Calandra Smith, an amateur ornithologist, gains the requisite exam passes with distinction to secure her place at Oxford University. In order to fulfill her ambition to work in politics, she aims to study PPE. She meets her prospective tutor, Dr. Victoria Kestrel, who encourages her to take a gap year-which she does, living for nearly a year in Germany and working for an environmental institute. Away from home and family, she discovers her sexuality, her thoughts all too often turning to the stunning tutor awaiting her at Oxford.


The rules against fraternising are strict, and Victoria Kestrel is determined to uphold them, despite the obvious and growing attraction to her star pupil.


Calandra's Oxford years are full of studying, playing football, and making friends. Sam Fitzwilliam, son of Catherine Fitzwilliam and Amber Reynaud, is also an undergraduate, and Calandra is introduced to the family.


Throughout, her emotions are dominated by her feelings for Victoria. Will this frustrating relationship ever lead to the happiness both women yearn for?


The dreaming spires of Oxford play a leading role in this, the fourth book of the Westminster Series.