‘Patron, have I offended you, somehow?’ I ventured, when Servus had withdrawn.
Marcus gave me another scathing look. ‘You mean, apart from sharing secrets with Hortius, behind my back? And don’t look so surprised. Junio let the information out.’
I gaped at him. I was absolutely stunned. ‘E-excellence,’ I stammered, ‘the Senator must have threatened him with some dreadful punishment – to make him break a confidence.’ Marcus’s expression did not thaw one bit. ‘Patron, I cannot apologize enough – he was explicitly instructed not to tell anyone but you that Druscilla had—’
Marcus waved my words impatiently aside. ‘That is not at issue. We had already heard. Hortius’s guard brought us the news when they arrived this morning from the garrison.’
I was struggling to make sense of this. And then a thought occurred to me. ‘Most of them are still billeted there, I expect? So the lady came to the gates of Glevum – as I feared she might – and was the source of gossip afterwards! I am surprised that a single traveller caused so much remark – except that she asked directions to your villa, I suppose.’
My patron leant back on the narrow bench, folded his arms across his chest and let out an exasperated sigh. ‘Spoke to the sentry on duty, it appears – and in such a rude, imperious way that it’s become the talk of the garrison. The bodyguards must have heard last night and brought the news to Hortius as soon as possible. It seems that he had offered a reward to whoever brought him the first news of her – though he has found a reason not to pay, since they had not discovered anything themselves. So be warned, Libertus!’ He slammed the goblet on the tabletop. ‘Do not trust the man.’
I did not answer; I was too perplexed. Trust him about what? What could it be that Junio had said? Described exactly where the villa was perhaps? ‘It’s to be hoped he does not go over to your house, and get his bodyguards to drag her out to him. It’s not impossible. Your gates and gatekeeper could not oppose them long. And,’ I added, slyly, ‘that courier knows the way.’
Marcus gave me an unfriendly look. ‘Exactly so, Libertus. And on that subject, we need to talk, I think.’
I was beginning to wish I hadn’t jettisoned my wine. ‘The messenger? I do not understand.’
‘Oh, I think you do.’ Marcus was gazing into his empty cup, as though it fascinated him. (If this was a signal that he wanted some more wine, it was in his own hands, I was powerless to help.) ‘Hortius seemed to think the courier should have told him that Druscilla had arrived, though how he could have known that was a mystery to me.’ He looked up, but refused to meet my eyes. ‘Though not, perhaps, to you?’
It was clearly a rebuke, but I could not see the force of it. ‘Of course he could not possibly have known. Druscilla did not come till yesterday, when you weren’t there yourself. That is why the villa sent to me. And I will swear that – before the gods, if that is what the Senator requires. The courier came the day before, and even then he did not speak to you – by the time that we arrived, the nurse had already sent him back to town, to tell you that the twins were safely born – which, come to think of it, he never tried to do. Though, if you remember, we passed him on the road, galloping at full speed the other way.’
‘I see your recollection matches mine,’ Marcus said, giving me that peculiar look again. ‘I tried to explain all this to Hortius, but he paid no attention, just went on bellowing at the wretched messenger and threatening to send him to the mines for failing see what was in front of him. In the end I left them to it and went to the temple to perform my cleansing rites. And on my return, there was Junio at the door.’ He pressed his two forefingers together into a pinnacle and looked at me across the top of them. ‘That is the story, as far as I’m aware. Is there anything that you would like to add?’
It was such a strange enquiry that I did not know how to respond. ‘Excellence, did Junio cause you some embarrassment?’
‘Rather the reverse, as the Fates would have it.’ He gave me a thin smile. ‘His message proved I did not know the wretched woman had arrived. I was anxious all the time that I was out, that Hortius would decide that, after all, I must have known. But when I found that Junio had called, specifically to bring me that very piece of news, I brought him in and asked him to repeat it in front of everyone.’
‘And he said something that was unfortunate?’
‘Not for me, at any rate.’ Marcus was still fascinated by his cup. ‘He did it with the greatest tact and skill. Explained that provision had been made for her, at your behest, pending any different instructions from myself. He even apologized for the delay in telling me – something about a slave who’d met an accident. Even Hortius was visibly convinced.’
As of course he would be, I thought bitterly. Yet there was clearly something else. And equally clearly, Marcus was not going to tell me what it was. I struggled for a clue. ‘Did the Senator ask for information which Junio did not have?’ I’d given my son only the briefest of accounts – and I could imagine Hortius being furious if he asked questions and did not get what he considered an adequate reply.
‘He questioned Junio, of course. When did he learn that Drusilla had arrived? And Junio said that he only heard last night, when he got back from town.’ He waited in that pointed way, again.
‘That’s right,’ I acknowledged.
‘So Hortius asked why – in that case – a messenger had not been sent to us – at that point – with the news. A reasonable question, would you not agree?’
I was about to point out that I had sent a slave – the wretched Rastus, with terrible results – but my patron raised a hand to silence me.
‘Junio replied that by then the day was too advanced. It was getting dusk. There was nothing to be gained.’ He looked at me at last. ‘Then Hortius said something which I thought peculiar – why hadn’t Junio told his courier at the time?’ My patron took a deep breath and leaned back on his bench. ‘Libertus, if you are not forthcoming on your own account, I see that I must question you outright. Do I understand that Hortius sent a messenger to you?’
I gaped. I had forgotten that Marcus would not have learned of that – Hortius had not wanted him to know about the murdered slave. ‘I’m afraid so, Excellence. For a complicated reason unconnected with all this. But tell me about Junio, how did he reply?’
‘Feigned surprise and asked, with the greatest possible respect, why anybody would expect you to do that? Why should it be of interest to Hortius to know that a kinswoman of Julia’s had come to stay and attend her lying-in?’
‘Clever!’ I murmured, approving my son’s speed of reasoning.
‘Perhaps. Hortius was rather annoyed at the remark, and asked, why, since you knew that the courier was reporting to the flat, you had not sent the message then and there to me.’ He gazed into the empty cup again. ‘But it was Junio’s reply which interested me more. He said – and these were his very words – “Because you, Senator, had made it clear that your courier’s visit should not be mentioned to his Excellence.” And Hortius suddenly stopped the questioning. Suggestive, don’t you think? So what’s going on, Libertus? Are you being recruited to spy on me?’
For a moment I could not believe my ears. I was about to demand how he could think such a thing of me, when I suddenly recalled my own inane suspicions of Tertillius. ‘Absolutely nothing of the kind – if Hortius had tried it, I would have told you so at once.’
‘Then why was he sending secret messages to you?’
‘Only one message, to say my slave was dead. Hortius killed him, though he called it an accident. I think you mentioned it yourself.’
Marcus looked at me with dawning horror on his face. ‘Your slave? Junio did say something … So that is really all?’ He shook his head. ‘I heard there’d been some sort of accident. Hortius Valens lost his temper with a slave and felled him dead. Of no account, he said. But your slave? I can’t believe my ears. Not little Minimus? It can’t have been Tenuis, I saw him with your son.’
‘My slave, however!’ I said grimly. ‘Or more precisely, yours. One of the two you gifted me as household with this place. Poor young Rastus. You remember him? Big teeth, big ears and an enormous smile?’
Marcus furrowed an impatient brow. ‘I think I do recall. But my dear Libertus, what a dreadful thing. Hortius must compensate you, at the very least.’
‘He has already offered, patron,’ I told him wearily. ‘I’m meeting him tomorrow morning, at the slave-market.’
His face had cleared. ‘But why was it so important that I was not told?’
‘Embarrassment, I think. Hortius didn’t realize the boy belonged to anyone of rank. I sent Rastus from my flat to you, to tell you discreetly that Druscilla had arrived – thinking that a villa servant might be recognized. Rastus announced he was the pavement-maker’s slave, then refused to give his message to anyone but you. Hortius got angry and … well, you know the rest …’ I finished, though he probably did not. I did not burden him with the details of the poor boy’s fate.
‘My dear old friend.’ Marcus was suddenly anxious to atone. ‘I fear I misjudged you, for a moment anyway. This Senator has made us all suspicious, I suppose.’
‘Then on the subject of suspicions, let’s pray that it does not occur to him that I was trying to send you a secret message by the boy.’
Marcus gave a mirthless little laugh. ‘He would have accused me outright, in that case. But as it is, he’s promised to replace the lad he killed? At the slave-market tomorrow?’
‘I’m to meet him there before the auction starts.’
‘Then I shall come with you and make sure you are not cheated or sold inferior goods. The dealer knows me, and between us we’ll ensure you get the best of what’s on offer. What do you say to that?’
What could I say but, thank you – though I was not sure that Marcus’s selection would be mine. He likes them bronzed and handsome, but the plain and frightened have the greater need – and will repay you with hard work and loyalty. (Like those with big ears and protruding teeth!) However, Rastus was – in all but name – my patron’s slave, and this was a replacement, so he had a right to choose. I said my thanks again.
‘So now that’s settled,’ Marcus said, with sudden warmth. ‘I should not have doubted you. But you see how it appeared. Even my own household will not talk to me.’ He sounded so contrite that I realized how seriously worried he had been; if not that I had actually been bribed to spy, at least that Hortius might be making the attempt!
‘Your visitor has frightened them into silence, that is all, I’m sure. After what happened to poor Rastus, right in front of them!’
Marcus nodded. ‘Hortius would enjoy their being frightened, too. You would think he actively enjoys upsetting everyone. He would be amused to know he’d made us all suspect our friends.’
‘It makes me have some sympathy for his unwilling bride, although—’
‘Of course, you’ve met Druscilla!’ Marcus said. ‘What did you think of her?’
‘She might be pretty, if she would only smile,’ I said. ‘Curvaceous too, and young. One can see why Hortius might want her as a bride. Until she speaks, that is. How did that sentry describe her? Imperious and rude? That would accord with what I saw of her. And – like her bridegroom – very unimpressed by what she finds here in Britannia.’
‘They seem to be well-suited, in terms of character! Well, we shall soon find out.’
‘I take it you no longer plan to keep the pair apart? Even at the risk of offending the Empress?’
‘What option do I have? Hortius knows she’s here. And the Governor is just as dangerous to displease. I’m like a soldier, caught between two swords – danger on either side. But, if she contrives to run away again, I don’t think even you can help me out of this.’
‘Why should she flee? She has no idea as yet that Hortius is in town – I told the household that she was not to be informed, unless and until you instructed otherwise.’
‘Better to keep it that way, as long as possible. I wish I knew some way of making her agree to talk to him, at least. Though perhaps the banquet – I could invite her then?’
‘If she knew that he was there she would refuse to go.’
‘But if we kept it from her? She might even be flattered to be asked – if she supposed the feast to be in honour of the birth – which it partly is. She’s female, so she’s not affected by the curse – only a simple cleansing ritual would be required before she came. And at a public gathering she could not make a scene …’
I made a little face. ‘Excellence, I should not be too confident of that. And it would not be fitting to invite the wives of councillors, when your own is unable to attend. Though perhaps if Druscilla could be entertained elsewhere – in a private house with one of the other ladies, possibly – they could join us for the entertainments afterwards. Not Julia, of course.’
‘She would not have fulfilled the purification period, or be strong enough,’ His Excellence agreed. ‘But Gwellia might …?’
‘Not Gwellia,’ I said. ‘She has been ill herself. But you heard what Tertillius said – his widowed sister has come to live with him? Perhaps she could be invited to be the chaperone. It might give Tertillius the opportunity he seeks to be obliging to the Senator. It would be most convenient of all if Druscilla could stay there overnight, before and after the projected feast. That would make it easy for her to attend – his house is very close to the vintners’ banquet hall. And it’s too far for her to take a litter to the villa afterwards – there is always danger in the woods at night. Besides, if she is with Tertillius, and Hortius does not know, it would prevent him trying to seize her between now and then.’
‘But can’t you …?’ Marcus let the question linger in the air.
‘Excellence, do not look hopefully at me, I cannot with propriety invite her to stay here – an attractive widow who is no kin of mine! – without at least my wife as chaperone. And it’s surely wiser if I’m not associated with her, more than I can help – Hortius is already displeased enough with me. I imagine Tertillius will be flattered to be asked. And did you not tell me that he’d known her family in Rome? That would make it entirely appropriate.’
‘Libertus, old friend’ – the hand which clasped my shoulder was warm and gentle now – ‘I can only thank you for you counsel, wise as usual. I will approach Tertillius at once – supposing the old man is up to it. Anyone can see he’s paid too much for the hall hire and the wine. Perhaps Hortius is right in calling him a fool.’
‘Nothing excuses that public insult at the games! You heard about the incident, I suppose?’
‘From Hortius himself! He seems to think it an enormous joke, and what he says about Tertillius is unrepeatable. He’s so contemptuous of everything he finds that I worry for Glevum – and my part in it – when he writes to the Provincial Governor.’ He sighed.
‘Which he intends to do?’
‘A letter by official messenger within a day or two, he says. If he gives an unfavourable account, it could affect the whole colonia.’ He looked at me. ‘That’s what made me so uneasy, I suppose. Libertus, I am sorry that I doubted you. And I’m sorry about Rastus, I genuinely am. Thank you for your help. Give my thanks to Junio, as well. He has proved a worthy son to you today. If you weren’t here, I almost think I’d offer my patronage to him.’
‘I’m flattered, Excellence,’ I murmured, since something was evidently required. But even as I spoke there was a rapping by someone at the door, that proved – when Servus answered it – to be none other than Junio himself.