Page 21 of One Bed for the Bluestocking
Kate started.The bowler was Nathaniel Sterling.
Chapter11
Across the Bar
One Hour Earlier
From his seat at a corner table of the Sheep Heid Inn, Nathaniel reflected that there were few things more awkward than a night out at the pub with one’s supervising professor.
But Nathaniel had managed to find one—a night out at the pub with one’s supervising professorandthe academic rival who detested you for absolutely no reason.
He shot a sideways glance at Andrew Thompson, who sat next to him.Thompson hadn’t said much, but then again, neither had Nat, on account of the fact that Professor Kerr was surprisingly loquacious after a few pints.
The professor was currently relating a grievance with the current Scots Law Professor involving the seating chart at a banquet dinner that had taken place in 1794.Nathaniel had heard the story at least eight times, but he smiled and nodded along.It was better, after all, than making conversation with Andrew Thompson.
A barmaid appeared at their table.“Anything else for you gents?”
Nat watched with dismay as Professor Kerr quickly drained his glass.“Another one of these.Better make it two.”
Nat grimaced.Professor Kerr was matching him and Andrew drink for drink.Unfortunately, he was matching Nat and Andrewcombined.
“How about some food?”Nat suggested.“We could split a plate of sausages, or?—”
“Oh, no.”Professor Kerr patted his stomach.“I didn’t save any room!”
That was precisely what Nat was afraid of.“Is there a soup?”he asked the barmaid.
“Aye,” she replied.“There’s cock-a-leekie or cullen skink.”
“I’ll have a bowl of the cock-a-leekie,” Nat said.
“I’ll have one as well,” Andrew said, surprising Nat.
The barmaid departed.An uncharacteristic silence descended over the table, so Nat decided to seize the opportunity.“Thank you again, Professor, for covering my lectures during my upcoming research trip.”
Professor Kerr waved this off.“’Tis no trouble, my boy.I doubt any of your students will enroll during the summer term, anyway.”
Nat blanched.“My trip isn’t during the summer term.I leave tomorrow, sir.”
“What?”Professor Kerr drew back, looking affronted.“I thought it was during the summer when everyone is away.”
Nat’s chest was so tight he could scarcely breathe.He was certain he had mentioned the dates of his trip.Multiple times.
He tried to hold his voice even.“No, sir.My hope is that I’ll be able to observe nesting behavior in eagles, and that occurs in the springtime.”
Professor Kerr waved a hand.“Oh, well, I won’t be able to do it, then.”
The professor smiled as the barmaid returned with two more pints, oblivious to the fact that Nathaniel was flying into a panic.Beneath the table, Nat’s hands were tangled in a knot.He struggled to remain calm as he said, “I’ve made things as easy for you as possible.I’ve written all my lectures in advance.All you will need to do is read them aloud and answer any questions the students might have.I’ll be back in time to administer exams, and?—”
Professor Kerr shrugged.“I never would have agreed had I realized the timing of it.”He started to lift one of his pint glasses, then abruptly set it down.“Oh, bother.Too many of these.I’d better go and find the necessary.”He clapped his hand on Nat’s shoulder as he lurched to his feet.“I’ll return in a moment.”
Nat was dimly aware of a bowl of soup being slid in front of him.What was he going to do?Professor Kerr had promised to cover his lectures while he was gone.Was he going to have to cancel his trip?That was the last thing he wanted to do, but if he did go without anyone to cover his lectures, he would be at risk of losing his fellowship, and?—
“Nathaniel?Nathaniel?”
He jerked when someone shook his arm.“What?”He wheeled around to find Andrew looking at him.Nat expected his rival to look gleeful, but to his surprise, Andrew looked concerned.
“Sorry,” Nat said, wiping his palms, which had gone sweaty, on his napkin.“I was, er… Woolgathering.”
