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Sandra Wagner-Wright
a book bubble about
Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
Literature & Fiction
Author Insight
India isn't like Scotland
Mary Pigot came to Scotland to refute charges she thinks were made against her. The Ladies' Association members know Miss Smail left their Calcutta orphanage, but they can't understand why. What was the problem? Mary tries to avoid confronting the issue, but it's no good. Mary admits Miss Smail left, because Mary told her to leave. But why? It's a puzzling matter. A layer in a larger misunderstanding.
Book Excerpt
Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
I begin cautiously and try to be diplomatic, so they don’t think I disapprove of Miss Smail—even though I do. “Unfortunately, Miss Smail arrived with an unrealistic set of expectations. I believe India was a great surprise to her, as it is to many new arrivals. I think perhaps Miss Smail thought an orphanage in Calcutta would be like an orphanage here. And it can’t be. India isn’t like Scotland.”
“You’ll have to do better than that, Miss Pigot,” Mrs. Stevenson says. “Every teacher we’ve sent before has done very well. Miss Smail is the first to move out of the mission. Why did she move?”
I inhale deeply and tell the truth. “I told her to leave.”
The room flutters with a collective intake of breath.
“You told her to leave?” Mrs. Stevenson looks shocked. “How did matters reach such a point?”
How did they? “I can’t say exactly.
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