by Duncan James
***
Valya was taller than most Russians, with a statuesque figure and long, fair hair. Robin had only met her a few times, and could understand why his two friends took such an interest in her. If it hadn't been for Marian, he might have taken a greater interest himself.
She had started at St. Catherine's at the same time as Marian, and they had met on their first day at the college. They explored the place together, shared all the uncertainties of settling in to a new home and a new regime, and soon found they had quite a lot in common. Valya spoke excellent English, although with a slight American accent, acquired during a spell living in California while her father was working in 'silicon valley' for a giant US computer firm. Marian and Valya had become firm friends, although they saw less of one another since Marian had moved in with Robin. Nevertheless, they met whenever they could in the lively Middle Common Room. Valya was a popular student, especially among those doing the Russian elements of the modern languages syllabus, even though she was herself doing computer science. Here, at least, she shared a common interest with Robin and Rupert that was not shared with Freddie.
Somehow, they had managed to sit on either side of Valya, when they found a table in The Wheatsheaf, although nobody was quite sure why they had gone there rather than anywhere else. But it was handy for Ma Belle's if they felt like something French for supper and if Marian's plastic stretched that far.
Robin had only just returned from the bar with their drinks when Valya had to tell Freddie and Rupert, in the strongest possible terms but with a smile, to keep their hands to themselves.
"We regard it," said Freddie, gravely, "as our duty as gentlemen to look after you. We could not bear to see any harm come to such a delightful but welcome visitor to our country."
"It has become our life's mission," added Rupert.
"Very kind of you, I'm sure," replied Valya, "but I don't need to be held down. Keep your hands to yourselves and off my knees, or I shall sit between Robin and Marian!"
"Why don't you do that anyway?" said Robin. "We can talk about computers, and things these morons don't understand."
"I don't think we'd object to that would we Rupert?" asked Freddie. "We could still keep an eye on our guest, and make sure no harm comes to her!"
"It would also considerably improve the view, if you ask me," said Rupert.
So they shuffled round.
Valya turned to Robin. "I met another member of your course the other day, at the Science Park. Chap called Jim Farlow, who said he knows you."
"Certainly, we know one another well," replied Robin. "A very clever mathematician, he is, and interested in much the same aspects of computer science as myself."
"But are you friends?" asked Valya.
"In a funny sort of way, we are," said Robin, "but I have to say he is a bit of an odd ball. Likes to keep himself to himself, and doesn't mix much, if I'm honest. But he's good company when you can get him away from his studies, isn't he Marian?"
"Yes, he is," agreed Marian. "Really a charming fellow when you get to know him, but I think he's a bit conscious of his background. I gather his family doesn't have a lot of money, and that he's finding it a bit of a struggle here at Oxford - which I suppose is why he doesn't go out much."
"He should sponge more, like we do," suggested Freddie. "That would get him out more often."
"He's far too nice for that," joked Marian. "Not as brash as you two, by any means."
"He has a conscience which you two lack," said Robin. "His better nature wouldn't allow him to behave like you and Rupert."
"I think our conscience is quite clear," said Rupert. "We just need to survive in a hard world, that's all. When we start inventing things, like you do, we shall be more than happy to repay your kindness, just you wait."
"Could be a long wait!" laughed Valya.
"Now that's no way to talk about us knights in shining armour, who are only intent on safeguarding your best interests, young lady!" protested Freddie.
"It's become our life's mission," said Rupert again. "Coming from Russia, as you do, you can't possibly understand the risks you run in a place like this, and so it's only right that someone should tuck you under their wing and take care of you."
"It may surprise you to know," added Freddie, "that there are chaps wandering about in this great city who would stop at nothing to get acquainted with a ravishing blonde like you."
"And two of them are sitting across the table from you!" said Marian.
"Take no notice of these two prattling idiots!" said Robin to Valya. "But I'm interested to know why you should be here, rather than studying in your own country. I always understood that there were some excellent universities in Russia."
"There certainly are," responded Valya. "Indeed, my father is lecturing at one even now, although he's not on their full-time staff, regrettably. But it's a long story, why I came here rather than studying in my own country."
"You lived in America, too, didn't you?" queried Rupert. "You could have studied there just as well. I'm personally very glad you didn't, of course," he added.
"Leaving America is an even longer story," sighed Valya. "My father will tell you about that if you meet when he is over here, but it has left him a very bitter man, I'm afraid, and he bears America an awful grudge as a result."
"How sad," said Marian. "You've told me a little of it, and obviously it was not possible for you to stay there as your father was leaving."
"My father," said Valya, "has had a very hard life, from his earliest childhood, and he really thought that finding work in America was the beginning of a happier future, but it was not to be. He will tell you."
Valya plainly did not want to talk more about it, as it seemed to bring back painful memories for her.
"When is you father due to visit Oxford?" asked Freddie, being tactful for once.
"In about ten days," replied Valya. "He is coming privately, really to see how I'm getting on, and he will not be lecturing."
"I really must meet him," said Robin. "He has a great reputation, even in this country, as one of the finest computer brains there is."
"That can easily be arranged," said Valya, "and I know he is keen to meet some of my friends here."
"I suppose that rules us out of the equation," said Freddie, ruefully.
"If only we lived in a bigger flat," said Marian, "we could arrange a dinner party or something in his honour - or even offer to put him up."
"We'll have the dinner party, anyway," announced Robin. "We'll all go out somewhere."
"All?" queried Rupert. "Does that include the two great spongers, by any chance?"
"Only if Valya is convinced that you are friends of hers."
"And only if you keep your hands to yourself," laughed Valya. "That's a good idea of yours, Robin, and I'm sure my father would enjoy meeting you all."
Which he eventually did, although Robin had insisted on meeting the great man before the dinner party, as there was a lot he wanted to talk about without Freddie and Rupert listening in.