Page "Thinks ..." Paragraph 6

Apart from the English Department, she is particularly intrigued by the department specialising in Cognitive Science, and by its head, 50 year-old Ralph Messenger, to whom she is introduced at some social function very soon during her stay.

From the moment she sets eyes on him, Helen feels curiously attracted by Messenger, but she soon learns about his reputation as a womaniser.

Helen has not had sex since her husband's death, and, due to her Catholic upbringing, which she has been unable and, to a lesser degree, also unwilling to cast off completely, she tries to thrust aside any thoughts concerning an illicit affair or a one-night stand with Messenger, who is married with four children.

In due course, she also meets his wife Carrie, an American coming from a rich background, and their children — Emily, her 17 year-old daughter by her first marriage ; Simon and Mark, two teenage boys ; and 8 year-old Hope, a girl.

The Messengers live in a beautiful house near the University but they also have a country retreat in the Cotswolds ( quite close to Gloucester ) called ' Horseshoes ', where they have a large redwood hot tub in their back garden.

Before long Helen is invited to join them for a Sunday in the country, and she gladly accepts to avoid another dreary and empty weekend.