The neatly hoed flower beds held early spring flowers beginning to close their heads against the coming of the evening, and somewhere a cuckoo faintly called.  A spattering of damp sawdust and tea leaves showed that someone had recently been sweeping the station platform and Mirabel looked happily across the fields at a cluster of trees that held a rookery.  What marvellous country, she thought to herself, and began to hum softly.

“Excuse me”, said a deep voice at Mirabel’s side as she stood waiting on the deserted platform, her two shabby cases at her side, “are you expecting someone?”

She jumped, aroused from her reverie, and turned to face the owner of the voice.

She found herself looking up at a tall man, casually dressed in a polo shirt, fleece jacket and jeans.  Her heart sank.  He didn’t look at all the type she was expecting to come and collect her.

“Why yes, I am”, she nodded, “I’m going to Mrs Ashcroft at Lynwood Manor.”

The stranger appeared dismayed, his grey eyes narrowed as he looked her up and down.

“I’m looking for a Miss Worth”, he explained, “but I think there’s been a mistake”.  He ran a hand through his dark hair, and taking another look at her he appeared disturbed at her appearance.

“That’s me”.  Mirabel wondered why he seemed so bewildered and flashed him a dimpled smile.

“It is?”  He took a step back and then stared down at her, taking in her slight build.  “I think there’s been a misunderstanding”, he repeated, almost to himself.

“Why” Mirabel retorted amusedly.  “I said I’d be on this train and I was told I’d be met.  Have you been sent to fetch me?”  Her blue eyes regarded him with determination.

“Er … I was expecting someone older.  I don’t think Mrs Ashcroft quite realised …”

“What do you mean?  Mirabel asked.  She tossed her blonde hair back from her cheeks and was annoyed with herself for letting this impertinent man ruffle her.  She was becoming irritated.  All she wanted to do was to go to her new employer’s home, get the meeting over and done, start her new life and make a success of it.

Impatiently, she clutched her bag, trying not to let the exasperation show on her face.  Her fine eyebrows drew together in a frown and she clicked her tongue.  Having to look up at him each time he spoke made her feel at a disadvantage even though she stood as tall as she could.  But that was only 5′2″.  She picked up one of the two cases on the platform and said, “here’s my luggage.  Can we go now?”