The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 8: Viktor Bartholy

"Well... here we are," Elizabeth told Nicolae.

They had exited the park and walked a few more blocks before stopping in front of a large u-shaped building. The sign in front of it read: The University of London, Est. 1750. Nicolae was impressed. The university facade was a massive 3-story building made of red bricks. It had rounded towers on each corner.

"It's a fairly new building, as far as London is concerned," Elizabeth informed him. "Only 75 years old.... But it's very well equipped and has quite a large library and several laboratories."

"What is your area of study?" Nicolae was curious.

"You'll think it strange... since I am not a man, but I find science fascinating. I study biology," Elizabeth answered. "I suppose my love for it comes from my father, who was a biologist."

"Was?" Nicolae raised his eyebrows.

"Yes," Elizabeth murmured sadly. "My father died on a sea voyage when I was just seven years old. It was meant to be an expedition to Patagonia... My father was so excited for the trip...". Her eyes filled with tears.

"I am so sorry," Nicolae took her hand in his and squeezed it. "It must have been so difficult for you and your mother."

Elizabeth sniffed. "The thing is... my mother died in childbirth... along with my baby sister. That was two years before my father's ill-fated voyage."

Nicolae's eyes widened. "So... you grew up an orphan?"

"Yes... and no," Elizabeth replied with a sad smile. "I was fortunate enough to have an uncle who took me in and raised me as one of his own." She paused. "He is the one I am meeting today. He is also the one who encouraged me to apply to the university."

"He sounds like a wonderful person," Nicolae remarked.

"He is. I don't know what I would have done without him," Elizabeth said.

They for a while stood awkwardly. Nicolae did not know what to say next. Elizabeth finally broke the silence.

"Well... I better go. I don't want to be late for tea." She looked into Nicolae's eyes. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Nicolae. I hope to see you again... perhaps on campus."

"Yes, yes, of course. I would like that very much," Nicolae said emphatically. "You have been a wonderful guide," he smiled. "Perhaps we could exchange addresses?"

"Unfortunately I don't have anything to write on... or with," Elizabeth sighed. "But we could set up a time to meet again... either in the park or here in front of the university."

"Good idea," Nicolae agreed. "Whichever makes you more comfortable."

"Why don't we meet here, right by the sign, tomorrow morning? Shall we say, ten o'clock? I could show you around the inside of the building if you'd like."

"I would be eternally grateful to you," Nicolae replied. "Ten o'clock is perfect."

"Until tomorrow, then..." Elizabeth gave him one last smile and took her leave of him.

Nicolae stood in place, watching her go. "What an enchanting creature," he thought to himself. "And apparently a very intelligent one as well..."

He walked for a while around the university and its grounds. It expanded quite a long way in the back, away from the street facade. Nicolae wondered where Elizabeth's classes were held... most likely close to a laboratory. At that instant, he realized that Elizabeth probably knew Ludwig! There were not very many students there to begin with, narrowing the field further when it came to biology students. Ludwig studied science and medicine. Nicolae decided he would ask Elizabeth about him the following morning.