Chapter 2
The girl was sitting on the floor surrounded by children of all ages. She was softly singing a nursery rhyme in a lilting alto. Her dark hair was caught up in a white cap, a starched pinafore covered her black dress. Every child's eye was on her, many with a look of admiration. As she finished the song, Mother Superior called her name. In the blink of a eye her posture changed from relaxed to stiff, her shoulders rolling forward as she stood. She walked over seeming like a timid bird looking at a large predator. She reminded the gentleman of a long tailed swallow, the kind that inhabited his father's barn. She came to stand in front of Mother Superior and with small curtsey waited with her hands behind her back, eyes downcast.
"Isabella, come with me, please. This gentleman would like to speak with you."
The girl nodded and followed. When the trio entered the office the girl immediately went to the tea service and started preparing cups and plates. After the gentleman was served she stood waiting once again.
"Please, Isabella, have a seat."
The girl perched on the edge of the nearest chair, not relaxing or making eye contact with either of the people in the room.
The gentleman let out another sigh and began to speak.
"My name is Dr. Carlisle Cullen. I reside with my wife in a town a few hours from here. I am looking for a young lady to become housekeeper and nanny to my grandchildren. My widower son is unable to care for them or the house at this time and I won't have the children suffering for it. Mother Superior says that you are the ideal girl for the job. Would you be interested?" While he left out a great deal about the situation this was the crux of it, not wanted to scare the girl further with more information. The girl looked at the serene smile on Mother Superior's face and nodded to the gentleman.
"Splendid!", Dr. Cullen exclaimed and stood. "I will collect you and your things in the morning and we will be off then if that gives you enough time?"
The girl nodded again.
"Before I go, I do wish to ask, what is your surname, child?"
Mother Superior answered "Swan, Isabella Marie Swan."
"Right, thank you Miss Swan, I shall see you in the morning."