Read Online Romancing Robin Hood by Jenny Kane - Free Book Online

today?’
    â€˜He will, although I can’t imagine it’ll be long before he gets an academic post in a university somewhere. Chris really knows his subject.’
    Grace smiled, ‘Let’s go and put that claim to the test, shall we, Dr Franks?’
    The PhD exam was flawless. Grace had never been to one that ran so smoothly. The candidate was confident without arrogance, and the strategy of questions she and Rob had agreed upon beforehand had worked well.
    Sitting back in a padded armchair in Dr Franks’ office, Grace waited for him to return from privately congratulating his student in the main reception. Looking around her, Grace saw a smaller book-lined study than her own, but very similar, albeit without the added Robin Hood paraphernalia. While surveying the space, her eyes caught a glimpse of her skirt, and Grace started in surprise at not seeing her jeans covering her legs, and privately pleased that she’d performed so well without wearing trousers, and therefore operating outside of her comfort zone. Then she told herself off for thinking such idiotic psycho-babble.
    The door opened, ‘Well, that was fantastic,’ Rob crashed into his chair, his face glowing with pleasure and pride, ‘I’ve never had a viva go so well. Chris is over the moon.’
    â€˜So he deserves to be.’ They’d had no need to confer. This unique student had so obviously deserved his PhD, and the distinction that went with it, that further discussion hadn’t been necessary.
    â€˜Now,’ Rob sat back up, ‘this leaves us with a dilemma.’
    â€˜It does?’
    â€˜Yes. We were supposed to have an hour of heavy debate as to whether he’d pass and what rewrites were required. Naturally this is not needed, so, shall I take you for a coffee, or shall we go for a walk in the park? Wollaton Hall and its grounds are within walkable distance if you fancy it.’
    Grace had made noises about leaving to catch an earlier train than planned, but Dr Franks had managed to persuade her against it, and in the end Grace had agreed on a short walk; after all, the grounds were beautiful and the sun was shining.
    â€˜I have an ulterior motive for holding on to you a bit longer. I wanted to ask you something.’ Rob looked at Grace with a quizzical expression as they strolled away from Lenton Grove, ‘If that’s OK?’
    â€˜Depends what it is,’ Grace was amazed at how at ease she felt in this man’s company. This wasn’t like her at all.
    â€˜Tell me about Robin Hood. Tell me why him, and how your book is progressing. Professor Davis obviously has high hopes of you. I’ve also heard you’re something of an obsessive when it comes to outlaws.’
    Abruptly, the feeling of being comfortable disintegrated, and Grace blushed at hearing herself described in such a way. She knew she was an obsessive, Daisy had told her often enough. But Daisy was a friend. This man was a relative stranger, and had no right to tease her.
    Grace could feel herself becoming defensive and prickly, ‘I’ve always been interested in the legend. Since I was a kid; and the book is fine, thank you.’
    Aware that Rob was privately laughing at her, Grace looked away quickly. It was like being a teenager again, the subject of bemusement and private jokes. It had hurt then and it hurt now – some feelings never disappear. Grace snapped, ‘No need to be so damn superior. You are obviously as obsessed with your work as I am, or you wouldn’t be here.’
    â€˜OK, OK.’ He put up his hands in a placating gesture, ‘I was only teasing.’
    â€˜Well, don’t’
    â€˜Right. Sorry.’
    They walked on through the park, the lack of conversation less companionable than it had been only a short while ago, until they reached the lake. Standing, staring into its depths, the two medievalists saw how the last few days’ rain had swelled its