The Ivy Lessons Read Online Free PDF Page A

the leafy grounds.
    When Jen sees red bricks, curvy turrets and acres of lawn, she gives a little shriek. ‘Look at this place. It’s huge. Who’d have thought they could stuff all this into Central London? You’d have thought they’d have built a load of shops and apartments on this space by now.’
    Jen drives through the open gates, and onto a gravel path that leads through beautiful manicured grounds. ‘I can’t believe it, Soph. This place is like a palace.’
    ‘A castle, more like,’ I say, pointing to the turrets.
    ‘Good job you don’t have many bags with you,’ says Jen. ‘Because it looks like there are a lot of stairs.’
    We follow a sign that says, ‘accommodation block’, and I see a gangly young man with bright blonde hair carrying suitcases out of a green Jaguar.
    Jen pulls into a parking space, and we get out of the car.
    ‘This must be where my room is,’ I say, taking my rucksack out of the boot.
    ‘I can’t believe that’s all you have,’ says Jen, looking at my bag. ‘No hair dryer. No iron. Lucky you’re pretty enough to carry off the crumpled look.’
    I smile at her, but inside my stomach is turning somersaults. The building is beautiful. All the windows are arched, like castle windows, and they’re mounted in handsome red brick.
    The gangly man comes past us, but he doesn’t look at us or say hello. He just takes another suitcase from his car and goes back into the building.
    ‘I guess he must be another student,’ I say.
    ‘Nice he’s so friendly,’ says Jen.
    ‘He’s probably nervous,’ I whisper. ‘I am too.’
    We walk into the building, and there’s a reception area manned by a short, plump lady with grey hair and a few teeth missing, but a very friendly smile.
    ‘Can I help you ladies?’ she asks, her voice full of warmth.
    ‘I’m a new student,’ I say. ‘Sophia. Really nice to meet you.’
    ‘Wendy.’ The woman reaches out and shakes my hand. ‘I’ve got you down right here. You’re on the very top floor. The turret room. It’s the nicest, I think. Certainly the biggest.’ She hands me a big, silver key with a black fob.
    She turns to Jen. ‘I’m so sorry, but your friend can’t stay. It’s one of the rules. Marc thinks it helps everyone get to know each other quicker.’
    I turn to Jen and we give each other the longest hug.
    ‘Take care, Soph. Ring me as soon as you’re unpacked.’
    ‘I will. Ring me to let me know you’re home safe.’
    I watch her drive away.
    ‘You can take the lift, if you like,’ says Wendy, pointing down a long corridor that smells of new carpet and looks light and warm.
    ‘Thanks,’ I say, ‘but I’ve only got the one bag. I’ll let the students with lots of luggage use it. Anyway, I’ve been in the car for hours. I could do with the exercise.’
    I head towards a stone archway, and follow a spiral staircase up to the first floor. I see the tall, blonde student heading back out of his room, towards the lift.
    ‘Hi.’ I wave. He ducks his head and hits the lift button. I walk towards him. ‘I’m Sophia,’ I say.
    ‘Ryan,’ says the student, and up close I can see he really is nervous. He can’t quite make eye contact with me, but I give him a big smile anyway. I can understand him being nervous. It looks like he might have been the first one here.
    ‘Good to meet you Ryan.’
    ‘You too,’ he says. Then he scurries into the lift.
    I head back towards the stairs, up, up to the fourth floor. By the time I reach it, I’m out of breath.
    No more donuts for you, Soph.
    The door is arched oak, and studded with wrought iron. I put my key in the lock and open up my new room.
    I can’t believe it.
    The room is amazing. Huge, beautiful and amazing. There must have been a mistake. It looks like a hotel suite.
    The room is round, with a huge double bed against one of the walls, and a brand new wet room ensuite built into one of the curves. There’s a balcony with French windows opening out onto it, and