– 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 not. I have no inkling of what that treasure might even be. Of course, as a child, I heard stories of the casket full of Spanish gems, that Robert Dudley delivered to Queen Elizabeth I upon negotiations with the Spanish to make peace. Seems like these stones meant a lot to Elizabeth, due to her love for Earl Leiscter. No one has ever heard of them since. Do you think my dad somehow came upon these gems?
– You’re properly schooled, Miss Mayfair. It might be true. In that case your father’s life along with yours, are at a threat, cause, from my experience, smugglers who make money out of selling historical pieces and ancient jewlllery through black market, stop at nothing, take it from me.
– How do you know so much about them?
– We all have our resources, you know.
What does he mean by saying that? Something’s off here.
Having entered the History Faculty they went straight to Daniel’s office.
When getting inside, Katherine was struck by the way everything here is arranged. Tall bookcases full of vivid folios, mostly about literature, art and history.
– May I? -Katherine asked, spotting a shelf dedicated to Shakespeare.
– Sure. Enjoy yourself.-Daniel replied collecting his students’ home assignments from one of his desk drawers.
Katherine made out a huge folio which contained the Bard’s tragedies. Flipping through the pages carefully, she couldn’t help but admiring the images accompanying each text piece.
– Impressive! Having dedicated most of my time to Shakespeare and his works, I must admit I haven’t run into something similar before. The typography, the images, the layout. Every inch of this piece is amazing!
– I’m glad you’re enjoying it. It’s a deluxe 19th century edition I happened to find in one of Paris’ antiques.
– Lucky you. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.
Seeing her so happy, passionate and full of joy, expressing genuine, emotions concerning this folio, made Daniel smile once more. He hasn’t experienced anything similar for a long time. Too many gloomy pages of his life that he had to turn not so long ago. But with this angel-like young woman, he could be himself and finally let it go. A glim of hope that he could fall for someone else since his divorce, filled his heart with warmth.
By no means, this woman is alluring. No one has ever made me feel this way since Margot.
When putting the book back to the shelf, Katherine was amused to see one of Rafael’s famous paintings.
– “Saint George and The Dragon”[6]. An admirer of Rafael’s work, are you? – Katherine inquired.
– Oh, yes. One of my favourite pieces of his, actually. Symbolises the victory of light over darknesss. What’s more, it was HenryVII, who commissioned Rafael to create this work. A must have for a Tudor researcher, I suppose.
– Agreed. My mum actually knows all about art. She has been telling me a lot about it since I was little. We have been sharing this passion long since.
– A good thing to explore, actually. To my mind, art is all about the ability to reflect on life, death, human nature, history, mythology, religion. The list is endless.
– And cultivate compassion, the ability to feel and understand everything around you.-Katherine added.
They shared a smile. It felt like they’ve known each other their entire lives.
– I have a weak spot for Caravaggio. Although some of his paintings might send a chill down one’s spine, at the same time it strucks you with how real the themes and people depicted are.
– Definitely. Caravaggo used to say that: “All works, no matter what or by whom painted, are nothing but bagatelles and childish trifles… unless they are made and painted from life, and there can be nothing… better than to follow nature.”[7]
– Exactly that! I didn’t expect us to have so much in common. -Katherine gasped.
– Neither did I. What’s your favourite painting? – Daniel enquired.
– “The Incredulity of Saint Thomas”.[8] To my mind, this painting represents his famous quote the best.
– Mine too. It shows the duality of human nature. The doubts and lack of faith that people experience.
They could have carried on holding this conversation but a memory of Katherine’s father’s disturbing message brought her down to earth.
– It hurts me to end this incredible conversation, but what should we do about this ‘treasure’ thing?
– First of all, seems like your mother was the last person to talk to your father. We should probably contact her to learn more. May be Prof. Winters has been blackmailed or followed, lately.
– Sounds reasonable, but I’m afraid it’s hardly possible, since these two gorrilas might be still watching me. I don’t want to put my mum’s life in danger.
– Right you are. Do you have a place to stay till everything’s over?
– I stayed at my best friend’s place last night, but after what happened I suppose it’s too dangerous to get her involved.
– You’re being reasonable, Katherine. I don’t want any harm coming to you, either. How about staying at my place for a few days, until everything’s sorted out?
Bewildered by such an offer, Katherine went mute at loss of anything else to say.
You’ve only known him for less than a day, and now you’re going to stay at his place? It’s sheer madness!
– I understand, it might be a bit shocking, taking into account our short acquintance, but I want you to know, I have nothing else in mind but your safety.
– If you insist. But you’re right. I’m a little confused. On the other hand, I have little choice but I don’t want to be a burden.
– You’re not. Please, let me help you out?
– Okay.-Katherine accepted, still not sure