Second Chances

by Carol Ashby

  “Until we gather next week in worship, may the Lord bless and keep us. May he make his face shine upon us and give us peace.”

  She jumped at the sound of footsteps and hands slapping backs.

  “The Lord’s peace be with you, Clitus.”

  Captain was just on the other side of the wooden slats. What if he came out and found her there? Was standing right against the wall part of what he considered off limits?

  Drusilla scurried back along the rail and re-entered the main cabin. She crept into her room and closed the door. After sliding back under the covers, she lay there, her mind racing.

  Who was the Jesus that Captain was talking about? She couldn’t ask the captain, or he would know she was listening where she shouldn’t have been.

  She wiggled a little under the covers. As soon as she heard Malleolus moving, she’d get up and ask him. Malleolus knew about almost everything. He would know who Jesus was.

  When Malleolus emerged from his room, Drusilla popped out of hers and took his right hand. He rested his left hand on the side of her head as he smiled down at her.

  “Well, this is a nice surprise. I didn’t expect you up this early.”

  “I’ve been awake a while. I’ve been waiting for you. I have a question.”

  “Well, come with me to the canopy, and we can talk about it over breakfast.”

  After they’d both collected their fruit, bread, and cheese from the serving trays, Malleolus sat on the couch and patted the spot beside him. “Now, what is your question?”

  “Who is Jesus?”

  Malleolus’s eyebrows shot up. “Before I answer, tell me why you want to know.”

  She glanced around to make sure no one was listening. “I heard Captain talking about him this morning.”

  “You did? Where?”

  “I was listening by the crew quarters. He told his men a story about something Jesus did.” She dropped her gaze. “I’d ask Captain, but he told me not to go into the crew quarters. I didn’t really disobey him because I didn’t go in, but he might not like me being that close.”

  “Before I tell you, I want you to promise me you won’t mention this to anyone else. It might be dangerous for the captain.”

  Her eyes grew large as she nodded. “Dangerous for the captain? Why?”

  “Because the captain must be a Christian. Your grandfather was killed in the arena because he became a Christian. For three years, he worshiped the Jewish god as the one true god. He refused to worship the Roman gods anymore because the Jewish god commands his people to worship only him. Roman law allows that because the religion of the Jews has demanded that since ancient times.

  “Then he decided to follow Jesus. Your grandfather believed Jesus was the son of the Jewish god, that he came to be the sacrifice for everyone’s sins if they only believed in him. Jesus doesn’t allow his worshipers to worship any other gods, so your grandfather refused to sacrifice to Caesar as a god and deny Jesus as his lord. The Christians don’t get the special treatment the Jews do. That’s why he was killed.”

  “So if I say anything to the wrong person, Captain might get killed?”

  “Yes.”

  She tightened her lips. “Then I won’t say anything to anybody, not even to Mother and Anthusa. I don’t want anything bad to ever happen to Captain.”

  “Neither do I, so this will be our secret.”

  Approaching footsteps warned of someone walking along the cabin. Malleolus held his finger to his lips and winked at Drusilla. She mimicked his motion just before Hector came around the corner.

  “Good morning!” His voice bounced with energy, and his eyes sparkled, exactly as Malleolus had seen with Publius when he returned from Christian worship.

  As the captain gathered his fruit, cheese, and bread before sitting down with them, Malleolus pursed his lips. The captain being a follower of Jesus explained many things. The Christians were notorious for treating everyone the same, with aristocrats, freedmen, and slaves all worshiping together and treating each other with kindness and affection like they were family. The captain certainly did that. He treated Anthusa with the same consideration he showed Cornelia. He was so kind to Drusilla and so patient and forgiving with Cornelia when other men might stay angry.

  Publius had been killed before Malleolus had a chance to decide whether his closest friend’s belief in Jesus was something he might want to embrace himself. Now that he knew another Christian, perhaps he’d have a chance to ask the questions that could help him decide.

  Chapter 14: A Handsome Man

  The corbita arrived at the harbor in Corcyra late enough in the afternoon that they would stay the night. That presented an opportunity, and Cornelia was ready to seize it.

  The greatest hardship of being on the ship was the lack of a proper bath. Cleansing with scented oils and rinsing with a small basin of water was a poor substitute for soaking in warm water up to her neck. Her villa had its own room for bathing, and she’d always enjoyed a private soak there when she didn’t join a friend at the exclusive private bath nearby. After so long, almost any bath would be acceptable. Surely a port town must have a decent public bath, and there should be time to go there before they had to leave.

  Hector was leaning on the rail, watching the activity on the pier. She strolled over to stand beside him. He glanced at her, smiled a distracted smile, and returned his eyes to the cargo being moved onto the ship across from them.

  “Captain, I have a request.”

  He straightened and focused his attention on her. “What would that be, Cornelia?”

  His muscular physique was unnerving as he stood looking down at her. His aura of mental and physical strength stirred her like no man before him. Being so close felt good. It felt even better when he fixed those eyes on hers like he really cared what she was about to say…like now.

  “The last time I enjoyed a leisurely bath was before I left my villa. That’s much too long. Since we’ll be here until tomorrow, is it possible to go to the baths?”

  His eyebrow rose; then he shook his head. “This is a very rough town, especially at night.”

  “But it’s only afternoon. Surely it would be safe enough this time of day.”

  “A woman like you would be a tempting target for robbers even now. It’s best if you stay onboard.”

  “A woman like me? What exactly makes me a target?”

  “Your hair, your clothes, the way you move…everything about you says wealthy.”

  “What if I were to borrow a tunic from Anthusa and leave all my jewelry here?”

  He crossed his arms. “The public bath here is not a safe place for you and Drusilla.”

  “Well, is there a private bath that might be?”

  Hector gazed into the blue eyes that showed no sign of giving up. “Is it that important to you?”

  “Yes, Captain. It is.”

  He opened his mouth, then shrugged instead of speaking. She always assumed he could do anything she asked, no matter how difficult. He felt the compliment, even when it might not be wise to do what she wanted. This time, the request was not unreasonable. He would like a bath himself.

  “Go change. I’ll see what I can do.”

  As she headed into the cabin, he followed her. Corcyra was a town where it was wise to carry a dagger in plain sight. He threaded his belt through the two leather loops on the sheath before striding down the gangplank and up the pier. The harbor master would know if there was a place he could safely take her.

  When Hector returned, Cornelia stood by the rail. Her hair was down, and she wore one of Anthusa’s plain beige tunics. She had Drusilla and Anthusa in tow.

  “We’re ready, Captain.”

  “I need my gladius; then we’ll go. The harbor master said there’s a nice private bath about a quarter mile off the forum. We have time to go there if we hurry.”

  He ducked into the cabin and returned with the sword in its scabbard hanging from th
e strap draped across his chest.

  “Stay right beside me.”

  Cornelila rested her hand on Drusilla’s shoulder. “Of course, Captain. Lead the way.”

  The captain led Cornelia and her party down the gangplank and up the pier. As they moved away from the water, it became obvious why he’d said it was a dangerous town. She tried to project a confident air as they walked past the rough-looking men who eyed them like jackals as they moved through the narrow streets just above the wharves. To appear afraid might provoke an attack. She squared her shoulders and raised her chin, but she did move closer to Hector and placed Drusilla between them.

  “Perhaps this wasn’t the best idea, Captain. Should we go back?”

  He kept his hand on his sword and his eyes on the men around them as he answered. “We’re almost to the forum. It’s safer to keep going. It should be fine past there.”

  The dark, narrow street suddenly opened up into a spacious forum. As they moved into the bright sunshine, the captain took his hand off his sword. He led them across the square and down the broad street on the other side. When they’d walked about a quarter mile, he turned left onto a narrow street. About half a block down, he turned through a gate with a small sign saying “bath” above it. He paid the fee for all of them to the attendant just inside.

  Hector scanned the courtyard before directing them toward the doorway on the left. “Women’s bath is that way. You can take about an hour. I’ll be waiting for you when you’re done.”

  “Will that be enough time for you to bathe?” The men Cornelia knew were usually gone for at least two hours when they went to the baths.

  As he struggled to contain the laugh her question had provoked, she regretted her words, but her thoughts were safe from him. He had no skill at all in hiding his emotions, but she’d practiced blocking an ill-timed blush for years.

  “I’m no Roman aristocrat, Cornelia. I’m only here to bathe, not plan the affairs of the Empire. I’ll be ready to take you back as soon as you’re ready.”

  She offered him her most gracious smile. “Thank you for bringing us, even if it was against your better judgment. We’ll try to hurry so we can return while it’s still somewhat safe.”

  He nodded to acknowledge her appreciation, but the corners of his eyes crinkled as one corner of his mouth turned up. He was still laughing at her, but it was worth it to see that smile. Too bad this bath separated men and women.

  She turned and walked toward the entrance into the women’s side of the bathhouse. Exactly what he found so funny wasn’t obvious, but the twinkle in his eyes charmed her no matter what caused it. She glanced back at him before following Anthusa and Drusilla through the door. He was such a handsome man when he was almost laughing. Truth be told, he was a handsome man no matter what he was doing.

  Hector watched Cornelia until she disappeared. Then he headed into the men’s bath. Even dressed in the clothing of her slave, she moved like a queen. Regal wasn’t just a matter of jewels and fine linen after all.

  Anthusa had just finished brushing the mistress’s hair for the night. Mistress rested her elbows on the table and her chin in her hands as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror.

  “I wonder what the captain’s wife looked like. He’s such a handsome man. I think she must have been very pretty.” She sighed. “I never believed it when the young men told me I was pretty. Lucius never said it. At least he was honest in that. I think I always knew he was mostly attracted by my being a Claudius Scipio and the size of my dowry. Well, maybe not the dowry so much. His father was even richer than my father was. He got tired of me so fast. I’m not sure he waited even a year before he was with other women.”

  “He was a fool, mistress. None of the others were worth anything compared to you.”

  Mistress sighed. “It shouldn’t have been that way. I actually loved him when we first married. I thought he cared for me, too. Until he got Publius killed, I kept hoping we could get that love back.” She looked up at Anthusa. “If he’d loved me even half as much as the captain loved his wife, we wouldn’t be on this ship.”

  Anthusa didn’t know what to say, so she just nodded.

  “It must have been wonderful to have the captain as a husband. He must have been a wonderful father, too. He’s so good to Drusilla.”

  “The captain is very kind. I’ve never seen another man like him.”

  Mistress Cornelia leaned forward to inspect her face closely in the mirror. “I never was pretty, and now, well…” She turned to offer a wry smile to Anthusa. “I’m sure my dowry will make me look attractive to the men in Perinthus.” Her lips tightened. “But I don’t want that kind of man.”

  “The captain’s not that kind of man, mistress.”

  “No, he isn’t. Quite the opposite. If he ever acted as if he liked me, I’m sure he really would.”

  “And I don’t think he’s the kind of man who would choose a woman only because she was pretty.”

  “No, probably not.” Mistress stood and moved over to her bed. “He’s not like any man I’ve known. I would like to know him better. I’m going to work on that.”

  Anthusa nodded again. If the captain were a Roman aristocrat, he’d be the perfect second husband for her dear mistress. But if he were a Roman aristocrat, he probably wouldn’t be the kind of man he was.

  Chapter 15: Risk or Reward?

  The next day, when Hector rounded the corner of the cabin to join Malleolus for lunch, Cornelia rose and stepped into his path.

  “Captain, please sit with me for a while. I have many questions about Perinthus, and I hope you can answer them.” She offered her most gracious smile.

  His brow furrowed. A long conversation with Cornelia wasn’t as appealing as talking with Malleolus, but it made sense that she’d want to know something about her future homeland. Leaving Rome with only four days’ notice―she’d had no time to find out much before the voyage.

  “Of course. I’ll try to answer what I can.”

  Regal was the perfect word for her as she turned and walked ahead of him. When she moved, it was almost like a dance. Sometimes that made her seem like nothing and no one could touch her, but he knew that wasn’t true. She looked at her daughter with the kind of love he had for Charissa. She did it often, and she was actually quite attractive then in spite of her large nose and wide mouth. The deep blue of her eyes was like the Mare Aegeum under a cloudless sky, and her lips curved into a warm smile. She seemed like a flesh-and-blood woman then, not an untouchable queen.

  When Damara had looked at Charissa that way, it made him want to scoop her into his arms and kiss her. That memory usually triggered a fresh shot of pain. Surprise coursed through him when it didn’t happen…and relief. God was finally answering his months of prayer for the pain to end.

  As she turned to seat herself, she invited him to sit in the chair beside her with a wave of her upturned hand. The elegant gesture and the way she seemed to float as she settled into her own chair made it look like a dance. The word regal popped into his mind again. The polish and poise of a patrician woman was evident in her every move. That might have seemed fake and pompous for many women. But after so long together on the ship, anything else would seem unnatural for her.

  He settled into the chair beside her. “What would you like to know first?”

  “When we first arrive, we will probably be living for a while with Titus or Claudia while I arrange something more permanent. Titus was a fine young man when he left for Thracia twelve years ago. I expect he remained one, just like his father. I’m sure he will welcome us and be glad to help me decide the best way to start over there. The last time I saw Claudia, she was a very sweet girl, but she was only sixteen and more of a child than a woman. I heard you tell Drusilla that she married the man who owns this ship. I’m sure Claudia would welcome us and want to help, but will her husband?”

  “I know both men. Titus is as good a man as you expect, but Philip is even b
etter. Anyone would call him an honest, generous man. I expect he’ll be as much and maybe more help than Titus. He has estates and other business in both Thracia and Moesia. I’m sure he’ll help with anything you need.”

  “I’m glad to hear you speak so glowingly of him. Claudia was always unusually intelligent in scholarly matters but rather helpless about practical things. She probably needs someone like that to care for her.”

  The corner of Hector’s mouth twitched up. “You’ll find her very different from the girl you remember. Philip and Claudia are well matched. Theirs is a very happy marriage.”

  “So, how do you know my relatives so well?”

  “Philip worked the summer he was eighteen on the ship where I was first mate. When he bought this ship thirteen years ago, he made me captain. He’s my friend.”

  The best friend a man could have, one who’d sheltered him during his crushing grief last winter.

  Cornelia’s unperturbed smile revealed a heart that had never known that kind of grief. She’d left all her friends to save Drusilla, but she didn’t know what it was like to be married to someone whose death could make you feel as if half of you had died as well.

  The captain was a friend of her in-laws. Cornelia couldn’t have asked for a better opening to learn more about him. But how best to exploit it? She’d always been able to draw out even the shyest men by revealing something personal first. The captain should be no different.