Fall in love in a weekwe get by

“Quite true,” Sabella confirmed. – There are truly outstanding scientists working there and research is being conducted. Some of the discoveries made in recent years have the potential to change the world. Graduates have no problems finding work; they will be gladly hired anywhere. Regan has a lot to be proud of. But – you probably know how this happens? – there are only a few lines left to the top of the rating, and there is no way to reach them. They are too high. Unattainable. Some are humble, because being in the top ten, or even the top five, is also an honor. But Regan hates losing. I always hated it, but now I hate it even more. Apparently, this is why her methods have become somewhat… tougher.

Sabella fell silent, and I thought. If Panacea Academy is close to the top of the world rankings, and Dr. Norwood is an outstanding scientist, it is clear why Maskelyne needs him, but the question remains, why is he himself dissatisfied with this place of work? Out of pride? Or did he have better options?

– What does he want?

It came out by accident; I wasn’t at all sure that I wanted to ask Sabella about this – not today, not after such a difficult conversation for her. But she answered.

– I would ask differently – what does he not want? Living by someone else's rules and working in the interests of a woman he deeply dislikes. And as for teaching activities… – Sabella shook her head. “Before the story with Regan, Dougal saw her only in nightmares. He occasionally, in exceptional cases, consulted, but never intended to teach. Alas, not everything in life depends on our desires. Dougal loves the work he devotes himself to, but would prefer to do it alone, in his own laboratory and interacting with those who interest him. And one more thing – over the past year Regan has made him one of the most public people in Britain. And it would be okay if these were only symposiums or conferences, but no, social events, in her opinion, are just as important. But if you prefer solitude and a narrow circle of friends to society, this is not an easy test.

“I liked the way he taught,” I again remembered the refined movements, the short introduction before the lesson, the quick screening of those who should not be allowed to participate in the experience. Everything is to the point, although not too friendly. But if Panacea Academy is so prestigious, the professors have the right to demand that students study and not fool around. I smiled involuntarily: “Perhaps if I were his student, I would think differently.” I think Professor Norwood scares them half to death. Sabella, have you read his contract? Are there loopholes there that could be used for early termination? Or is five years mandatory because of your oath?

– I did not read. But Dougal drafted it together with a lawyer he knew, this was his condition, and literally bargained every point from Regan. So if there is even a minimal opportunity to end this ahead of schedule, Dougal will take advantage of it, no doubt. And my obligations will disappear with the expiration of the contract.

And perhaps then Maskelyne will have an enemy – if Dr. Norwood is vindictive. And if not, it is unlikely that he will ever do anything else for her or for the academy. No, for all her cunning and cunning, Maskelyne is stupid. After all, she and Sabella were friends, and as a friend of her mother, she could probably establish some kind of business relationship with Dr. Norwood? Exchange long, albeit not so close, cooperation for five years of contract slavery and a complete break in the future?

But this is definitely not a topic that makes sense to discuss now. And I asked:

– Have I tired you, Sabella? Let's see some more photos?

This is what we did for the rest of the evening. I thought there was sadness in Sabella’s voice, but she was smiling. And she told it in such a way that I burst out laughing every now and then. Dougal the schoolboy, Dougal the student, a promising bachelor, a promising master… With friends, and sometimes teachers. Most often, next to him was the already familiar Chester Fully, a round-faced, easily blushing genius in botany and healing. Sometimes they were joined by a thin, thoroughbred blond man, even at first glance, with a short haircut and a youthfully touching string of mustache over his pale lips.

“Edward Williams, youngest son of the Earl of Derby,” Sabella introduced him. – During his studies, he swore that administrative work was not for him, but now he heads the public relations committee under the Minister of Health – and, as I heard, he does an excellent job.

Girls flashed nearby, different, funny and serious, blondes and brunettes. There was also one redhead among them. She appeared most often. There was even more of it in the photographs with adult Dougal. Red curls were now pulled into a tight bun, and frivolous blouses and shorts were replaced by formal suits. Sabella named her only one to me.