Page 151 of The Love Position

Sophia’s eyes widened. How did they already know?

Michael smiled. ‘After you contacted the Finds Liaison Officer, he spoke to the curator directly, concerned that the exhibition should be put on hold until another excavation could be made.’

‘Oh.’

Sophia’s head was spinning. This was even better than she could have hoped for.

‘And this brings me neatly on to your resignation letter.’

She stiffened, her guts crying ‘no!’ She couldn’t go back to the department or work with Marcus ever again. Even though she had no job to go to, that chapter of her life was over.

‘I’ve been acquainting myself with your career, Sophia. You’re a brilliant academic and responsible for the most exciting archaeological discovery in my lifetime. You’re going to put Salisbury University on the map and attract students from all over the world. I fully understand your reticence about working with Professor Thwaites, however I want to let you know, in strictest confidence, that he won’t be returning to the department.’

What?

‘The police are already involved, and we’re undertaking our own disciplinary proceedings against him. I want to ask if you would rescind your resignation and come back to the department at the start of next term. I want to promote you to a senior lecturer position and make sure you’re in charge of the team excavating your find. You’ll take full credit for it and be the public face of the university when we unveil it to the press.’

Sophia sat in stunned silence. Marcus was gone. She was being promoted and would have full control of the dig. She was being offered more than she’d ever dreamed of. It was like winning the lottery on your birthday.

But the university was in Salisbury, and Isaac was in Foxbrooke. If they could restart their relationship, then committing to her job would mean she hardly ever saw him. Whatever choice she made, she would lose out.

‘Char?’ Her brother’s voice came to her mind, deep and confident. ‘Take a breath. There’s always a plan C…’

‘Babe! How did it go?’ Beverley was on Sophia the moment she entered Shoscombe Manor, her kohl-rimmed eyes crinkling with concern.

‘Hi Mum. Good, I think. I’m just a bit frazzled from the drive.’

‘Ice tea?’

‘Thanks, that would be lovely.’

‘Chuck your bag down there and come into the sitting room. I’ve got a jug on the go already and a box of French Fancies on the sideboard.’

Sophia followed her mum through the house and into the high-ceilinged living room, overlooking the formal gardens behind the manor.

‘Anyone else around?’

‘Your dad’s in his office with Elyse, and James is helping Estelle train with her horse riding archery thing. He’s entered her into her first-ever competition next year.’

Sophia sank into a deep armchair, the feather cushions covered in leopard-print velvet fabric, and frowned. ‘Did Estelle know he was entering the competition on her behalf?’

Beverley hesitated. ‘No, babe.’

‘Oh, my god! Is he still alive?’

Her mother cackled. ‘Only just. She threatened to use her riding crop on him.’

Sophia snorted. ‘And what did he say in reply?’

‘What do you think? Cheeky bugger told her he’d been waiting for her to do that for months.’

Sophia shook her head. ‘Those two were made for each other.’

‘I know. I’m so happy he’s finally found someone.’

A tight silence descended on the room. Her mum had never liked Marcus, but she’d never voiced her concerns, and Sophia knew she’d been secretly holding out for grandchildren. Sophia didn’t want to tell her mother about Isaac because everything was still up in the air.

‘Oh, I forgot, a parcel arrived earlier for you.’ Beverley got up. ‘It’s in the kitchen. Two secs.’

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