Part 27 (2/2)
”Her name is Miranda du Bois, and she's on her way to Collinwood.”
”Miranda?”
”Collinwood? Why?”
”Apparently she's meeting Elizabeth about a position as a secretary.”
”Of course. Mother did mention the name. She was very impressed with Miss du Bois' letter.”
”Did she say why?” Julia asked.
”No.”
Julia rose to her feet, ”i'm going to Collinwood.”
”We're right behind you.”53.
Elizabeth was just entering the foyer when Barnabas and the young woman entered the house. She stopped, staring in surprise. ”Barnabas?” she asked.
”Good evening, Elizabeth. May I present Miranda du Bois? Miss du Bois, my cousin, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard.”
”Miss - du Bois,” Elizabeth said haltingly.
Miranda's smile gave away her nervousness. ”How do you do, Mrs. Stoddard? I hope I'm not too late -”
Recovering her composure, the mistress of Collinwood smiled. ”Not at all. Did you have any trouble finding the house?”
”I did until Mr. Collins offered to show me the way.”
”I see. If you'll excuse us, Barnabas, I'll take Miss du Bois into the study for an interview.”
”Of course. Where is Amy?” ”In her room, I believe.” ”Then I'll go up and see her. I look forward to seeing you again, Miss du Bois.”
”Do be seated, Miss du Bois. May I call you Miranda?”
”If you wish, Mrs. Stoddard.” Elizabeth sat behind the desk and pulled out a sheet of paper. ”Your letter said that you had recently returned from France?”
”Yes. I worked as a receptionist/ secretary for a doctor there.”
”Are you from France originally, then?”
Miranda lowered her eyes to look at the carpeted floor. ”I - I'm not sure where I'm from, Mrs. Stoddard.” ”Oh?”
”I suppose you're ent.i.tled to know the entire story before you've decided whether or not to hire me. You see, I have no memory prior to six months ago. The first thing I recall clearly is waking up in a small, private clinic in an isolated part of France. The doctor said I had wandered in a week earlier, dazed, babbling in English, then collapsed. Dr. du Bois tried to find out who I
was, but he had no luck. I had no identification, and my clothing had both French and American labels, and although I could speak French fluently, my native language appeared to be English. American English. Dr. du Bois gave me his dead daughter's name and offered me a job as his receptionist.”
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