Chapter Text
As Duncan McTavish pulls away from the Avonlea churchyard with Marilla Cuthbert in his carriage they both laugh loudly at the shocked looks on the ladies’ faces as they pulled away.
“Oh, the look on Clara Potts’ face is one I shall never forget all the days of my life. Thank you so much, Mr. McTavish, for all this.” Marilla says happily.
“Why don’t you call me Duncan for this afternoon? We could get more tongues wagging, which I believe was the point of all this, Miss Cuthbert.”
“If I am to call you Duncan for the afternoon, then you must call me Marilla since we’re meant to be familiar with each other already.”
“That is true… Marilla. Where shall we go this afternoon, the two of us?”
“Where would you like to go? Let’s find somewhere quiet away from the gossips of Avonlea including Rachel Lynde. We could go down to the beach.”
“The beach would be lovely. Why don’t you take the reins and direct the carriage towards the beach when we get further out of town?”
“Only if you’re all right with that. I certainly would not want to impose.”
“You are not imposing. You look very nice today, by the way. When I met you the other day you looked perhaps a little out of sorts. Were you all right?”
“Oh, I was boiling water and washing laundry. My hair tends to come down when I do the laundry. I didn’t even think to fix it before I came out to meet you.” Marilla suddenly realizes how she must have looked when she came out the kitchen the other day.
“You have no reason to apologize. I came to the house unannounced. You were not expecting company and I hardly deserve your apology since I was so rude to you.” Duncan reproaches his own behaviour. He noticed some of Marilla’s gossipy neighbours down the road and he puts his arm around her shoulders and leans closer to her. “Follow my lead.” Duncan whispers in Marilla’s ear.
Marilla leans closer to Duncan and smiles happily as they drive past her friends. She secretly delights in seeing their shock at her closeness with Duncan. While they are still in view of the ladies Duncan kisses Marilla’s cheek. “That is a very bold move in this town, Duncan. What on earth was that for?”
“I wanted them to see a little affection between us. The ladies doubted you and I can tell that such an occurrence is rare. You are an honourable woman, Marilla Cuthbert.”
“That is too kind from you, Duncan McTavish. After everything I did to you I hardly deserve such praise from you.” Marilla rebukes herself for the way she told stories about a man who actually existed.
“This is a beautiful place, Marilla. I can almost imagine retiring here, which is something I have been considering for a while. I would consider retiring here, more carefully, if I knew that you would be open to seeing me, like this, more often.” Duncan passes Marilla the reins as he notices the shocked expression on her face.
Marilla pulls up gently on the reins to stop the buggy for a moment. “Duncan, do you really mean it? Why on earth would you do that for someone you just met?”
“The world works in mysterious ways. Maybe we were meant to meet. Love is a funny thing, but I can see it between us.”
“You cannot be serious, Duncan McTavish. You’ve known me for four days.” Marilla can hardly believe what she’s hearing.
“Tell me honestly when the last time was that you laughed as much with another person. I know I have never laughed as much with a woman in my life.”
“I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. I don’t laugh anymore, but I have with you. I’ve never gotten along with someone so quickly after meeting them.”
“So, what is the problem? Marilla Cuthbert you are a revelation. I want to spend more time with you and it’s time for me settle down.”
Marilla blushes at Duncan’s words. She leans over and kisses his cheek. She flicks the reins to start the buggy again. Duncan is sitting as close to Marilla as possible.
Duncan runs his fingers across the small hairs at the base of her scalp. “You look lovely in blue you know.” Duncan whispers huskily.
“No one has ever called me lovely.”
“Marilla Cuthbert, you cannot tell me your life has been devoid of romance.” Duncan shakes his head at her.
“I didn’t say that. There was a young man, a long time ago, when I was young. He certainly never called me lovely. He didn’t know to compliment me at all.” She confident being honest and telling him the truth about everything in her life.
Duncan reaches over and squeezes her hand. She’s not half as confident as people think she is. “You should be complimented as much as possible. Why didn’t that relationship last, other than that?”
“We quarreled badly one night and I wouldn’t forgive him when I had the chance. He’s still alive; in face, he’s my next door neighbour. He looks after the farm now that my brother, Matthew, is gone.” Marilla explains to him. She stops the buggy down by the beach and smiles at him.