One example of this is the scene in The Sequel in which Anne and Gilbert accidentally run into each other in Kingsport, just after the success of Anne’s play at the college. The encounter is very strained, with both parties being determined to keep their true emotions hidden. It ends with Anne following Gilbert to the train station, wishing to thank him for much more than the letter of congratulations he had given her.
It is not hard to see where inspiration for such scenes came from if we look at L.M.’s own experiences with love. In her journals, the famous author reflects on the romantic encounters and suitors from her past.
On August 26, 1891, when L.M. was just 16 years old, she wrote of her tearful goodbye with a young man she became attached to while living with her father in Saskatchewan for a year. L.M. was to return to Cavendish, P.E.I. to live with her grandparents. She recalls what it was like parting from her friend after her farewell party.
“He and I walked back in silence. At the steps we paused. Above us the stars were shining tranquilly in the clear August sky. About us was the soft, dewy dusk. Down the slope glimmered the lights of the town. It all looked dream-like and I felt as if I were in a dream.
‘Well’, he said, holding out his hand—and his voice wasn’t very steady—‘good-bye. I hope you will have a very happy time—and don’t forget me.’
‘I’ll never forget you, you may be sure,’ I said, as we shook hands. ‘Good-bye.’
‘Bi-bi,’ said he. Our hands fell apart and he was gone. I felt so badly I couldn’t cry—I just felt stupid. I went up to my room and read his letter. He said in it that he loved me and always would. I curled up on my bed after I had read it and had a good cry. I felt so lonesome and horrid. If I hadn’t known that Will had left town I believe I’d have run out after him.”
Many more of L.M. Montgomery’s moving reflections can be found in The Selected Journals of L.M. Montgomery, Volume 1: 1189-1910.
