‘Yes, congratulations. You’ve done so well,’ agreed Clara.
‘You can achieve anything with hard work. I also had the best support network,’ said Amy, looking at Clara.
‘It’s been a pleasure. And, on that note, I’ll leave you two to celebrate. I’m sure you have a lot to catch up on.’
‘Thank you, Reverend.’
‘As I say, it’s a pleasure. It’s been wonderful getting to see Amy succeed.’
As Clara walked away, she got caught up in a group of students who were tossing their graduation caps in the air nearby. She wondered how many of them knew the actual significance of the tradition, and its symbolism of being ready to embrace new opportunities. This was something that Clara needed to remember when it came to the job she had applied for.
Switching her phone back on as she prepared to head home, there was a message from Eleanora.
Drinkies?
Surrounded by all the graduates and their families who were preparing to celebrate, Clara couldn’t resist. The atmosphere was practically contagious.
Quick change and I’ll be there.
However, it took Clara a little longer than expected to get ready. She was surprised to receive an email that downloaded on her phone from Bryony Malcolm. Her immediate thought was that she couldn’t have been successful for her to get back to her this quickly, but then she saw the heading: ‘Offer letter’.
Nervously, she opened up the message.
Dear Clara,
Many thanks for coming for an interview at King’s College Chapel. Whilst we had a large number of applicants for the position of senior chaplain, we were very impressed with your experience and commitment to your work.
We were delighted that you chose to apply and I wish to inform you that we would like to offer you the position. I attach an offer letter herewith.
Please do let me know if you have any queries. We look forward to welcoming you to King’s College. Congratulations!
Kind regards,
Bryony Malcolm
Clara read through the email again to be sure she had read it correctly. Goodness. She had done it. Clara had managed to get the incredible job in Cambridge. She knew her late parents would be so proud of her right now. How she wished she could speak to them.
‘Wow, I really did it!’ she said to herself.
She was an emotional mess as she thought about it all. It meant leaving Oxford, telling Lawrence the news and saying goodbye to her lovely parishioners. Yet it was also a fantastic promotion. Clara couldn’t get to the Raging River to tell Eleanora fast enough.
‘Oh, what a day I’ve had,’ said Eleanora, already clutching a pint of cider when Clara arrived. She could tell it had been one of those days as soon as she saw her. Eleanora always had a cider when she was stressed, and she had started before her.
‘Oh no, like that is it?’
‘Indeed. By lunchtime I’d already had a tourist who almost managed to capsize, another who managed to lose their quant and when I didn’t think the day could get any worse, one of the students announced they wouldn’t be staying for their summer job after all and walked out leaving me seriously short-staffed over my busiest period.’
‘What a day, you poor thing.’
‘Tell me why I took over the family business again!’
Eleanora laughed but she knew she wouldn’t have it any other way. She was brought up on the Cherwell and adored every inch of it.
‘So, what’s the news?’
Clara thought she would never ask!
‘I got the job! I have literally just received the email confirming the job is mine. Can you believe it? The Reverend Clara Bennett has been offered a post as senior chaplain, of King’s College Chapel.’
