...something like that.

[She's quiet for a moment, recalling her reason for wanting to go out in search of Hamunaptra in the first place. Those damned Bembridge scholars and their damned particular rules. Evelyn wouldn't be surprised if they just came out and told her that their refusal to accept her application was due to her sex.]

It was supposed to be a step towards legitimate fieldwork. As you can probably imagine, women are not very highly regarded in the study of archaeology. [Sip.] ...I'd never been on an expedition before. It was my first one. No one would fund an excursion to a city founded on rumours and legends, so I funded it myself.

[Evelyn shrugs loosely, swirling her drink.]

I'm not- [She sits a little straighter.] I'm not the sort of person to be deterred by nay-sayers and...and Philistines, you know. There are plenty of things out there that can't be explained - it just takes a determined mind to uncover the truth.

[Aw, on her little soap-box. It isn't said defensively, but with the air of someone who's excited to share her opinions for once.]