 Apart from the English Department, she is particularly intrigued by the department specialising in Cognitive Science, and by its head, 50-year-old Ralph Messenger, to whom she is introduced at some social function very soon during her stay.From the moment she sets eyes on him, Helen feels curiously attracted by Messenger, but she soon learns about his reputation as a womaniser.Helen has not had sex since her husband's death, and, due to her Catholic upbringing, which she has been unable and, to a lesser degree, also unwilling to cast off completely, she tries to thrust aside any thoughts concerning an illicit affair or a one-night stand with Messenger, who is married with four children.