2.4: Of Corsets and Secrets and True, True Love

Road To Avonlea: Season 2 (Buy This Season) | 2.1: Sara’s Homecoming | 2.2: How Kissing was Discovered | 2.3: Aunt Hetty’s Ordeal | 2.4: Of Corsets and Secrets and True, True Love | 2.5: Old Quarrels, Old Love | 2.6: May the Best Man Win | 2.7: Family Rivalry | 2.8: The Sea Ghost | 2.9: All That Glitters | 2.10: Dreamer of Dreams | 2.11: It’s Just a Stage | 2.12: A Mother’s Love | 2.13: Misfits and Miracles

When Davey Keith and Dora Keith, two mischievous and recently orphaned youngsters, are deposited at Green Gables in the care of Marilla Cuthbert and Rachel Lynde, the relationship between the two old friends is sorely tried. Compounding the difficulties is the fact that an infected tooth is responsible for so much pain that Rachel is beside herself with agony.

The resourceful Davey and Dora do their best to win Mrs Lynde’s affection, but their every strategy backfires into an even worse disaster. Driven to exasperation by the orphan’s attempts to woo her, Rachel Lynde moves out of Green Gables and takes up residence at the Biggens Boarding House in town. Marilla Cuthbert, torn by loyalty to her longtime friend and genuine love for the two waifs, enlists the support of young Sara and the local newspaper reporter, Olivia King, to rid Rachel of the painful tooth and help her judge the situation with a clear mind.

That boy needs a birch switch to his britches. – Rachel Lynde

Once rid of the tooth, Rachel sees the error of her ways, patches things up with Marilla and they invite Davey and Dora to stay with them at Green Gables.

Notes & Inspirations

• Originally Aired December 23, 1990
• An animal trainer spent many hours training the pig to wear the corset and run on command.
• Colleen Dewhurst was nominated for an Emmy Award for ‘Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series’ for her portrayal of Marilla Cuthbert in this episode.