2.

Agnes moved around the dusty room carefully, peering at objects with a look of trepidation on her face.

Blanche observed her movements. The woman was effortlessly elegant. She felt so heavy footed around her and a little self-conscious of her own appearance. It was not a feeling she was used to. Her aesthetic qualities had never been something she had considered important enough to dwell on. Her lifestyle afforded her little time for what she considered to be a vanity of one's outward presentation. But Agnes's doll like beauty and gentility made her suddenly aware of her own perceived short comings in those areas. She pushed the thoughts away, irritated at her own shallow musings.

She walked to the cupboard and retrieved two glasses and an ancient looking bottle of brandy.

"The best cognac", Blanche replied at Agnes's raised eyebrows. "I brought it back from France about five years ago."

"But it's only midday!" Agnes remarked, looking fairly scandalised, "and we have to keep our heads clear for that mountain of papers you needed me to help you with."

Blanche nervously chewed her lip, "I'm rather afraid I got you here under false pretences. Please don't be cross with me. I just couldn't bear to see you enclosed in that house for one more day, like an unhappy bird." She passed the glass of amber liquid over and continued softly, "I thought the change of scenery might do you some good."

Agnes tried to look cross, but her face softened when she realised her friend's good intentions. "Yes, I can see how a dusty office would improve my mood greatly", she teased.

Blanche smiled, pleased that she hadn't caused any real anger with her small deception. "I brought you here to show you a new display; it contains some of my own finds!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement, "It isn't open to the public yet, but I rather hoped you might enjoy a preview. "

Agnes took a sip of her brandy and hummed her approval. "I would be honoured, Blanche. Thank you for thinking of me."

The two women smiled at each other and Blanche felt herself flushing under Agnes's warm gaze. "Darling Blanche, you always seem to know how to cheer me. I have never had a friend quite like you."

"I'm quite sure that you haven't", Blanche chuckled, "I know very well that I am not approved of as a friend to anyone in decent society."

Agnes looked into her eyes intently. "I'm learning to care less about what society thinks with each passing week. I wouldn't give up your friendship and companionship for anyone. You've been my saviour."

Blanche blinked quickly, and reached out to clasp Agnes's hand, noting how her delicate fingers reflected the elegance and grace of the rest of her. "I'm so pleased to hear that, I've become very fond of you". Blanche took the remaining sip of her brandy and set the glass down. "Now, come along, It's time we looked at the display, I'm just itching to educate you in the ancient ways of Egypt."

Agnes giggled, "But how are you allowed to show me, if it is still closed to everyone else?"

"Well, there was that embarrassing furore over the Parthenon Sculptures recently, so the museum is far less relaxed than it once was. Fortunately, my name and work affords me certain privileges. Come", she breathed excitedly, grasping Agnes's hand and pulling her towards the door, "let me show you what I was doing in those foreign climes, I hope you'll find it as thrilling as I did!"

Agnes gasped as they entered the large room. Sunlight filtered through the large windows and bathed the exhibits in light and shadow. It was almost like being transported back in time. Blanche closed the door gently behind them and turned to look at the reaction of her companion.

Her pretty features were lit up in an almost childlike rapture. Blanche wondered for the hundredth time how her ignorant and stupid nephew could have treated this lovely woman in such a despicable fashion. He wasn't worthy of her love and devotion, and she hoped that his time alone and away from Eaton Place was painful and difficult. Persie had fled to Wales, and they hadn't heard from her since. Breaking out of her thoughts, she touched Agnes's arm gently.

"What do you think?" she asked softly.

"Blanche, this is, I don't have adequate words. Why, it's breath-taking!" Blanche's face broke into a broad smile and she linked her arm into Agnes's.

"I'm so pleased, Agnes. Now let me show you some of the finds we made in Giza and Armana. They have such wonderful stories behind them, such a rich tapestry, and….."

Blanche trailed off as she felt Agnes's eyes on her; she turned her head, "What is it?"

"I, I've just never seen you so animated", Blanche flushed, "don't be embarrassed", Agnes continued, "It suits you very well."

"I suppose I just love archaeology so much, I've never wanted to do anything else."

Agnes's face changed and her smile faltered. "You've always known who you are, Blanche. I admire that. I'm not sure I have ever truly known myself. I'm a mother, and a wife, or at least I thought I was a wife." Her breath hitched. "But surely that isn't all there is to me?"

Blanche shook her head, "Agnes, I think you could surprise yourself! I see a cornucopia of good qualities within you, all of which I am quite sure that you remain blinded to."

Tears formed at the corners of Agnes's eyes, "You're so kind to me, thank you." She quickly moved forward and kissed her friend on the cheek. Blanche tried to ignore the soft touch of hair against her skin, and the scent of her, but felt an involuntary jolt of longing pass through her body.

Pushing the feeling away, she smiled. "I am only as kind as you deserve" she replied, setting off towards the first cabinet with their arms still linked together.