buggy. Deftly, Faith tied the horse to a fence, and the girls took their bags. “Well, dear. Here we go.” Her eyes betrayed the anxiety and excitement she felt, and Abby reached out, squeezing her hand.
“We’re home, Faith. Finally home.” They covered the short distance to the house quickly, both anxious to see their families. As soon as they had greeted the Merediths, they planned to head over to Ingleside to meet the Blythes and Blakes. Holding her breath, Faith opened the door quietly.
“Jem? Is that you? It’s about time you got over…” Jerry’s voice trailed off as he came into front room. His jaw hung open, and for several seconds he couldn’t speak. “Faith?” he asked quietly, unable to believe the sight before him. His eyes shifted to the person behind her, and he gave a slight laugh of disbelief. “Abby? You’re both here! We didn’t expect you for a month yet. Oh, come here, both of you!” The girls dropped their bags quickly, and ran to embrace Jerry. “I can’t believe you’re here.” He shook his head, grinning widely. “Although I should have expected something like this, knowing that Abby was involved.” He felt a slight tug on his shirt, and looked down. Bruce was standing next to his brother, staring at Faith and Abby. “Go ahead, Bruce. It’s really them.” The boy smiled and rushed into Faith’s arms, hugging her tightly.
“Oh, Bruce, it’s so good to see you. Let me look at you! You’ve grown so much!” She could hardly believe the little man in front of her, so much taller than the last time she had seen him. “Do you remember Abby, Bruce?” The little boy nodded shyly and looked over at Abby.
“Well, hello there, Bruce. Do I get a hug as well?” Bruce grinned and nodded, throwing his arms around the girl. Abby laughed happily, finally feeling like she was home again.
“We missed you,” Bruce said seriously, frowning at the two girls. “Are you here forever now?” Faith smiled.
“Don’t worry, my little man. We won’t be going away for a long time.” Bruce smiled and scampered off, presumably to tell the rest of the family just who was standing in their front room. Faith laughed, looking back up at her brother. “It feels so wonderful to be home, Jerry.”
“It does, doesn’t it? And now we’ll have a happy month over here before Jem and I return to Kingsport. I suppose you know that James and your family are over at Ingleside at this very minute?” he asked slyly. Abby grinned, letting on exactly how much she did know. “Well, as soon as the family has seen you both, we can head over to see the Blythes. I know Faith must just be dying to see Shirley.” His eyes twinkled merrily as Faith laughed. “Faith, what is on your finger?” he asked suddenly, catching sight of the thin gold band and sparkling diamond. She looked up at him happily. “So he did give you a ring. Oh, don’t misunderstand me, little sister. I know that his proposal was more rushed than he would have liked. I’m just glad you’re both ready to tell everyone.”
“Yes, I suppose the ring might give it away.” Faith smiled again, looking down at the ring. “He proposed to me again, and gave me the ring. I suppose there can’t be any secrets now.” He grinned and hugged her.
“I’m so happy for you.” When he pulled away, he saw his entire family standing behind Faith, all smiling. “Bruce, I see you spread the happy news.” Faith whirled around and was immediately enveloped in six hugs. She laughed, loving the feeling of being back with her family. Abby stood back a little shyly, until Rosemary pulled her over to the family, welcoming her as openly as they did Faith.
After nearly an hour of greetings, Faith was looking out the window at the darkening sky. “He still watches the sunset, you know.” She turned around at her brother’s soft voice. “He’s probably in Rainbow Valley right now.”
“I thought we were all…” she trailed off as Jerry put two fingers to her lips.
“Go, Faith. We’ll all see you at Ingleside this evening. We were going for dinner in any case. I’ll explain to the family. I know you must be dying to see him.” She looked into her brother’s eyes, grateful for the understanding that she saw there. She reached out for him, pulling him into a tight hug. “I missed you as well, Faith,” he whispered, amusement lacing his voice.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you, Jerry.” He grinned, pushing her toward the door. “I’ll meet you at Ingleside.” He nodded and watched as his sister ran from the Manse, the lighthearted gait of a young girl finally replacing the well-worn stride of a war nurse.
Last edited by joyceblythe, 12/13/2006, 10:18 pm
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12/13/2006, 10:17 pm
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joyceblythe
Mistress of Slates
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Registered: 12-2006
Posts: 191
Kindredness: 40 (+40/-0)
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Part LXV
Faith saw a tall man in the glen leaning against a tree. She could spot the ruddy hair of her fiancé anywhere, and she couldn’t wait to see his face. Tiptoeing around, so as not to alert or disturb him, she waited until she saw his eyes close in contemplation. His hand tightened around something, and Faith could see that it was the pink rose he had carried for years. She smiled and stepped in front of him, reaching for his hand. His eyes flew open at the contact, and a wide grin split his face. “Faith?” he whispered, wondering if it were a dream. She nodded, smiling happily.
“We thought we’d surprise you,” she said simply. He laughed and picked her up, hugging her tight. “I’m sure Abby has already run to Ingleside, if Jerry hasn’t prevented it.” He sat back down, keeping his arm tight around her shoulders as he pulled her down with him.
“I missed you,” he said simply. “No one was here to help me torture the boys,” he grinned. She laughed and nudged him away playfully. “I can’t believe you’re home. I’ve been waiting for you to get here. I haven’t told a soul about the engagement, you know. Only Jerry and James know. And Walter….” His voice trailed off sadly. She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “You know, it’s so much more real now that I’m home? I keep expecting him to walk around the corner. Something, that last time I saw him…. Something told me to tell him about us. He was thrilled.” Tears stung at her eyes as she remembered her gentle friend, and the years they had shared in that same Glen.
“I’m glad you told him,” she said softly. “I wanted so much for him to know.” She looked up at him and raised a hand to his face, wiping away the tears she saw about to break forth. “He’s at peace, Jem. He’s away from suffering and grief, and on our wedding day, he will be there as always, watching us, and wishing us well.” He smiled at her.
“Have I mentioned how much I missed you?” he asked, half-joking. “I needed to hear that from you.” She smiled.
“We will remember him always, Jem. And we will name our first son Walter, in his honor.” She was completely serious, and both of them wore smiles. It was the first time they felt that they could really discuss their future. It had always felt like they were tempting fate to discuss the future in London, or in their letters. They had mentioned their dreams, of course. Gentle little fantasies of life together, with all their family surrounding them. Never before, however, had they really contemplated the road ahead of them. Jem nodded in agreement, squeezing her shoulder again, and pointing toward the sun, which was melting into the horizon, casting a golden glow over the land. She settled quietly into his arms, happy to watch a sunset from the Glen with this man. It had been more than five years, after all, and she had missed it more than anything else. The rising and setting sun had always been sacred. It always changed things between them for the better. Fights had been resolved with as little as a glance in this little glen at dawn and dusk. They had first declared their love for each other under this setting sun, and had promised to wait for each other.
Finally, the sun disappeared, leaving the couple in the darkened glen. Jem stood up, offering a hand to Faith. “Come, Faith. We should head back to Ingleside.” She smiled and nodded, taking his hand to stand. Before they set off for the warm house, he pulled her close again. “I’m so happy to see you,” he said, softly kissing the golden-brown hair. “Now let’s go and surprise my mother, shall we?” Faith laughed and took the arm he offered.
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12/13/2006, 10:19 pm
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joyceblythe
Mistress of Slates
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Registered: 12-2006
Posts: 191
Kindredness: 40 (+40/-0)
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Part LXVI
Jem pushed the door open, holding it for Faith as she stepped into the old house. “Ready for this?” he asked quietly. She smiled up at him and nodded, as the sound of footsteps became clear.
“Faith! Oh, my dear girl, come in! Everyone is here. Jem, you’re late, and we have company. I know I taught you better manners.” Anne threw her arms around the girl, and Faith burst out laughing at the confusion on Jem’s face.
“Mrs. Blythe, it’s all my fault. I distracted him in the Glen. Don’t blame him.” Anne smiled at the girl and nodded as she led them into the parlor. She could feel Jem’s hand on her elbow, keeping her from feeling overwhelmed by the huge assembly of friends who looked about ready to pounce on her. It seemed the Fords had come. Faith took in the scene before her and smiled. Abby was at James’ side, more content than Faith had seen her in years. Phil and Jonas sat nearby, keeping a careful eye on their daughter, not quite ready to believe that she was home for good. Christopher seemed to have made a good friend in Carl, and the two sat in quiet discussion. Samuel seemed to be listening to Shirley’s stories with rapt attention, while little Alex ran around the house with Bruce. In shock, Faith soon realized that Rilla was sitting with Ken, both seeming quite oblivious to everything around them. Things really had changed since she left. She felt Jem’s concerned gaze on her, and she looked up, smiling to reassure him.
“Susan, dear, would you bring out supper?” Anne asked quietly. Susan nodded, but made her way over to Faith first.
“We missed you, child,” she said sternly, folding the girl into a tight hug. “Now you rest, Susan Baker will take care of you.” Faith laughed and nodded lightly. Smiling at everyone, she made her way around the little group, greeting everyone.
A little while later, she sat alone, Jem just having left to bring her a drink. Looking up, she saw a young man staring at her, amused. “Kenneth Ford,” she said warmly. “Have a seat.”
“The intrepid Miss Faith Meredith returns. Or should I be calling you the future Mrs. Jem Blythe?” Faith laughed and blushed. “I’m quite sure that when I said goodbye to you, that ring was not on your finger.”
“And so what if it wasn’t? I seemed to notice you’ve gotten quite close to a Rilla, Ken. I know that wasn’t the case when we last met. You’ve left things out of your letters, dear. Do feel free to explain.” Ken’s face broke into a wide grin as he began laughing heartily.
“Touché. I’m happy for you, really. Although I must say, that I was hoping to see you over there. I hear that Jem visited you.” Faith nodded happily. “I missed my dear old friend. You and Abby were very brave, going over there. Most girls left after two weeks.” At that moment, Jem came with both their drinks.
“Am I interrupting anything?” he asked, shaking Ken’s hand warmly.
“Nothing really. I was just telling your fiancée here that it’s lovely to see her again, and that her actions over the past few years have been quite commendable.” Jem grinned at her, enjoying the blush that spread over her face.
“Now stop it, both of you. That’s quite enough. Abby and I did what we felt was right. You did no less.” Turning to Jem, she changed the subject. “What took you so long with the drinks?”
“I was talking to your father.” Faith frowned curiously. “I was asking him for his blessing to marry you.” Suddenly she felt as if her heart would stop. “He gave it happily, Faith. Did you really expect that he wouldn’t?” She smiled, slightly ashamed.
“No, but Father can be quite protective at times. Who knows what he might say. So we can announce it now?” Ken stood up quietly, feeling like an intruder. “Kenneth Ford, sit back down at once. I’m not done talking to you.” The two men laughed as she turned to Jem. “We’ll announce it after dinner. Now for goodness’ sake, take a seat! My neck is starting to hurt looking at you like this.” She gave him a smug look as he sat down quietly. “Thank you. Now, Captain Ford, I must know, as Rilla’s future sister-in-law, what exactly are your intentions with her?” Ken nearly choked on his drink in surprise.
“Faith, did you not look at Rilla’s hand when you met her? Ken proposed a month ago.” She looked at both men accusingly.
“A month ago? And neither of you felt it necessary to write and inform me of this rather large development in our lives?” She looked slightly put out.
“Well, they waited two weeks to announce it, and I did write you. However, you went and left London a little early, and that letter is probably on its way back.” Faith looked slightly abashed. “Ken, have you two set a date?”
“Not yet. We’re thinking of next summer, though. We’d like to have the wedding outside, and then go away for the honeymoon. I was thinking of taking Rilla to London. She hasn’t traveled at all, and I think she’d like it.”
“You treat my sister well, Ken, and we’ll all get along just fine. Now, I believe that dinner is being served. Faith, come with me.” As everyone moved toward the food, Jem pulled her up and cleared his throat. “Excuse me, everyone. Thank you. I wanted to make an announcement. Faith and I have decided to get married.” Faith looked around the room, gauging everyone’s reactions. Jerry was smiling knowingly, as was Ken. Rilla looked triumphant, as if she’d known all along. Everyone else, however, gasped in surprise. Anne had a broad smile across her face as she approached Faith.
“Welcome to our family, dear,” she said, embracing the girl.
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12/13/2006, 10:20 pm
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joyceblythe
Mistress of Slates
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Registered: 12-2006
Posts: 191
Kindredness: 40 (+40/-0)
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Part LXVII
Faith approached the gates of the boarding house, brimming with excitement. An elderly gentleman helped his daughter with her trunk, and Faith noticed the apprehension in the girl’s eyes, reminding her of her first day in Kingsport. Suddenly a voice broke into her thoughts. “Faith! Let me give you a hand!” She turned to see James running across the street. “I saw you out the window with all your bags. Jerry didn’t meet you at the station?” Faith found herself engulfed in a warm hug.
“Hello, dear. No, Jerry had a meeting with a professor, and couldn’t make the train. Jem was held up in a class, and I thought you’d be with Abby. Don’t you dare make me repeat that term again, James Stuart. I mean it.” James laughed, lifting up two of her bags.
“Abby is in her room, setting it up. She refused to let me help. Something about needing to set up her own space one last time before we get married. Now why don’t we get these bags upstairs Nurse Meredith?” Faith laughed and grabbed a few of her own suitcases, hauling them in as James held the door. Mrs. Andrews looked up as she saw the door open, and abandoned her new charge in her excitement.
“Faith! Oh, my dear girl. How good it is to see you!” Suddenly the girl found herself in a crushing embrace. “Now, I told Abigail the same thing. I expect absolutely nothing from you two. You just do the fine work you’ve been doing, help me out from time to time here with the sick girls, and we’ll call it even. You’ve done so much for my family already.” Faith opened her mouth to protest, but was soon cut off. “Not a word, love. It’s all settled. Now James, be a good boy and help her up with her bags.” Faith laughed as James tipped his hat.
“Lovely to see you again, Mrs. Andrews. And thank you for everything. I do appreciate it.” The old lady smiled generously, and waved them upstairs. When Faith reached her room, her best friend stood in the door. “Abby! So good to see you, dear. I hope your time at home was nice?”
“It was wonderful. Now, James, thank you very much for helping her. I’ll take over from here. We need some time for girl talk.” She smiled sweetly at her fiancé as she dragged Faith into her room.
“Thank you, James!” Faith squealed as the door was shut behind her. James laughed and shook his head as he made his way down the stairs, smiling politely at the frightened new girl and her father.
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12/13/2006, 10:22 pm
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joyceblythe
Mistress of Slates
Global user
Registered: 12-2006
Posts: 191
Kindredness: 40 (+40/-0)
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Part LXVIII
Abby sighed loudly, prompting a laugh from her friend. “Abigail Blake, you have sighed so very dramatically three times now. Do you have nothing to do?” Abby jumped up, scrambling across the bed.
“I’m thoroughly bored, Faith. Who knew that normal life could be so… uninteresting? Let’s go do something.” Faith raised an eyebrow. “Don’t look at me like that. You can’t possibly think that sitting here every day, reading books and looking out the window is entertaining!” Faith laughed sympathetically and closed her book.
“I agree, dear, but what do you want to do?” Abby’s eyes twinkled dangerously. “Oh, no. The last time you got that look in your eyes, we ended up locked in one of London’s private gardens all night long!” Abby laughed.
“Here is my suggestion. We first go to Mrs. Andrews and ask for some food. Then we round up the boys, accepting absolutely no excuses, and we find a good spot in the park for a picnic. Once that’s finished, we can go back to the boys’ apartment, and reminisce about old times. How does that sound?” A smile spread across Faith’s face.
“That sounds lovely, Abby. Let’s go.” Grinning, Abby jumped off the bed, threw open Faith’s closet, and proceeded to rifle through the girl’s belongings. “Dear, would you toss me my sweater?” Almost immediately, an ivory sweater collided with her face. “And try not to make a mess of my closet, would you? What are you looking for?”
“That coat you used to wear. I love that coat, and I’m borrowing it. Ah! Here it is.” She shook the coat in Faith’s face. “Oh, Faith, I can’t wait to spend a day just pretending it’s old times again!” She opened the door to find Jerry ready to knock. “Jerry!”
“Hello, girls. I came to see if you’d like to go for a walk around the park.” Faith smiled at her brother, and opened her mouth, only to be stopped by Abby.
“Actually, Jerry, we’ve decided to go for a picnic. You boys are joining us. I want a day with the old group again, just having a good time. Now that you’re here, you can help us get the food.” Jerry laughed and looked at his sister helplessly.
“Jerry, please. She’s been sitting on my bed, sighing loudly all day. Can we please just humor her? For the sake of my sanity?” Jerry laughed as Abby turned around to smack Faith lightly.
“It sounds good to me, but good luck convincing Jem and James. They’ve declared that they’re not leaving the room until Friday unless it’s for classes.” Abby rolled her eyes.
“Come along. Let’s go get some food, and then we’ll find a way to convince our fiancés.” Faith and Jerry shot amused glances at each other and followed Abby down the stairs.
Half an hour later, the small group was outside the boys’ apartment. Abby knocked quickly. A faint response was heard from inside, telling them to enter. Faith pushed the door open and found Jem hunched over some papers, looking more frustrated than he’d ever been. He turned to see who had come in, and his face softened, though very slightly. “What are you doing here?” he asked, more irritably than he’d have liked.
“We came to tell you boys that you’re coming with us for a picnic right now.” Jem looked at Abby as if she’d sprouted wings, and then shot an annoyed look at Jerry. “Don’t blame Jerry. He told us you were refusing to leave the apartment, but we decided that you had to come out.”
“Abby, I can’t possibly leave. As much as I’d like to, I simply must finish learning about these systems before my exam on Friday.” He looked pointedly at Faith. “You knew I had this exam. Couldn’t you have planned this outing for another day?” Faith remained silent. “Why haven’t you said anything?” Faith turned to Abby and Jerry very calmly.
“Could you two give us a moment? I need to speak with Jem. Why don’t you go and find James.” Sensing trouble, the two were only too happy to leave, Jerry giving Faith’s hand a gentle squeeze on his way out. Once the door had closed behind them, Faith walked over to the table and sat across from Jem. “What’s wrong?” she asked quietly.
“What’s wrong? I haven’t slept in three days, Faith. This material is simply too much, and now you’re asking me to come out and socialize? You know I have too much work! You know that these exams are making me tense. You do realize that our entire future hangs on me passing Medical School, don’t you? How can you come in and just expect me to drop everything to have a day out? You should know better! And then you drag Abby in just to make it harder to say no!” The tension was showing on his face, and he had completely lost his temper, slamming the book down onto the table. Faith’s heart was pounding, and she was working hard to suppress the anger that was brewing inside of her, reminding herself that he simply had too much to think about just now, and he was exhausted. She spoke calmly and quietly, but her voice had a hard edge that Jem had never heard before.
“James Matthew Blythe, I am not the reason that you are tense right now. I am not the reason that you are upset right now. So if you please, I’d like you to stop blaming me and stop releasing all of your frustration onto me. If you want to talk about something, that is fine. But if you are going to yell at me for things that I have no control over, I am leaving this room, and you can find me when you’re ready to apologize. I understand that you’re tired, and hungry, and overworked. It hasn’t escaped my notice. I don’t want you finding reasons to fight with me, simply because you’re overworked.” Jem relaxed, too exhausted to stay angry.
“I’m sorry, Faith. I don’t know what came over me.” She looked at him, her eyes much softer this time.
“I do. You’re tired, you’re overworked, and you haven’t had proper sleep or food in days, Jem. It’s only Monday. You still have four days with very little class to study for this exam. If you don’t get some rest, and some proper food, you’ll never be in the right frame of mind to learn all of this.” She reached out and took his hand. “I know that this seems like the wrong thing to do right now, but come out with us. You need some time away from that text, and away from study refresh yourself. You need some proper food, and tonight you need some sleep.” She smiled at him. “You know, a very wise young man once told me not to go making myself sick over something like schoolwork.” Jem smiled, exhaustion showing in his face. A soft knock on the door interrupted them. “Come in!” Faith called firmly. Jerry and Abby walked into the room nervously, James trailing behind them. “Go on, Jem. Grab your coat, and let’s go take some time away from studies.”
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12/13/2006, 10:23 pm
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joyceblythe
Mistress of Slates
Global user
Registered: 12-2006
Posts: 191
Kindredness: 40 (+40/-0)
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Part LXIX
“Faith, we should go. It’s starting to get dark. I’ll get James and Jerry, and could you and Jem pick up the blanket?” Faith nodded happily and looked over at an old tree she’d always loved. Jem sat, leaning against it, reading a letter. She walked over quickly and sat next to him.
“Jem, we should go back. It’s getting dark.” He looked up and smiled. Faith could see the lines of weariness in his face. “Whose letter is that?”
“It’s just a letter from my mother.” He folded the note and tucked it into a pocket as he stood up. “Come, let me help you clean up.” They picked up the blanket and empty baskets in silence until Abby returned with Jerry and James.
“Well, what do you all say to a nice chat in the boys apartment? Jerry and I were just discussing it.” She looked at Jem hopefully, and smiled when she received a nod. “Good, it’s all settled then.”
They all sat around the little table, silent, but completely comfortable. Abby was the first to speak, looking around the little group. “You know, I find it hard to believe that we were all overseas for five years, yet this group remained intact. I think someone was watching over us.” James nodded in agreement, while Jem’s eyes betrayed a wealth of sorrow. Abby suddenly realized what she had said and her hand flew to her mouth in horror. “Walter… oh, Jem, I’m sorry. That was horrible of me.”
“Don’t be sorry. You were happy that we all made it through. We all knew that we’d face losses in this war. Some will always be harder to bear than others, I suppose.” Faith slipped her hand into his, and squeezed it gently. Jem rewarded her with a grateful smile, as the small group fell silent once again, remembering their friend. “He would have been so happy to see us like this, you know. Abby, you and James happily engaged. Jerry, you with Nan. Me with Faith.” Everyone laughed a bit sadly. “Especially me and Faith. He was after us from the start, wasn’t he?”
“Well, you two did need some prompting,” Jerry said, grinning at the couple. Abby rolled her eyes.
“Some? Some prompting? The two of them were the most stubborn people I’ve ever known! They both cared for each other. They both wanted each other. They just refused to acknowledge it for three years!” Faith blushed as she hid her smile. “James and I were more sensible than that.”
“Oh yes, sensible Abby. Jerry, how long did she spend fretting over whether to even say hello to James?” Faith answered snidely. Jerry burst out laughing as Abby threw a pillow at her friend. “That will teach you to tease us so often! For goodness’ sake, Jem we will never live those two years down.” Jem smiled calmly and kissed Faith’s hand.
“We’ll survive. In the meantime, however, I must sleep. As much as I’ve enjoyed this evening and your company, I am going to fall asleep soon. Shall we plan something for Saturday afternoon? A picnic in the park again?” Abby nodded as she stood.
“That sounds good. Faith and I will arrange it. You boys get some rest and study hard for those exams!” The two girls gathered the remaining items from the picnic, and bid goodbye to their fiancés. After Jerry left them at their door, they cleaned up and went to bed, happy to once again feel carefree and young.
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12/31/2006, 12:15 am
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