The Promise of Change - By Rebecca Heflin Page 0,27

rather than a gathering at Christ Church. She couldn’t have stood out more if she’d been wearing a hat befitting Her Majesty and the races at Ascot.

Clearly she should have asked around about the attire for this evening. Most of the tutors wore dark conservative suits, including the women.

Unbeknownst to her, one particular set of eyes looked on with great approval. Alex watched as she stood, rooted to the spot, a becoming blush coloring her cheeks. His memory had failed him. She wasn’t beautiful; she was breathtaking.

He was pleased now that he’d accompanied his grandmother to the reception. He’d planned to offer his services as her escort for the evening, and was surprised when she beat him to the punch and asked him instead.

“Lord Rutherford,”—Mr. Phillips, the Program Director, interrupted Alex’s observation of the clearly disconcerted Sarah—“May I introduce you to Mr. George Summers, who’s visiting us from New Zealand. Mr. Sommers is the Minister of Education.”

Alex reluctantly turned his attention to the two gentlemen, but kept an eye on Sarah.

His interest in the conversation waned again as he watched his grandmother approach Sarah. Perfect. He smiled at his own good fortune.

As if sensing her discomfiture, Lady Clara had rushed to Sarah’s side, effusive in her praise of her appearance. “My dear, you look absolutely stunning—a breath of fresh air in this otherwise stuffy gathering.” She turned her considerable frown upon those with disapproving looks. “Stodgy old codgers,” she mumbled.

“Thank you,” Sarah murmured. “I certainly stand out.” A waiter walked by with a tray of champagne and she grabbed a flute off the tray and took a gulp.

As the gawkers returned to their own conversations, Sarah spoke to Lady Clara a few minutes. Just as she thought she’d recovered her aplomb, she spotted Alex speaking to Mr. Phillips and another gentleman. What on earth was he doing here?

He watched her, an amused expression on his face as he raised his champagne flute in a silent toast.

She turned away, chin lifted, pointedly dismissing him. Joining the remainder of her group who were discussing their immediate future plans, she tried to ignore his presence. Not very successfully.

While some of her classmates were returning to jobs and families in their respective countries, others were continuing their travels. Kim was going to Italy to meet up with a boyfriend, much to Sean’s dismay, while Marie was meeting friends in London for one more week before returning to France.

The gavel banged promptly at seven, announcing dinner. Sarah made a swift departure, hoping to avoid Alex. He must have come with his grandmother, but why?

Thankfully, the class would be seated together this evening, so he wouldn’t be seated with Lady Clara. Determined to enjoy the evening’s pomp and circumstance, she put him out of her mind. Almost.

Tudor Hall was regally dressed for the elaborate four-course dinner. The dark-paneled walls, adorned with portraits of such illustrious Christ Church alumni as W.H. Auden, William Penn, Charles Dodgson-a.k.a. Lewis Carroll-and John Wesley, glowed in the late summer light streaming through the stained glass windows.

Alex watched from his place at High Table as Sarah took her seat among her classmates. He noticed as his grandmother and Sarah put their heads together conspiratorially, wondering what they were talking about, and selfishly hoping it was him.

His grandmother had evidently taken a liking to Sarah. Having her to tea, sending her car for her, saving her from the effects of her grand entrance. She’d clearly been mortified, but what did she expect? She’d swept into the garden like a sweet summer breeze. Of course every red, or blue, -blooded male was going to take note.

Following the last course Mr. Phillips garnered everyone’s attention and thanked them for participating in the programs and welcomed them to return for future programs.

Students received their certificates without much fanfare, unless one counted the frequent camera flashes as people took pictures with their cherished certificates. Now they could all claim attendance at the revered Christ Church. Concluding the evening’s presentation, Mr. Phillips wished everyone safe travels, and the dinner conversation resumed.

After dinner, many of the students adjourned to the Buttery, the college’s private bar just outside the Hall, for a final night of revelry.

Sarah found herself chatting again with Lady Clara. She enjoyed her company so much, and would miss her when she returned home. Over the past week, she’d gotten to know her well, and she’d taken on an almost motherly, or grandmotherly, role to Sarah.

Sarah noticed her tutor, Mr. Byrne, speaking with Alex. Was there anyone