"Ah, you must be Dr Jenkins…" Carolyn began, seeing the slight, short wisp of a girl siting bolt upright in the chair across from hers.
"Yes, Mrs Knapp-Shappey – but I prefer being called Flora, Dr Jenkins is my sister," The girl replied politely.
She looked like a true professional; perfect posture, immaculate suit and shirt, long chestnut hair tied in a loose ponytail behind her. She actually had a faint echo of Martin, if Carolyn thought about it; freckles scattered lightly across her cheekbones and that ramrod straight back. Her eyes were different – one blue and one brown, wide and shining with a look of slightly smug intrigue that gave the impression that it was a permanent glint.
"You're a bit over qualified…" Carolyn stated. This girl was in the middle of studying for her CPL but had a PhD in aviation and physics.
"Yes, well, this is more of a funding supplement really and experience in the aviation industry, even if it is only a small position," the girl shrugged, but still seemed professional.
"A bit mundane for someone with a doctorate…" Carolyn muttered.
"Mundane works… Mundane is good, sometimes," Flora admitted, there was something in her voice…
"I see no reason why we couldn't take you on as a stewardess, but you have to pass the Arthur test."
"Arthur test?" Flora frowned.
"Arthur is our steward, some people find him hard to work with," Carolyn informed.
"Oh, is he a bully? Strict?"
"No, he is the most cheerful person you will ever know."
"Oh, that's fine; makes a change from the other people I have to deal with on a regular basis…"
"I wouldn't speak to soon."
A loud slam of the door behind them as it was thrown open in excitement made Flora jump and spin around. "Mum, Douglas said you wanted me to meet the new candy… candidate."
"Yes. Arthur, this is Dr Flora Jenkins; Flora, this is Arthur Shappey," Carolyn introduced.
"Pleased to meet you."
"Wow! Your eyes are brilliant!" Arthur beamed.
"Thanks, but I usually wear contacts to make them both brown…"
"They're really brilliant, though! And you're a doctor!"
"Well, PhD…"
"In what?"
"Physics and aviation."
"Wow! And you're just going to be a stewardess?"
"Well, I'm studying to take my CPL…"
"So you'll be a pilot!"
"Hopefully."
"Brilliant!"
"Still want the job?" Carolyn asked.
"Definitely. This is going to be fun."