Hello folks, I started this story last week and it just wasn't playing out how I wanted it to so I've re-written significant parts of it. I hope you approve of what I've done.

Anthony Strallan was perfection personified. From his immaculately styled blonde hair and the exquisitely tailored Alexander McQueen suits to the spotlessly polished Church's shoes, there was absolutely nothing about him that was out of place.
Professionally, he was man at the absolute height of his powers. For the past 5 years he's been Head of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, described by the Standing Commission on Museums & Galleries in 1968 as 'one of the greatest art collections of the nation and a monument of the first importance'; he lives and breathes for his work and his relentless pursuit of perfection.
Personally, he is a closed book. No one gets close to him. How could they? They are never as perfect as the portraits, the sculptures and the artworks that surround him and give him constancy. Never as perfect as her…..

Edith Crawley was a few short weeks away from completing her PhD in the History of Art & Architecture from the University of Cambridge.

A child of the now declining English aristocracy, she has worked hard to distance herself from her family and make her own way in the world. As far as Edith is concerned, her family absolutely fulfil the stereotype of the landed gentry, being a mixture of doctors and lawyers. As far as they are concerned, she is most assuredly the 'black sheep' of the family having chosen to pursue a career in art. To them, art was a hobby, a pastime, not something you built your life around.

Personally, she is a confirmed singleton; convinced that she is destined for a life of increasingly eccentric spinsterdom, having never had a successful relationship in all of her 26 years.
Edith had not been blessed with the same social graces and self-confidence as her siblings and found meeting new people, particularly those of the opposite sex, a real challenge.

Sartorially she is 'unusual', favoring clothes so bright they look like an explosion in a paint factory and her unruly red and gold hair bounces around like the broken springs on an old sofa.

Indeed, Edith is not what one might call conventionally beautiful but there is a certain something about her and when she talks about her work, well, she just exudes JOY. Her fiery brown eyes sparkle and her passion radiates from every pore.

Edith had loved every second of her time at Cambridge. For the first time in her life, she had been able to escape from her family and surround herself with people who shared her interests, intellect and values. In short, for the first time in her life she could just 'be'.

The prospect of leaving Cambridge and 'real life' looking large on the horizon was a source of more than a little anxiety for Edith. She know that the last thing she wanted to do was go back to Downton and the family, she had worked too hard to escape and establish herself for that, so the first thing she had to do was find a job; her parents having made it perfectly clear that if she was going to pursue art as a career, the family purse would remain firmly closed.

She was discussing her fears for the future with her PhD Supervisor, sounding board and now dear friend, Dr Anna Walker.

"I can't go back there, Anna. It took me 20 years to escape, I can't. Besides, I won't give them the satisfaction. I can just hear them now, 'All done playing with your art now, Edith? Jolly good! Still time to join your father at the bar you know."
"God, the thought of it, I can't stand it!"

"I understand, Edith. I know how unsupportive your family have been and how hard it's been for you to escape the long shadow that they cast. But honestly, you need to have more faith in yourself. You're young, you're intelligent and you are supremely talented, whether you realise it or not."

Dr Walker continued "Have you had any thoughts on what you might like to do once you have your PhD?"

"I had considered applying for the Traineeship at the Fitz but there will probably be dozens of people applying for that, I don't have a hope."

"The Fitz? That wouldn't be under Dr Strallan would it?" Enquired Anna.

"Yes, yes I think so. Why?" Asked Edith.

"He and I collaborated on a paper for the Association of Art Museum Curators Conference last year. I would be happy to put in a word for you if you would like? I'm not sure what difference it would make but I'd be happy to try?"

"That would be wonderful, thank you. Applications close this Friday but I have my portfolio and CV all ready to go."

"Oh you're welcome. Go ahead, submit your application and I'll put in a call to Dr Strallan. Oh and I know your Viva is also on Friday so just let me know if you need anything from me before then."

"Thank you so much, Anna. I'd best go and get that application in. I'll see you soon."

"Take care, Edith!"

Ah well, nothing ventured nothing gained, Edith thought.

Anna, meanwhile was as good as her word. Returning to her office, she put in a call to Anthony.

"Dr Strallan? Good afternoon, its Anna Walker here."
"Ah, Dr Walker. Good afternoon, what can I do for you?"
"Forgive me for being so forward but I wanted to talk to you about the Graduate Trainee position that you have open at the Fitz."
"Oh yes? What about it?"
"Well, to be perfectly honest, I think one of my PhD Candidates, Edith Crawley, would be perfect for it."
"Really? How so?"
"If I'm not mistaken, this person will be working with you on the joint Charles Rennie Mackintosh project with Glasgow University, correct?"
"Ah the University rumour mill has been working over time I see."
"Indeed, well. Edith's specialization is architecture, particularly art nouveau and modernism which, I think you'll agree, puts her very firmly in Mackintosh's wheelhouse and she has some curating experience having worked a placement at the National as an undergrad. She's very bright and very passionate and I think she could very much benefit from working with you."
"I see. That is quite the recommendation. Thank you Dr Walker. I'll look out for her submission and most certainly give it serious consideration."
"Please do. Thank you Dr Strallan. Goodbye"
"Goodbye"

Anthony replaced the handset and sat back in his chair. The call from Dr Walker had been a surprise as had the impassioned recommendation of her student. Anthony knew that Dr Walker did not give out recommendations lightly so there must be something about this Ms Crawley.

She had given him much to think about.