Who is Paola from Possession: A Romance and what is their importance?

Paola is Blackadder's clerical assistant. She is pale and has long hair pulled back in a rubber band and big glasses. Paola is indispensable to Blackadder. He could not get anything done without her. She is smart and knows what is going on in the academic world. Paola is also a good friend. She warns Roland that people are looking for him and gives him a head start when the chase for the final clues gets into full swing.