# An Avonlea Scandal explained — Anne of Avonlea

> Chapter companion for Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery.

## What happens

In the wake of Uncle Abe's storm, Anne mourns the loss of the June lilies she intended for Matthew's grave. A mysterious woman arrives seeking Mr. Harrison, revealing herself to be his estranged wife, Emily. The scandal of Mr. Harrison's supposed bachelorhood unravels as he explains their separation over housekeeping and a parrot named Ginger. With the help of Anne's anonymous 'Observer' notes, the couple reconciles, and Mrs. Harrison settles into Avonlea, earning Mrs. Lynde's approval.

## Themes in this chapter

### Forgiveness and Redemption

Mr. and Mrs. Harrison reconcile after years of separation, forgiving past grievances and starting anew.

### Community and Belonging

Mrs. Harrison is welcomed into Avonlea by Anne and Mrs. Lynde, highlighting the community's role in integrating newcomers.

### Change and Transition

The Harrisons' reunion marks a transition from estrangement to harmony, while Gilbert's resignation hints at future changes.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Grieves the storm's damage to flowers, encounters Mrs. Harrison, and learns of Mr. Harrison's marital history.

### Marilla Cuthbert

Listens to Anne's lament about the lilies and later hears Mrs. Lynde's account of the Harrison scandal.

### Mr. J. A. Harrison

Explains his estrangement from his wife Emily, blaming her fastidiousness and his parrot Ginger.

### Mrs. Rachel Lynde

Relays the gossip about Mr. Harrison's wife and expresses approval of Mrs. Harrison.

### Davy Keith

Shows affection for Anne with a sticky kiss and a sentimental slate message.

### Ginger

Mentioned as the parrot whose presence caused the final rift between Mr. and Mrs. Harrison.

## Key lines

> Look, Marilla, these are the only buds the storm spared... and even they are imperfect. I'm so sorry... I wanted some for Matthew's grave. He was always so fond of June lilies.

Anne shows Marilla the damaged narcissus flowers, lamenting that she cannot place them on Matthew's grave as he loved them.

_Anne's grief for Matthew and the storm's impact on her sentimental gesture._

> I didn't pretend I was. If anybody'd have asked me if I was married I'd have said I was. But they just took it for granted.

Mr. Harrison insists he never lied about being married; others assumed he was a bachelor.

_Mr. Harrison defends himself against accusations of deceit regarding his marital status._

> I feel that James A. and I are going to be real happy now. I wish I knew who 'Observer' is, so that I could thank him. I owe him a real debt of gratitude.

Mrs. Harrison expresses optimism about her marriage and a desire to thank the anonymous 'Observer' who helped reconcile them.

_Mrs. Harrison credits the 'Observer' notes for her reunion with Mr. Harrison._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_avonlea_se/chapters/xxv-an-avonlea-scandal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_avonlea_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_avonlea_se/chapters