4
JARVIS DISAPPROVES
Anxious not to give Lavinia any reason to think he was trying to create a favourable impression, William decided to keep the supper date as casual as possible. He went through his clothes, picking out the most disreputable items he could find that would have him thrown out of even the seediest coffee bar in Soho. As a result, he found himself dressed in the threadbare jeans and check shirt he normally wore at the university. Despite the looks of disapproval from Jarvis as he was laying out the table, William was sure that his guest would conclude that he was totally uninterested in her.
He was therefore completely unprepared for the glamorous vision that floated into the Hall just before eight, attired in a breath-taking outfit.
‘Lavinia?’ he said uncertainly, tryi
