The Campus Trilogy Read Online Free PDF

Penelope interceded. “Look,” she said. “I think my colleague has made it clear that he had no intention of trying to seduce this undergraduate. It’s her word against his. And since there’s no evidence one way or another, you’ll have to leave it. Natural justice demands that Harry is deemed innocent of these charges. That is, unless the girl has got concrete evidence which demonstrates Harry’s guilt.”
    Wanda made notes while Pilkington looked on as Penelope stressed my innocence. It all seemed so unfair. There was no substance to these damaging charges, and yet I was compelled to endure this ordeal. My truthfulness was being challenged. Both Pilkington and Bossyboots were junior colleagues. I was senior to them in the university hierarchy. This seemed to make no difference. They sat in judgment because they were my line managers. Penelope was right. There was simply no proof to support Lisa’s claim. Without witnesses, she would fail. But it was unpleasant and I felt that I should not have to endure it. After all I was Professor of Christian Ethics and a clergyman. Presumably I had some integrity.
    When Penelope finished, Pilkington put his papers into his briefcase and adjourned the meeting. Before we left, he announced that he would discuss the matter with the Vice-Chancellor and report back to me in the next few days. He stressed the confidentially of our discussion. He and Wanda remained behind; Penelope and I walked to the Senior Common Room for coffee.
    â€œWhat do you think?” I asked.
    â€œIt was OK. I think they got the point that there is no evidence to support your student’s claim. There is the unfortunate aspect of her propositioning you. I wonder if you should have left that bit out.”
    â€œBut she did try to make a pass at me.”
    â€œâ€˜I know. But they wouldn’t know. You could have simply said she made the whole thing up. I know you’re an expert on morality. You probably don’t think you should tell lies. But sometimes it’s necessary. After all, no one saw anything. You’re a senior member of the university and they’d be more likely to believe you than a second-year undergraduate. My point is that it would have looked better.”
    Standing outside the Old College, Penelope took out a packet of cigarettes and her lighter. “Got to have a smoke before we go in,” she said. “Damn university won’t let anyone smoke inside. The entire place is littered with these ’No Smoking’ notices. Want one?”
    â€œNo thanks,” I said. “You’re sure it’s going to be OK?” I asked.
    â€œDon’t worry about it,” she said. “You’ll be all right. Barraclough knows the rules. He won’t want a strike on his hands. And he hates bad publicity. But, I have to tell you Harry, I feel instinctively that the Dean and your department head have got it in for you. If I were you, I’d look out.”
    Magnus was in his usual place drinking coffee and reading The Times . I ordered coffee and a blueberry muffin and joined him. “Well, how did it go?” he asked.
    â€œCould have been worse,” I said. “I probably shouldn’t have mentioned that she propositioned me.”
    Magnus looked amused. “How did Wanda take that?”
    â€œNot well, I thought. Pilkington was very inquisitorial …”
    â€œHe must have loved it.”
    â€œPenelope was silent until the end. But then she told them there was no substance to the case, no evidence. I think they got the point. She thinks both Bossyboots and Pilkington have some kind of grudge against me. Do you think she’s right?”
    â€œOf course she is. You’re a professor. They know you’ve got a private income. Your room is full of antiques. You live in a country house. You’re married to a baronet’s daughter. Come on, Harry, be realistic.”
    â€œThis makes a