Anne Shirley Cuthbert... Bylthe - translation

A long day

Diana woke up, got dressed, and went downstairs quietly. She thought of Fred as she looked out, hoping he would come this summer and see this garden she loved so much. She hadn't heard anything from him since she'd returned to Avonlea, so she'd have to ask Gilbert if he'd written to her. She was especially afraid that he had forgotten about her.

But there was one thing that made the young woman happy, whether she remained promised to Fred, as her parents liked to say, or whether he had indeed forgotten about her, she was going back to study at Queens in September. She was going to be an educated woman and she was proud of herself for that. She was proud of herself for listening to Anne and her Aunt Jo, and for standing up to her parents. 

And today she was happy. Her day was planned, she would first go to the village to do some shopping for her mother and buy fabric - for a new dress for Minnie-May, which she was happy to help make. She was going to make a pie to take to Gilbert's, mostly for Delphine, whom she loved to babysit. Then she would drop by quickly to check on Ruby, and then she would go to the community hall where she had committed to playing the piano for the tea party that Mrs. Lynde had organized for the children. 

She arrived at the fabric store and hesitated for a long time, which color would suit her little sister best? She remembered the past summer, when she and her mother had bought a beautiful yellow dress. Her mother wasn't convinced, but Minnie-May loved it and wore it until she couldn't fit into it anymore. She also took some thin white fabric and a beautiful ribbon, making sure she had enough so she could put it in her little sister's long hair. She would be happy.

Diana took great pleasure in making her pie on her own, it was so rare for her to cook that she cherished her moments. She wrapped it up and headed for the Blythe house. She enjoyed the drive, the sun was shining. When she arrived at the Blythe house, she was greeted by Bash, a big smile on his face.

"Diana! How nice to see you! Come in, Dellie is with Gilbert in the back. My mother will be happy to see you too, especially with a pie like this!

- I'll check out the back, thanks Bash. I need to talk to Gil too.

- Just go, I have to go to work."

Diana walked in and was greeted warmly by Hazel, who had immediately taken a liking to the young girl. She then went outside and watched Gilbert play with Delphine with some wooden toys that Bash had made with Jerry. She looked at him, tenderized. Gilbert would make a great father, she was sure. She approached slowly and it was Dellie who saw her first.

"Di! Gilbert stood up and took her in his arms, how are you?

- Wonderfully well! How about that? Ready to marry my best friend?

- If you only knew! If I could, I'd get married tomorrow! But hey, I have to finish school, or at least wait until next year, senior year is an internship I hope to do in Charlottetown. I didn't know you were coming by today!

- Yes, I wanted to bring a pie for Delphine, isn't that my princess? Delphine chirped happily. Oh, Gilbert, has Fred written you lately? I haven't heard from him since I got home...

- I don't think so... The mail takes longer to get here, you know, but I think I got some mail today, so check the kitchen. He took Delphine in his arms and they went into the kitchen. An envelope was indeed waiting for the two young people. Gilbert opened it and took out three sheets, the second of which began "My Diana". She took it with a smile, so he hadn't forgotten it. Gilbert watched her read her letter, a smile on his face. He was so happy to know his friends were happy.

- So when is he coming?

- He's coming next Saturday! He's staying at your place, according to what he told me... Wait, did you know that?