Podcast 84 - The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 18)

Vocabulary and listening comprehension question

Chapter starts at 3:42

Blazing fire

Overwhelming

Mr Simmons took Isabel and Philip to another of the many rooms leading off the corridor and showed them in. The room was large and more luxurious than the interview room and, surprisingly, there seemed to be a great many people inside. Isabel then noticed the heat in the room – it was overwhelming and there seemed to be little air.

Spin

As the mayoress began to introduce them by name, Isabel's head started to spin. She looked back at the mayoress. She had stopped talking and was looking at Isabel in a strange way. The smile had gone and her eyes had hardened.

Spooky

'Really?' said Isabel. 'They looked like ghosts! Didn't you notice their eyes? They looked just like Jane Grundy's?'

'Oh?' said Philip. 'They looked quite normal to me, but I suppose everything was a bit spooky.

Relief

'I see what you mean,' said Philip, 'but they were very nice to us – especially to you. They apologised, didn't they, and assured us these fanatics wouldn't try to harm us in the future. That's a big relief.'

Awkward

'I was just thinking about what I'll do now. I just have a month to go before my time in England is over. I'm not sure if I want to go back and work for Mr Fanshawe. But I can't decide.'

'He'd be pleased to see you again,' said Philip. 'He obviously appreciates you a lot. But I understand how you feel. It's a bit of an awkward situation for you. Anyway, you've got the whole weekend to think about it.'

What does Isabel want to do that weekend?

Isabel looked at Philip. 'You know, although I know how to get around London now, I still don't know the history very well. I was thinking it'd be nice to have an expert tour guide to show me the sights.'

Philip was genuinely surprised. 'Do you mean me?' he asked in astonishment.

Isabel laughed – it felt good to do so – and gave Philip a quick hug. 'Of course I mean you, silly!' she answered laughing. 'Or have you got other plans for the weekend?'

'Mmm, let me think,' said Philip rubbing his chin thoughtfully. 'This might just be one of those rare weekends when I happen to be free,' he joked.

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