“No family for me, just myself. I’m dedicated to my job.”
Dr Radcliffe smiles, “Much like our grad students and junior professors. So many of them are single that I’ve stopped offering a plus one on my dinner invitations.”
I straighten up in my seat, trying to brush off the feeling that the old portrait is huffing his disapproval onto the back of my neck. I am a confident, grown woman, and I don’t need a man to feel complete. Jumping ahead, I shift the conversation. “It’s incredibly generous of the college to put me up for so long. I am sure the house will be perfect, if what I’ve seen so far is any sign.”
The college fills an entire city block with a mix of hundred-year-old Edwardian buildings and modern halls tucked away behind a tall, wrought-iron fence. Each building is named for an earlier benefactor or notable college fellow, the halls hung with ageing portraits and commemorative plaques. I felt like I was stepping back a century when I walked in the front door. Only the sheer history of Oxford keeps the elements of modern technology from reminding me I’m still in the 21st century.
Dr Radcliffe rises from her chair, inviting me to follow. “I appreciate you stopping by to introduce yourself. I’m sure you want to unpack, so I won’t keep you long. Harry will get you a set of keys and show you to the flat. Shall we meet back here tomorrow morning, say 7am? I know it’s early, but I have an all-day meeting I can’t postpone.”
I pick up my bag and follow. “That’s fine. I’m an early riser. I’d love a proper tour, and then to meet the key staff.”
“Perfect. Do you have any other questions before you head off?”
I mull over whether it is appropriate to ask about the angry staff member or not. Better to know if she’s someone important so I can start strategising on how to win her over.
“The key staff members, do they include the woman who stomped her way out of here?”
Dr Radcliffe chuckles and nods her head. “Unfortunately, yes. Mrs Smythe will be someone you can’t avoid. As you must have overheard, she’s the head chef here. In fact, she’s one of the top chefs in the country, as she often reminds us. We have to fall in line with her demands, regardless of whether they are rational or even palatable. The other colleges here in Oxford keep trying to lure her away.”
I smile at her candour and reassure her, “There’s one in every bunch, even at Disney. I’m sure I can find a common interest to connect with her.”
“We’ll be very impressed if you do. Good night, Ms Payne.”
Chapter Two
I follow Harry as she winds her way through a maze of flowerbeds. Despite the crisp outdoor air, the flowers bloom with a riot of colours. Squirrels dart across our path, chattering as they climb into hideaways in the trees. Although I can see other people walking around, the perfumed air carries a spirit of tranquillity throughout the garden.
Glancing over at Harry, I confess, “I’m still trying to wrap my head around Oxford’s structure. I know it’s made up of different colleges, but until today I hadn’t grasped how independent they are of one another. Can you explain how it all works?”
Harry nods her head in understanding. “Our international visitors expect to find a few buildings in the corner of a sprawling campus,” she says. “But each college is its own kingdom, and the university departments and administration buildings are sprinkled along the streets in between them. Some roles, like mine for example, are at the college level. Other positions, like yours or the library or the museums, are centralised.”
She winks at me. “It will make your job challenging, but also that much more interesting. Lillian imagined herself as a travelling minstrel, visiting courts to offer an entertaining escape from everyday life.”
My eyes light up at the thought. “Oh, I love that!”
“It isn’t all sugar plums and roses, luv,” Harry cautions. “You’re beholden to the king in each castle, or should I say the principal in each college. When one would annoy or anger Lillian, I’d remind her she could soon move on to another college and start again.”
I mull over her words, wondering if I know what I’m getting myself into with this job.
As we exit the landscaped gardens, Harry slows her steps. She points towards a slender iron pole, saying, “You’ll soon learn your way around, but until then, keep an eye out for the signposts. Our administrative offices are in the main building.”
We veer off onto a narrow concrete pathway lining a field of lush green grass. Shade trees dapple the lawn, surrounding themselves with an autumn blanket of red, gold and orange. Here and there are wrought iron benches, each meticulously labelled with donor names and other honourees. Every single blossom, bush and tree has been hand-selected to cultivate a sense of harmony. Together they urge you to grab a picnic blanket and basket and wile away an afternoon in their company.
Harry nods towards a series of ivy-covered, red brick buildings. “The Michaelmas term started this week; the students are getting resettled back into their rooms. They’ll be outdoors sunning themselves this weekend, weather permitting. For now, they’re trying to make friends with their new roommates and prepare for their first tutorials.”
Further along, Harry points out a shadowed hall looming at the far end of the pathway. “The sizeable building in the distance is our newest, designed as a conference and events centre as well as providing more office space. Prince William himself came over to open it for us.”
Wow. I’m stunned. The Prince William? I make a mental note to put him on every guest list.
I match my steps to Harry’s, settling in beside her. “Did you know Lillian well?” I’m curious about my predecessor, particularly since she isn’t here
