Maggie Evans was a young woman who came from Boston to work for Roger Collins in Collinsport, Maine. Roger hired her to work as a governess, tutoring his troublesome son, David.

While working for the Collins family, Maggie met and began dating a local artist named Jeff Clark.

Eventually, Maggie attended a costume ball at Collinwood being given in honor of the newest member of the Collins family, Barnabas Collins. The theme of the party required all of the guests to dress in costume indicative of the 18th century. Maggie wore an old wedding dress that once belonged to a woman named Josette DuPres. At the party, Barnabas introduced himself to Maggie and became instantly infatuated with her.

In the 18th century, Barnabas had been in love with Josette and now viewed Maggie to be Josette DuPres reincarnated.