My Lucky Penny

Signs are Small Measurable Things, But Interpretations are Illimatable

The next morning, it took Penny longer than usual to get out of bed. She couldn't help the feeling of discomfort she had whenever she thought about the gold.

Even as she got dressed for her first day of school, she dreaded leaving her room.

These feelings were actualized when she walked past Nate's open door. Inside was Anne with Nate himself. She seemed to be looking through a microscope while Nate watched with a set jaw.

Out of curiosity, she put on a smile. "Good morning. What are you two up to?"

Anne turned with a smile. "Good morning, Penny! Nate has been so kind as to show me a sample of the gold!" She turned to the man. "I see it now. It's ever so exquisite. Would you like to come see, Penny?"

The brunette shook her head. "That's alright. Marilla will probably be wanting us downstairs, don't you think?"

Anne nodded. "Yes, you're right." She bid farewell to Nate before heading downstairs.

Before Penny could follow her, Nate grabbed her wrist, making her turn.

Immediately tense, she simply asked, "Yes?"

Nate looked at her with deceitfully gentle eyes. "I've noticed you've been avoiding me the past few days. I just wanted to apologize if I've done anything to make you...uncomfortable."

After a moment, she forced a polite smile. "Oh, you haven't made me uncomfortable, Nathaniel," she responded kindly. "You don't have that much power."

Pleased that she rendered him speechless, she shook her arm out of his grasp and practically raced downstairs.

•••

Nate was the last one down for breakfast, washing his hands as Penny, Marilla, and Anne set the table.

The young man turned to Marilla. "Miss Marilla, don't you just look like a bright shinny penny this morning."

Though Marilla smiled at the compliment, the deceit in his voice was obvious to Penny. She also couldn't help feel that the mention of her name in the compliment was intentional.

An awkward beat past before Anne spoke.

"Oh, Mr. Dunlop, the toast smells especially good this morning," she marveled as everyone sat down.

Dunlop smiled. "Cinnamon, my dear girl, in celebration."

"Any morning we don't find ourselves in the grave should be celebrated," Marilla stated, Penny chuckling at her frankness.

"Right indeed, Miss Marilla."

"I agree with Mr. Dunlop," Nate added. "Pass the celebratory toast."

A glance around the table let Penny know that Matthew was feeling a bit unsettled with the topic. This comforted Penny that she was not alone.

"Now, Matthew," Nate continued. "I'd like to do the extractions for you. Happy to do you that favor. Let's be sure this is done right. Penny, the same offer is extended to you for your farm."

Penny and Marilla exchanged a glance before the former replied. "I think I'll wait until my brother comes home. He has just as much of a say in this expedition as I do. In fact, I was intending to write him a letter about it today."

"Oh," Anne interjected suddenly. "Would it be alright if I wrote the letter?" Seemingly embarrassed by her own eagerness, she continued, "I just haven't spoken to him since he left. I thought it would be nice."

Penny smiled, happy to see the redhead wanting to write to her brother who was smitten with her. "Okay, that would be nice." A blush rose to Anne's cheeks and she looked down.

"There will be no gold testing for us, either," Marilla declared, steering back on topic. Everyone looked at her in surprise. "At least not yet. Matthew and I are undecided."

Anne's words directly contradicted Penny's relief. "But you have to! We could be one of the richest families in Avonlea. Matthew wouldn't have to farm anymore and you could do any-"

"It's expensive, Anne," Marilla interjected. "We worked very hard for that harvest money."

After a moment of silence, Nate spoke up. "Matthew, Miss Marilla, I think your caution is absolutely right. The gold is all but guaranteed, but there is still some risk."

"Well, Anne," Matthew said, speaking for the first time that morning. "I suppose it's about time that you got a new slate." He handed her a little money.

Anne smiled. "Thank you, Matthew. I didn't want to ask, although technically I broke it defending myself."

"Sounds like a good story," Dunlop chuckled.

"Penny was there," Anne stated. "She can vouch for me. Can't you, Penny?"

The young girl chuckled. "As amusing as it was, I can't condone you smacking my brother across the face for wanting to talk to you."

Anne playfully rolled her eyes.

"You can pick up a new slate from the general store after school, Anne. Now eat up, then off you and Penny go."

"Ah, children," Nate commented. "So precious, so expensive."

Penny could feel Matthew's glare boring into the side of the man's head.

•••

Though the offer to walk to school with Anne and Diana was made, Penny opted to leave early and stop by her home to check on the farm beforehand. As she looked over the barren fields and empty stables, she was reminded of her brother's absence. Though her and Gilbert were never a fan of farm work, it always made it more enjoyable to do the work together.

She could almost hear their laughter on the wind.

Wiping away a tear that had fallen onto her cheek, she began her brisk walk to school, wondering where her brother was in the world.

•••

Coincidentally, Penny ended up getting to the school at the exact same time as Anne and Diana. They waved to each other from their different paths.

While the two girls went to rest their drinks in the river, Penny saw young Cole sitting by the school, his sketchbook open.

Penny had always liked Cole. Despite always sitting quietly in the back of the class, he was very polite and insightful. He reminded her of Gilbert, despite being much more artistic.

Anne and Diana had clearly noticed him, too. The two giggled before running inside.

Careful to avoid getting hit with a ball by Billy and his two minions, Penny went to rest her own milk in river.

"Hey, Cole!" Billy yelled, getting Penny's attention. "Throw the ball back, bud!"

Penny turned to see that Billy's ball had come to rest right by Cole's feet. This nor Billy's calls, however, caught his attention.

Billy tried again, meaner. "Hey, sissy!"

Finally, Cole looked up, closing his book and looking at Billy in confusion. He then picked up the ball and strongly threw it back.

"Nice arm, Rembrandt," Billy said, clearly impressed. "Wanna play?"

"No, I wouldn't," Cole replied kindly, a smile on his face. "Thank you, though!"

Penny chuckled and the look of shock written on Billy's face before heading inside.