The Royal Puzzle. Catherine Nightingale

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СКАЧАТЬ scattered all around the place. Some of them sitting on the lawn being in the middle of a lively discussion, others debating some hot issues or just having a good laugh in each other’s company.

      Wish I could time travel to experience my bachelor degree days once more. Such moments are eternal!

      Walking the gravel path, Katherine remembered to check her watch so that she doesn’t get late for the meeting. She was a type of a person who chose classic watch with a dial and an hour hand over a smart one. “These new gdgets you guys wear day and night kill all the charm”. – Katherine retorted whenever she had a light dispute over new technologies with her friends, trying to convince Katherine to change her attitude towards smart watch. To be honest, they already got used to her ways of life. No matter what people thought, Katherine liked it that way.

      2.40. Great I still have some time to spare.

      She couldn’t help but enjoying the majestic gothic buldings with spiral towers, sophisticated carvings decorating the roofs and walls of Balliol College.

      Unbelievable! Every inch of these set of buildings has a story to tell. Whatever they may say, there’s no place like Oxford. I do miss home at times, but this town owns special place in my heart! I’ve never felt more content and relaxed anywhere else.

      Carrying on admiring the fairy-tale like views Katherine reached the main entrance where she was supposed to meet up with Prof.Lawrence. Suddenly the main doors swung open and the lawn got flooded with even more students leaving the college grounds, pacing up to make it to their next class scheduled in a completely different building.

      When chosing Oxford out of countless British universities, make sure you’re in good shape to move around between classes.

      This thought made Katherine smile, first time in the course of this disturbing and unsettling day.

      Having noticed the way Katherine was admiring the view, Daniel, who was now standing behind her, couldn’t help but making a remark:

      – You know…

      Having got carried away and not expecting someone talking behind her, Katherine nearly jumped out of her skin.

      – Forgive me, Ms. Winters. I did not intend to scare you. It’s just, the way you observe things is so heartwarming.

      – No need to apologise, Mr.Lawrence. I have a sensetive ear, that’s all. Sorry, you were saying?

      – I happen to have crazy and extremely busy days as a professor, when you need to meet all the deadlines, give multiple lectures and run a great deal of classes, nevertheless, I still find myself enjoying all the serenity and beauty Oxford has to offer. I would exchange it for nothing!

      – That’s funny, I had the exact same thoughts a few minutes ago.

      Clearly, our mindsets are alike. It’s not every day that I come across such a man.

      – Really? Well, that makes two of us then. – a broad smile touching Daniel’s lips. – I’m glad you’ve made it here! It’s such a pleasure to see you again.

      – The pleasure is all mine, Professor Lawrence.

      – Please, call me Daniel. It would be fitting, concerning what we’ve been through recently.

      – Sure. In that case, would you please call me Katherine?

      – Agreed.

      – I’m pleased to see you smiling, Katherine

      Him watching me and smiling that way makes me blush. Suppose I should smile back.

      – Seems you’re getting back to normal after what’s happened a while ago.

      – It’s no easy feat, but I’m managing.-Katherine confessed.

      – And yet, you sounded concerned on the phone. Please, do tell me what’s troubling you.

      – Actually, it’s a long story.

      – No worries. I have plenty of time. This was my last class for today, so I’m in no hurry. We can discuss whatever’s alarming you on the way to The History Faculty. I have to collect some of my students’ home assignments from my office to check over the weekend.

      – Only if I’m not distracting you from some urgent matters to settle. – Katherine accepted.

      – Not at all. Please, leave the worrying part to me.

      He offered Katherine a hand.

      His ancestors certainly belonged to chivalry. Am I daydreaming?

      Taking Daniel by the arm, finally feeling secure and out of trouble, Katherine went on telling her story.

      Chapter 8 Saint George And The Dragon

      While walking and telling her story, Katherine spotted a difference in Daniel’s style. This time he was wearing not a three piece suit, but a white shirt, a dark sweater over it and a jacket of the same shade.

      I had to admit, Daniel has quite a taste in clothing.

      – So, upon coming home you noticed that it’s contents were thrown all over the place and the flat was in a complete mess? These two bastards might have ransacked your home before looking after you all around Oxford, in search of your father’s discovery.

      – I think so too. But why did they assume that I might own whatever my father has found lately? I hate to admit it, but we haven’t seen each other for ages. I’ve even chosen my mother’s family name “Mayfair’ over his.

      – How so? – a sound of surprise in Daniel’s voice. – Pardon my curiosity, Katherine.

      – No worries.

      – Judging by everything that has happened to you recenly, even a tiny detail might shed some light on what’s going on here.

      – We’ve had a terrible fight about me chosing literature as my major, over history. Moreover, I didn’t want the university officials and professors know that I belong to the Winters family. Everyone could have started making false assumptions and spread rumours on my account. I just wanted to achieve everything myself.

      – I do know how you feel, Katherine. Frankly, my father and I had the same argument once. Nevertheless, I kept the family name, but went up the career ladder myself. Recognition and self-fulfillment is everything when it comes to a career.

      – I wouldn’t agree more.-Katherine replied giving Daniel an approving smile.

      I’ve never felt as calm and serene with any other guy. There’s something about Daniel that makes me trust him. Not that I’m in love. No. It’s too early for that, but we obviously share a spark or something.

      – So, from what I’ve just learnt from you, they couldn’t possibly know that you might have a clue on where to start the search for the Tudor treasure.

      – Absolutely СКАЧАТЬ