Lady Bishop steps forward and gives a curt nod to Thomas. He may be more rough than her usual acquaintances, but he certainly seems to get results since she arrived in Cairo and escorted her to the expedition site. She remembers when one of the beggars became particularly aggressive, but Thomas gave the man a quick cuff and scattered them away. Of course she had checked with her contacts and his background, discovering his dishonorable discharge. However, such a man would be more willing to work for a woman if he had a hard time finding other contracts. Especially if the money was right and a chance of a ticket away from Egypt.
She opens her parasol and peers down the steps to the entryway. She is surprisingly tall, barely an inch shorter than the men she is working with, but time is clearly catching up with her around her eyes and midsection.
As Thomas smokes and Dr. Whittaker's pipe arrives with its own unique scent, the lingering tobacco smell reminds her of the cigarette case tucked away in her reticule. She recalls clandestine letters, late night visits, and the scent of rose perfume, but the memory fades quickly as sand and dust pelt at her even with the veil over her face.
She turns to the professor and gives him a curt nod as well. She had spent years learning and researching, but not on languages as would be expected so the professor was an invaluable addition to the party. So many had already ventured ahead and been snapped up by other rich patrons and the ones left behind were loathe to leave their comfortable armchairs for the heat they face now. She did wonder if the excitement in his eyes as the tomb entrance comes into view is more a glint of ambition than exhilaration, but she quickly turns back to the prize they have been working towards.
"Ready to put that brain to work Dr. Whittaker?"
Without waiting for an answer, she turns back to the ex-soldier.
"Thank you Ackerman. Let us get out of this sun," and she waves an ivory gloved hand to move the stone slab, opening the entrance.
OOC:
Lady Clara Bishop is a wealthy British noble, the Dilettante as she is unflatteringly known in social circles, who has funded this expedition seeking secrets and wonders of this continent. This desire has only gotten stronger with the recent discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb. She has spent years researching, but not the usual studies for a well-bred lady. No, it has been over dark secrets and rituals and she has been throwing money at anything that will expand this knowledge further. One wonders what motivates her so...
Last edited February 14, 2025 9:04 pm
