The Choice Read Online Free PDF

opportunity to establish my party credentials, by rounding on him and giving him a brief lecture on social principles and how to speak to women.
    ‘Excuse me, but …’
    He just kept going, ignoring me completely, which triggered genuine irritation. I wasn’t going to let anybody treat me like that and followed him out of the door, catching him by the arm as he started down Cornmarket.
    ‘Do you mind …’
    I broke off as he turned around, looking down on me with a smile of easy condescension.
    ‘Not at all. I was just giving you a little advice, very good advice.’
    ‘I suppose you’re a Conservative, because if so …’
    ‘Good heavens, no. I’m strictly independent.’
    That rather took the wind out of my sails, and pricked my curiosity.
    ‘Then why would you advise me against joining the Labour Party?’
    ‘I’d advise you against joining any party. Find your feet first, maybe try for election to a post, you can worry about party politics later. Giles Lancaster, by the way, Recorder at the Chamber, which means I’m responsible for writing up the debates.’
    ‘I know what the Recorder does, thank you, but isn’t it essential to be in one of the major parties?’
    ‘Not at all. It’s far more important to prove your skill in debate, and to get on in the Chamber. There’s no better start to a political career than being President, if that’s what you want?’
    He was obviously somebody I needed to know, and I found myself backpedalling.
    ‘Yes, very much. I’m sorry I snapped, but I thought you were just trying to put me down. Can I buy you a coffee or something?’
    ‘No, but you can let me take you out to dinner. How about Les Couleurs, tomorrow night?’
    ‘That’s in Thame, isn’t it?’
    ‘I see you’ve been reading your Handbook, but, if I’m going to be taking you out, shouldn’t I know your name?’
    ‘Poppy Miller, first year, PPE, St Boniface, but I haven’t said I’ll go with you yet.’
    ‘Why wouldn’t you?’
    I nearly gave him a sharp answer, annoyed by his sheer arrogant self-confidence and rather aware that I’d slept with another man the night before, a man I intended to make my boyfriend, although nothing had been said. On the other hand, being on good terms with the Recorder at the Chamber would be an enormous advantage, and while Giles had wolf written all over him I didn’t have to make myself easy prey.
    ‘OK, if it’s just dinner.’
    He merely grinned, and began to walk away, forcing me to call after him.
    ‘Where will I meet you?’
    ‘I’ll pick you up from your porters’ lodge. Six o’clock.’
    He carried on along Cornmarket, leaving me considering my options. Giles’ intentions were obvious, and I wasn’t in love with Stephen, so I couldn’t help but ask myself if I might have made the wrong choice. Then again, Stephen was aiming for the City, while Giles was presumably intent on politics and so not suitable in the long term. Not that he was likely to want me in the long term anyway, because he seemed more the type to get through as many naïve first-year girls as he could. In that case the best choice was almost certainly to play hard to get, which might make him keener or even earn me a bit of respect. As I started back towards college, I promised myself not to let him get me into bed.
    I decided to take Giles’ advice and remain independent at least until I had a clearer idea of the pros and cons of joining different parties and, as I now had an excellent opportunity to introduce myself into Chamber circles, I decided to walk down to the river and watch Stephen row. It was a beautiful autumn afternoon, with bright sunlight and just the faintest breeze disturbing yellow leaves on the pavement as I made my way down St Aldate’s towards the river. I already felt part of the university, and my sense of not deserving to be there had given way to one of feeling privileged because I was, and again a determination to make the very best of my