Oxford Blood (The Cavaliers: Book One) Page 8

  ***

  “So no, we didn’t actually hook up,” Caroline explained, sprawled on Harriet’s bed later in the day. To Harriet’s embarrassment, the bed was already covered with a selection of clothes from the day before, but Caroline didn’t seem to mind.

  “We flirted and danced like crazy. I kept thinking he was going to kiss me on the dance floor, but he never quite went for it.” She gave an exaggerated sigh.

  Harriet offered her a cup of coffee.

  “I don’t really do caffeine,” Caroline replied. “Do you have any peppermint tea?”

  Harriet shook her head apologetically and resolved to stock up later that day.

  “But when the club closed, he suggested we should walk back to college together. It’s a fairly long walk, so I’m sure he wanted to get me on my own. We left, I took his hand, it was all amazing, and then some of his idiot friends decided to join us. I’m not sure whether they were clueless or trying to ruin things but I wanted to scream.”

  “So you just went back to your own room?” The force of her friend’s emotions made Harriet want to giggle, but she kept her face serious.

  “Pretty much. He walked me back there, and we had this awkward goodnight. He’d better not be one of those public school boys who are secretly terrified of girls.”

  “He seemed very confident and very into you,” Harriet soothed. “I guess you’ve just got to give him time. You did better than me anyway.”

  At this, Caroline smiled and jumped to her feet. “Well, my plan is to strike at the bop on Friday.”

  Harriet racked her brains trying to think over the freshers’ guide she’d read. “Sorry, what’s happening on Friday?”

  “The bop. They’re sort of fancy dress parties held in the bar, just for people at the college. A sound system is set up, the entertainment reps DJ, everyone gets drunk and silly and dances about.”

  Harriet thought that sounded perfect. “So what’s the theme?”

  “Animals, apparently. So I’m thinking let’s grab lunch in the bar, and afterwards the two of us can head into town and get some clothes.”

  Harriet agreed. She liked dressing up and loved shopping.

  “We’ve got to make sure we look super cute and sexy,” Caroline said. “I’m going to sweep Ben off his feet, and you are going to have that Tom guy throwing himself at you.”

  The two of them headed to the college bar for a late lunch. In stark contrast to the grandeur of the hall, the bar radiated cosiness. The photographs on the walls showed the college and its students over the last couple of decades and they fascinated Harriet. Rowing memorabilia filled the remaining wall space, including huge oars from the years Lilith had won Bumps and Torpids, the annual university wide rowing competitions.

  Harriet glanced out of the windows. On one side, they looked out into the imposing, spooky cloisters. On the other, they overlooked a terrace by the river. Harriet looked forward to sitting out there in the summer and enjoying the view, but doing so on a cold October day held no appeal.

  Harriet tore her attention away from sightseeing and bought herself a bacon and brie baguette. Caroline just had a salad.

  Ben was sitting with Josh on a leather sofa. It looked so comfortable that Harriet suspected she’d never get back up if she sat down on it. The two boys waved them over.

  “Hey, what are you two up to tonight?” Ben asked.

  “Nothing in particular, why?” replied Caroline, playing with her hair.

  “After you went to bed I bumped into Tom Flyte again. Apparently, he’s planning a massive party in his room tonight. I wondered if the two of you fancied going.”

  “Sound good to me,” Caroline said. “Are you in Harriet?”

  Harriet froze with her baguette halfway to her mouth. She’d like nothing better than to go to a party hosted by Tom but she couldn’t’ bear him ignoring her in a situation where it would be obvious to everyone.

  “Actually, I already have plans tonight. I’m going to the Union with Ola. It’s the first debate of the year: This House Has No Faith in Her Majesty’s Government. It’s free, and there are drinks before and after. I’m thinking of joining, so it’d be a shame to miss it.”

  She’d been reading up on the Union, and it intrigued her. Students had founded it as a debating society in Victorian times, and it still prided itself on having influential or controversial speakers and well argued debates. It apparently also had a strong social side, with places on its various organising committees viciously fought for.

  Caroline looked aghast. “If everyone’s finished eating we should be off. Shopping to do, then I need to have a little tanning session. Ben, I guess I’ll see you at Tom’s.”

  She led Harriet out of the bar and towards the college gates. “Are you mad?” she asked. “Didn’t you hear what Ben said? Tom is holding a party. Tom who you have one serious crush on. Why on earth aren’t you going to go?”

  Harriet shook her head. “Well partly what I just said – I want to go to this Union thing. And partly, he acted so weirdly with me last night. I can’t face that happening again. Let’s stick with plan A of trying to wow him at the bop with my sexy animal outfit. In the meantime, I need you to interrogate him.”