A Day in the Life of Marilla Cuthbert

by Loretta Richardson

As is usual for me, I routinely wake just in time to see the sunrise above the horizon. I immediately go to the kitchen to boil water for my morning cup of tea. Shortly after I hear Anne has woken. At this time I know I have a half of an hour to go about my chores around the farm whilst Anne takes over the kitchen to make porridge for the two of us.

We sit and ponder the upcoming events of the day. If time allows we sometimes sit on the porch overlooking the beautiful cherry trees when in bloom and take in the serenity together. Anne is always so excited for every day to begin and greets each day with such enthusiasm, expectation and curiosity.

I treasure this time spent together. It has never been easy for me to say things out of my heart but I love her as dear as if she were my own flesh and blood and she’s been my joy and comfort since coming to Green Gables. I used to think that there was no point to emotional needs but Anne has somewhat mellowed me.

Dearest Matthew would be pleased.

Oh, how I miss him so. Who would have thought that the starched, ironed and joyless Marilla that he knew has found a sense of humour and an enormous capacity for love.

Anne leaves for her day of teaching.

I return to my kitchen where I bake some fresh bread and fruit cake which I am taking with me to our church meeting today. It is an expectation that I bring something that I have baked to each meeting as I am renowned in Avonlea as a very good cook. I endeavour to bake something new each time I attend. I hope they will enjoy my fruit cake. Whilst kneading the dough for the bread I glance out of my kitchen window to see Rachael Lynde making her way across the brook and down the path. She often drops in unexpectedly and always has some “important” gossip that she must convey to me with some urgency. I sit and listen without too much comment. Rachael has been a good friend to me as we have been neighbours for 45 years and although we have many differences we are always there for each other. A comfortable existence has evolved between us.

My day continues with household chores. I like to keep my home immaculate so this takes some time.

I look forward to Anne’s return from teaching and listening to all of her stories of the day whilst we prepare dinner together.

Shortly after our meal Anne retires to mark homework and prepare for her next day of teaching.

The sun is setting and the day is coming to an end.