Angélique was standing to greet her dearest Thérèse. It seemed as if lifetimes had passed since she had seen her friend. There had been only news of her being in danger, and Thérèse had suddenly been gone, disappearing in the night.
"Thérèse! Oh, dearest Thérèse, you escaped them!" She placed her hands over her heart, then threw her arms open and hugged the older lady. Their ages had never meant anything save that Angélique sometimes listened to her friend's advice a bit more than she might have otherwise. Still, Angel drew back to look down at her friend's dress.
"They took your clothes didn't they? Oh, but I'm here now. We shall discover the secrets of couture in this dreadful city." She took Thérèse's hand in her own to lead her back to the chaise. "Oh tell me what happened? How have you been? I was so worried, ma chère."