So this was Concetta. She had the face of a Madonna. Mac, not given to religious fervour, covertly admired her beauty. Having welcomed the doctor inside, she invited her to sit at the table that she hadn't cleared yet and fetched a bottle of wine.

'I'm just giving wine away today' she said sadly.

'I concluded that.'

Concetta looked at her, alarm creeping up again.

'What do you mean?'

'I'm Miss Fisher's best friend. I know all about you.'

In that moment, Concetta knew that she had seen Jack with the wine. He'd gone straight to Miss Fisher with it. This woman knew.

'Are they happy?' She knew the answer.

Mac sipped her glass, her eyes never leaving the anxious face opposite.

'Very. It takes a special man to make Phryne Fisher commit.'

Concetta knew that alright. She looked down at her glass and swirled the contents around.

'Gianni is a special man.' She sighed. She'd invited the doctor in out of intrigue that this unknown woman cared about how she felt. To know that she was connected to this situation should have made her feel wary but she wasn't. Mac put her at her ease. She smiled ruefully.

'I feel like such a fool.'

'Haven't we all been there?'

Mac certainly had, many times.

'I would have given everything up for him.'

'That's a disastrous way to go about things. Never give up everything for anyone.'

Concetta looked at her pleadingly. 'But I could trust him. I could have put my life in his hands. I begged to be his.'

Mac agreed. She confirmed that Detective Inspector Jack Robinson was an entirely trustworthy man. So much so that he could be trusted to break her heart in the right way and not lead her on. He was an honourable man. Concetta sorrowfully agreed.

Now Mac definitely knew where the bottle of wine came from. Concetta was a generous woman to give him the elixir for lovers to share. Mac knew that Jack would never tell Phryne what he had turned down for her. A loving wife, a well-kept home and security. That would have suited him perfectly until he had met Phryne. Poor Concetta had just lost out. Phryne had enchanted him completely and now he wanted the chase, the challenge and the battle of wits that he had gotten used to with her. He would be bored without it now.

'I thought I could make him happy.'

'Once upon a time, you would have. But what you're offering isn't what he wants anymore. He had that before and he needs what Phryne can give him now.'

Concetta bowed her head sadly. Statuesque with strong features, she had a magnificent form that went unappreciated in her lifetime. Mac wanted to let her know that not everyone would forsake her this way. There was no doubt that her husband hadn't stayed faithful to her, more fool him. If Mac had had such a glorious creature tucked up in her bed she wouldn't have needed to look elsewhere.

She reached out and trailed a finger down the other woman's cheek. Concetta froze and caught her breath at the touch, the searing sensation of a flame licking her skin. Mac's voice was velvety soft, matching the wine.

'One day you'll find a man who makes you just as happy and will love you with his whole heart. Believe me, I know what it's like to be in love with someone who doesn't love you back. I even know what it's like to have your partner murdered and have to live without them, no matter how trying they were to you.'

Concetta's breath hitched. Here was someone who understood. Here was someone you felt like she could trust. She hoped it wasn't to be her undoing.

'Miss Fisher knows that you are here?' She asked.

'Not at all. I didn't even know who you were until I saw you. But even though I know now, I can't help but warm to you.'

Concetta believed her. The other woman dropped another finger on her skin and kept it there, making her heart beat faster while a steady blush bloomed across her face. She could barely keep eye contact. True to habit she had to drop them, out of bewilderment more than anything but couldn't deny what was already flashing in her mind. Doctor 'call me Mac' was promising her a way to come to terms with her despair and abandonment. Just for tonight. No one had to know.

Mac waited. Slowly the woman with the face of the Madonna looked up with that spark of confusion still lingering in her eyes.

'Take a risk for once' said the doctor.

Concetta shook her head slightly.

'I don't know how.'

'Allow me to show you.'

The Italian widow closed her eyes and inclined her chin, bringing her fractionally closer to Mac's fingers. Feeling the whisper of air between them get closer, she waited breathlessly for the other woman's lips to caress hers and bring her dizzying darkness and warmth. To feel the embrace of another, something she had not felt in a long time. A touch to make her shiver and for her heart to beat faster until it threatened to burst from her chest.

The doctor did not disappoint.