Part 28 (1/2)
”Why did you leave?”
”Because I knew I would never find out who I am if I didn't. I had to be from America. The label on my slip was from a store in Portland.”
”So you think you may be from there?”
”Not Portland itself, perhaps, but the general area.”
”How long were you in Portland?”
”About a month. I didn't have any luck, and my funds were running low.”
Elizabeth had already made her decision. ”Will the salary I mentioned in my letter be satisfactory?”
”Oh, yes. More than enough.”
”Then the job is yours. Your duties will be light, sending answers to correspondence and such, arranging my calendar, et cetera. You will have week-ends and evenings off, and you're welcome to live here at Collinwood. Do you have any questions?”
Julia saw the change in Barnabas when she entered the drawing room. ”Where is she?”
”In the study with Elizabeth.”
”She is Angelique?” Quentin asked.
”Yes.”
”Are you sure, Barnabas?”
”Quite sure, Julia. For some reason, she doesn't remember me, or anyone else, it seems. But it is her.”
Elizabeth entered, followed by the blonde woman. ”Good. You're still here, Barnabas. Miranda had some cases in her car. Would you mind - ?”
”Not at all. Which room shall I put them in?”
”The one next to Julia's I think.”55.
”Excuse me,” he said, taking the keys Miranda held out.
”Miranda, my daughter, Carolyn Stoddard Hawkes; another cousin, Quentin Collins; and Dr. Julia Hoffman. This is Miranda du Bois, my new secretary.”
”Miss du Bois.”
”How do you do?”
”Mrs. Hawkes, Doctor. Mr. Collins.”
”Make it Quentin. There are three 'Mr. Collins' around here and it can get pretty confusing.” He poured himself a brandy. ”Will any of you ladies join me?” Elizabeth, Julia and Carolyn accepted sherries. ”How about you, Miranda? Sherry? Or - ?”
”Port, if you have any.”
”Ah. A woman after my own heart.” He poured a gla.s.s with a flourish. ”Port for m'lady,” he said, bowing to her. He was still in that position when Barnabas returned. ”Sherry, Cousin?”