A Modern Day Sense and Sensibility: An Adaptation of Jane Austen's Classic by Kaitlin Saunders
Authors: Kaitlin Saunders
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be a pleasant proposition for both parties.
Ellie and Marianne looked to each other, confirming that the solutions suggested by Mrs. Jennings sounded ideal.
Turning to smile at the elderly woman with pleasure, Ellie asked, “When could we start?”
While Mrs. Jennings worked out some of the particulars with Ellie concerning Brandon’s hotel, Marianne looked on. She chided herself for thinking so cruelly at times of Mrs. Jennings, especially since all the elderly woman had ever been was nice—and now offering her a job around the apartments when they needed it most! Marianne made a mindful decision to be nicer to Mrs. Jennings from then on.
Ellie wasn’t sure why she was so nervous. Mrs. Jennings had assured her that Brandon seemed more than willing to find a position for her at his hotel, yet Ellie wasn’t one for taking handouts and sensed in Brandon a man she could look up to and respect. She wanted to impress him, not merely show up on his doorstep as a charity case. Having selected her most flattering business attire, Ellie arrived at the hotel lobby fifteen minutes before her interview and was now waiting in one of the plush leather chairs to be called back into his office. Mrs. Jennings’s description of the facility had not been exaggerated. The Portland estate was beautiful. The outdoor grounds were charming and the many trees well tended. The interior boasted a simple yet chic elegance. Ellie admired the deep shades of burgundy and forest green around the lobby as well as the crown moulding accents. Brandon, or whoever he hired to do the decorating, had done a fine job selecting rustic Italian accents which blended with the modern feel of the hotel.
“What do you think?”
Ellie looked up with surprise before smiling at Brandon. She hadn’t noted his approach. “Oh, it’s lovely.”
“Thank you,” Brandon smiled in return. His golden-retriever eyes displayed the kindness Ellie had sensed the evening of the outdoor dinner where they had been introduced. “If you’ll follow me,” he gestured toward his office.
Ellie stood and followed him into the nicely-appointed room. Along one wall were what must have been hundreds of books organized on a built-in bookcase. Opposite that wall was a large bay window which framed the beautiful view of the hotel’s swimming pool and grounds. Sitting in the chair opposite his, Ellie waited while he pulled open a file containing her application.
After studying it for a moment, he began, “It looks like you come with some valuable experience, Ellie.” Ellie smiled shyly. “Mrs. Jennings informed me you’re looking for work. I think you would make a nice addition to this team. I’m looking for a part-time accountant to go over the books and keep our tax information in order. I know it’s a step down from what you were doing before at—ah,” he looked down at her resume, “Dashwood International, but it’s all I have open right now.”
“I’m thankful for any position,” Ellie confessed. With a mere Bachelor’s degree and a short summer internship under her belt, Ellie knew she was no match for the professionals vying for work in downtown Portland. This job would help support her family and add to her work experience until she could find time to complete a Master’s degree.
“When would you be available to start? Better yet, how about I give you the grand tour? You haven’t seen the extent of our facility yet.”
Ellie agreed and she and Brandon stepped outside his office, where Brandon informed the receptionist that he’d be showing Ellie around and could be reached on his cell phone if necessary. After showing her the pool and outdoor dining area, Brandon took her to see the exercise room, spa, indoor dining area, and banquet room. Ellie was impressed. The hotel was organized and well laid out. And the staff they encountered along the tour seemed pleasant and inviting—no wonder the hotel was fully booked at the moment.
“Melissa, our
Ellie and Marianne looked to each other, confirming that the solutions suggested by Mrs. Jennings sounded ideal.
Turning to smile at the elderly woman with pleasure, Ellie asked, “When could we start?”
While Mrs. Jennings worked out some of the particulars with Ellie concerning Brandon’s hotel, Marianne looked on. She chided herself for thinking so cruelly at times of Mrs. Jennings, especially since all the elderly woman had ever been was nice—and now offering her a job around the apartments when they needed it most! Marianne made a mindful decision to be nicer to Mrs. Jennings from then on.
Ellie wasn’t sure why she was so nervous. Mrs. Jennings had assured her that Brandon seemed more than willing to find a position for her at his hotel, yet Ellie wasn’t one for taking handouts and sensed in Brandon a man she could look up to and respect. She wanted to impress him, not merely show up on his doorstep as a charity case. Having selected her most flattering business attire, Ellie arrived at the hotel lobby fifteen minutes before her interview and was now waiting in one of the plush leather chairs to be called back into his office. Mrs. Jennings’s description of the facility had not been exaggerated. The Portland estate was beautiful. The outdoor grounds were charming and the many trees well tended. The interior boasted a simple yet chic elegance. Ellie admired the deep shades of burgundy and forest green around the lobby as well as the crown moulding accents. Brandon, or whoever he hired to do the decorating, had done a fine job selecting rustic Italian accents which blended with the modern feel of the hotel.
“What do you think?”
Ellie looked up with surprise before smiling at Brandon. She hadn’t noted his approach. “Oh, it’s lovely.”
“Thank you,” Brandon smiled in return. His golden-retriever eyes displayed the kindness Ellie had sensed the evening of the outdoor dinner where they had been introduced. “If you’ll follow me,” he gestured toward his office.
Ellie stood and followed him into the nicely-appointed room. Along one wall were what must have been hundreds of books organized on a built-in bookcase. Opposite that wall was a large bay window which framed the beautiful view of the hotel’s swimming pool and grounds. Sitting in the chair opposite his, Ellie waited while he pulled open a file containing her application.
After studying it for a moment, he began, “It looks like you come with some valuable experience, Ellie.” Ellie smiled shyly. “Mrs. Jennings informed me you’re looking for work. I think you would make a nice addition to this team. I’m looking for a part-time accountant to go over the books and keep our tax information in order. I know it’s a step down from what you were doing before at—ah,” he looked down at her resume, “Dashwood International, but it’s all I have open right now.”
“I’m thankful for any position,” Ellie confessed. With a mere Bachelor’s degree and a short summer internship under her belt, Ellie knew she was no match for the professionals vying for work in downtown Portland. This job would help support her family and add to her work experience until she could find time to complete a Master’s degree.
“When would you be available to start? Better yet, how about I give you the grand tour? You haven’t seen the extent of our facility yet.”
Ellie agreed and she and Brandon stepped outside his office, where Brandon informed the receptionist that he’d be showing Ellie around and could be reached on his cell phone if necessary. After showing her the pool and outdoor dining area, Brandon took her to see the exercise room, spa, indoor dining area, and banquet room. Ellie was impressed. The hotel was organized and well laid out. And the staff they encountered along the tour seemed pleasant and inviting—no wonder the hotel was fully booked at the moment.
“Melissa, our
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