Second Chance Sister by Linda Kepner Page B

ten years ago.
    “What do you think of our island?” his wife asked.
    “I like it very much. I think I will be happy here,” Bishou replied. “It is very like Virginia, where I studied.”
    “That’s right,” said the Prefect sheepishly, “you gave a lecture tonight, which — ahem — I skipped.”
    Bishou laughed. “I imagine the opportunity to skip a meeting is a great luxury for you,
Monsieur le Prefect
, so you must enjoy this little vacation.”
    “You are a good sport, Mademoiselle,” the Prefect grinned, “or should I say Docteur? Or Professeur?” He seemed like an alert and capable politician.
    “All are correct — for a few more days,” Bishou replied. “Then it will no longer be Mademoiselle.”
    “So will you be Docteur Dessant, then?” his wife asked.
    “There is paperwork to change, for my diploma and my contract, so it may be a while before I can use that name in my work,” Bishou replied, “but that is the name I intend.”
    “The contracts for the university system run through government channels,” said the Prefect. “Let me know if you need any help.”
    “Ah, Monsieur,” Louis demurred, “as long as the wheels of government are turning, we will not disturb you with our petty problems. I am grateful for the assistance you have already given me. I wouldn’t wish to pester you.” He patted Bishou’s hand.
    Other men and women had been standing nearby. Bishou had not focused on them, with her attention on Louis and the Prefect. Now she realized that the man standing beside Mme. Masson had the same comfortable presence as the Prefect himself. Dr. Serge Michelin, the President of this fledgling university system, said, “Jean-Pierre, there shouldn’t be any problem with Dr. Howard’s name change. We’re very excited about having her here.”
    “Merci,
Monsieur le President
,” Bishou replied, “you are kind.”
    Next to him was the Humanities department chairman, which also hadn’t registered. He wore a wry smile. “Nonetheless, I feel like the man who has had news broken to him by degrees, Professeur. First, I learned that you were not a man. Then, I learned that you were American. Now, I learn that you are to be married. And, I learn you plan to change your name! You have toyed with me.” Dr. Rubin was almost teasing.
    “I admit, I did toy with you a bit, Dr. Rubin,” she said, smiling up into his face. “But I knew when we both spoke at the same time, stood at the same time, and shook hands at the same time, that we would get along well. This will be a very enjoyable place to work.” Department heads lived for employees who spoke that way about them, so he was easily appeased.
    “You are a brave man, Louis,” said the Prefect seriously. “Many men would be unable to stagger back to their feet to fight again, as you have done.”
    “
Vous êtes très gentil, Monsieur le Prefect
.” Louis shook his head. “I have made a profound number of mistakes in but a few years. I am very fortunate to have the chance to put things right.” Bishou, still holding his elbow, realized that he was very calm and realistic about the past. Their gazes met.
    The Prefect saw. “Perhaps a little love matters, too,” he observed. “You’ll come to dinner some night, Louis, and we’ll talk.”
    “I would be honored, Monsieur.” Louis turned to escort Bishou in another direction, as the Prefect turned his attention to another conversation.
    The head librarian introduced himself, and asked Bishou about getting a copy of her dissertation for their collection. She promised him one. They made small talk with various other people until, at last, Bishou said to Louis, “Are you ready to leave?”
    “
Oui
, if you are.”
    They paid their respects to the librarian, the host of this event, and departed.
    Outside, in the fresh air, Bishou said, “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
    “
Embrace-moi,
” said Louis. She turned to him and put her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms