by Carol Ashby
He shifted in the chair. “I miss having young ones around my villa, but what I miss most is the companionship of an intelligent woman. I don’t want a silly girl who only thinks of gossip and jewels. If I were to remarry, I would want a woman of experience...like yourself.”
It tested Cornelia’s self-control not to let him see how funny she thought him at that moment. They had barely met, and he was almost proposing. Still, he seemed a decent, honest man. She would let him down easy.
“I’m flattered by your interest, Quintus, but remarriage is not my objective at the moment. I’m glad you enjoyed so many years with a woman worthy of your affection. I was not so fortunate. For the moment, I’m quite content as I am.”
She saw no great disappointment in his eyes. How could there be? He was proposing a companionable partnership, not a love match. Her dowry was her main attraction, even to a decent man like this.
“I understand, Cornelia. No husband is much better than a bad one. I hope you’ll remember my interest if you should change your mind. I have no desire to marry an ordinary woman after being married to a special one. From all I ever heard of you in Rome, I know you to be special as well.”
Cornelia’s respect for him grew as she listened to his last speech. His whole face softened when he spoke of his wife.
“I’ll remember.” She rose to end their conversation. He followed her lead. “I hope you find Titus’s colts to your liking. I expect he’ll bring them soon.”
She walked him back to the kitchen as she spoke. “The way out is through there. Farewell, Quintus.”
“Farewell, Cornelia. I hope we speak again soon.” He turned and stepped through the doorway.
Her eyebrow rose after he disappeared from view. So Quintus Aemilius Lepidus wanted her as his wife. A man who was a good husband and father. Hector had called him a decent man. She could see that. Good men did exist among the Roman elite. Lucius certainly wasn’t one, but two of them had expressed interest in marrying her in the last month. First Atticus, now Lepidus. Before she left Rome, either would have seemed like a man she could marry.
But it wasn’t a Roman she wanted anymore. It wasn’t even a wealthy man. It was a Greek sea captain who loved his land as much as his ship. A man who loved his wife so much that her death almost killed him as well. That was the man she wanted to marry, and her heart thrilled at the progress he seemed to be making toward wanting her as well.
Flavian Amphitheater in Rome
Lucius normally went to the Flavian Amphitheater to watch the one-on-one contests after the animals had finished savaging the criminals during the lunchtime break. He enjoyed the skill and courage of combat between two trained men, not mere bloodletting by animal fangs.
But today, the woman who stood in his way as he headed to the senatorial seats to join Marcus looked more like an angry feline than a Roman matron.
He pasted on a friendly smile. “Salve, Didia.”
She responded with an icicle smile and a tip of her head. “Lucius. I’d like to say it’s a pleasure to see you again, but…”
His toga was draped over his left arm, and she pushed back the edge of it as she placed her hand on his wrist. Then she dug her nails in.
His teeth clenched as he grabbed her wrist. The middle fingernail pierced the skin before he could lift it away, so he pushed back the toga enough to keep the blood off it.
He turned a wry smile on her as he pointedly shifted his gaze from her face to his arm and back. “Perhaps not a pleasure today, but certainly a surprise. Is there some reason for this?”
Didia’s lips tightened. “You know there is. I don’t like being used by men I consider friends.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
Her head drew back. “You used me to squash a rumor that was actually true. Cornelia did run off and take Drusilla without your permission. I heard you hired one of the gladiators I like to watch at the Ludus Silani to go to Thracia and take your daughter from her, by force if necessary, and bring her back to you. You tricked me into thinking her leaving was all your idea, and I let everyone who matters know that.”
A feral gleam lit her eyes. “They’ll all think me a fool when the truth gets out. I won’t be used that way, Lucius. I’ll make certain everyone knows Cornelia planned all along to steal Drusilla from you and you were too stupid to see what she was up to beforehand.” The corner of her mouth lifted. “Lucius Fidelis…outsmarted and outmaneuvered by a woman. That’s a rich rumor to spread…because it’s true.”
She raised her head to look down her nose at him. “I can damage anyone’s reputation, and I’ll enjoy ruining yours.”
Lucius’s smile made hers seem warm in comparison. “No, you won’t. I don’t think you want it known that you were trying to seduce me while your husband was out of town. I enjoyed a long talk with him at Marcus’s dinner just before he left. He told several of us that you were chaste and faithful when he’s gone. Since you’ve set your eye on trapping another wealthy husband who suits you better than Flaccus, I don’t think you want it known that you’re no more faithful than an alley cat before you make that change.”
Her eyes widened.
His smile drifted into a smirk. “But I don’t think I’ll need to say anything. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s best if neither of us speaks to anyone about our conversation today.”
“Well…” She licked her lips. “Perhaps you’re right. What happens at the circus should stay at the circus.”
He rested his hand on her forearm. “Yes, it should. What faction will you be cheering at the races tomorrow?”
“The greens.”
“The same for me.” Lucius offered a friendly smile. “It’s always a good thing when friends can agree as well as we do.”
She opened her mouth as if to speak, but nothing came out.
“I hope you’ll excuse me, Didia. Marcus is waiting, and we have something to discuss before the fighting starts. Perhaps I’ll have the pleasure of dining with you and Flaccus in the near future.”
She tipped her head and pasted on a social smile. “Of course. That would be our pleasure as well.”
Lucius turned from her and continued down the steps toward the senatorial seating where Marcus waited. He’d escaped the tigress’s wrath with only one claw mark. Soon the men he’d hired would reach Thracia and face the lioness there. His mouth curved into a satisfied smile. Too bad he wouldn’t be there to see her face when he won their contest and reclaimed the stolen prize.
Chapter 41: Maybe a Good Day
The next morning, Hector turned the cisium through Titus’s gate. The sky was clear, and the warmth of the sun on his arms promised a beautiful day for their drive.
He reined in by the kitchen door. Drusilla bounced out to join him.
“It’s so nice today, Captain. Mother thought it would be a good day for lunch by the stream we saw the first time.”
One corner of his mouth tipped up. Lunch. That meant a longer time with her at his side today.
He lifted Drusilla and placed her on the seat. Before he could turn, the aroma of cinnamon and something else drifted into his nostrils. He inhaled deeply. Cornelia was close behind him, but where were the roses?
“Mother smells good today, don’t you think, Captain? I put some perfume Aunt Miriam made on her. It’s a mix of some of her spices that Uncle Titus likes.”
He turned to find Cornelia smiling up at him.
“You don’t smell like you usually do.”
Her laughter tingled up his spine. “A woman normally doesn’t want to hear she smells. I hope my usual smell isn’t too offensive.”
His ears reddened, but his eyes crinkled as his smile broadened. “I didn’t mean you smell bad, Cornelia, and you know it. I like your smell.”
Again, her laughter rippled around him. “I have noticed you seem to like roses. Actually, I’m glad you noticed I smell different. In the future, I’ll wear whichever you like best.”
“Roses are good, but any other way you want to smell is good, too”
“Very well, Captain.” That teasing sparkle filled her eyes. “Today Titus’s favorite. Tomorrow yours.”
She handed a covered basket to Drusilla and turned for him to lift her in.
He climbed in between them and slapped the reins. It would be an excellent day for eating on the sun-warmed rocks by the stream. What could be better than a good meal by a stream, breathing in the fresh smells of the outdoors and the perfume of the playful woman sitting next to him?
Cornelia watched Hector drive the cisium back through Titus’s gate. It had been a thoroughly lovely day. The burbling of the small waterfall where the stream cascaded down the rocks had wrapped her in music better than the performances of the finest musicians at her friends’ banquets. The sun-heated rocks where she sat on the blanket next to him filled her with a delicious warmth magnified by his closeness. Their simple lunch of bread, cheese, and dates was superior even to Miriam’s delectable offerings because his hand had brushed against hers when they reached into the basket at the same time.
She walked into the kitchen. Miriam was there, stirring another of her scrumptious sauces that would delight Titus that evening.
“Cornelia, a letter came for you by horse courier. I put it by your mirror.”
The warm glow instantly vanished. No one should know she was here. Cornelia hurried up the stairs to her room.
Her hands trembled as she broke the seal and unrolled the papyrus.
Tertius Claudius Drusus to Cornelia Scipia, my dear mother, greetings. If you are well, then I am glad.
Father thinks you have run to Uncle Titus, as Aunt Claudia did. I am writing this in case he is right. He is sending some men to take Drusilla and bring her back to Rome. I have sent this by the horse courier service that should reach you in nine days. Father told his new steward to have his agents leave in two days, so they should have left Rome seven days ago. Depending on how hard they ride, they should reach you eleven to thirty days after you receive this letter.
Father does not suspect me, so I hope to learn if he plans something else. I will let you know if he does. Tell Drusilla I miss her. I hope that you can protect her and that all will be well with you both. May the gods guard your safety.
Her knees buckled, and she sat down hard on the stool. Men coming to get Drusilla. Lucius wouldn’t stop until he had her or until she was dead.
Cornelia straightened. Until she was dead...or until he thought she was. But how could she convince him Drusilla had died? She pressed her palms against her cheeks. There had to be a way.
She started pacing.
Anthusa entered the room. “Mistress? Is something wrong?”
Cornelia turned anguished eyes on her. “Lucius thinks we’re here. He’s sending men to get Drusilla. When they arrive, I need to stop them.”
“Master Titus could kill them.”
Cornelia shook her head. “No, that wouldn’t help. Lucius would just send someone else, and next time Tertius might not know in time to warn us.” A sly smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “But if they went back and told him she’s dead, that would be the end of it.” She snapped her fingers. “And I know what might convince them.”
Cornelia hurried down to the kitchen with Anthusa right behind her.
“Miriam, I want to put a gravestone in the garden.”
Miriam’s eyebrows scrunched. “Why?”
“The letter was from my son Tertius. Lucius is sending men here to get Drusilla, and I need something to show them to convince them she’s dead.”
Miriam’s eyes cleared, and she nodded. “When do you expect them?”
“Tertius thought eleven to thirty days from today.”
Miriam handed the spoon to her chef. “Let’s find Nestor. He can go right now to the sculptor and get him started on the inscription. I’m sure he can get something ready in less than eleven days.”
When Titus came home for dinner, Cornelia met him at the kitchen door. “I received a letter from Tertius. Lucius is sending men to take Drusilla.”
Titus drew a deep breath and blew it out. “So, I need to get you away from here. I have an estate a day and a half to the west. Lucius doesn’t know about it, so I can send you there. Or we could send you to one of Philip’s estates near here or in Moesia.”
Cornelia shook her head. “It might only be a matter of time before Lucius tracks us down. He’s a vengeful man, and he knows the best way to strike at me is to hurt Drusilla. I thwarted his plans. I outmaneuvered him, and he can’t stand that. He won’t stop until he gets her. She could never feel completely safe. I have a better idea.”
Titus’s brows dipped. “What would that be?”
“Drusilla must die, or at least Lucius’s men must think she has. Miriam said I can erect a gravestone here. Nestor already went to the sculptor to get it started. Tertius thought the men would arrive eleven to thirty days from now. The gravestone should be ready in five.”
Titus’s eyes gleamed. “I like it. I have to go to the western estate in a few days, but I’ll be back before they come. I can be here ten days from now and stay until after they leave.”
Cornelia’s smile reflected his. “We won’t mention this in front of Drusilla until the gravestone comes. I don’t want her to worry before she has to.” Her smile grew broader. “Together, we’ll put an end to that worm hurting anyone in this family...once and for all.”
Anthusa pulled the brush through Mistress Cornelia’s hair as she read the letter one more time.
“I’d hoped Lucius wouldn’t figure out where we went quite this fast, but I should have known he would. He might be worthless as a father, but he’s always been smart.” She sighed. “I’m so glad Tertius was there to hear what Lucius was planning. Eleven to thirty days. It’s going to be hard to wait. The gravestone should be in place before then, and Titus will be back to help me convince them she’s dead.”
Cornelia buried her face in her hands, then pulled them sideways to gaze into the mirror again. “Perhaps it’s a good thing they’re coming. Once they return with the message that Drusilla has died, Lucius should leave us in peace.”
Anthusa kept brushing. Gradually the tension drained from the mistress’s face.
“I’m sure the plan will turn out well.” She worked her fingers into the thick hair and began massaging her scalp.
Time to lift Mistress’s spirits. “So, how was the drive today?”
Her mistress’s face softened. “It was such a perfect day before I read that letter. We sat by the stream in the sun. I got him talking about his farm. He loves his land just like I do...did. He loves his ship, too. I suppose I’ll oversee everything when he’s at sea. But maybe Drusilla and I will join him on some of his voyages. She would love that.”
“She would, mistress.”
Mistress turned to face her. “I want him to take me with him wherever he goes. I never dreamed there could be a man like him. After I convince Lucius that Drusilla is dead, we should be able to start a good life together, the three of us. And you, of course. I would never leave you behind.”
Anthusa’s heart basked in those words. “I never want to leave you, either.”
Mistress Cornelia rose and moved to her bed. “I hope I can sleep tonight. It might be hard.”
Anthusa turned down the sheets. “Maybe you’ll have a dream about the captain. That’s worth sleeping for.”
A broad smile brightened the mistress’s eyes. “Yes, nothing could be better than dreaming of the captain...except having my dreams come true.”
Mistress swung her legs onto the bed, and Anthusa drew the covers over her. “I think they will, mistress. I truly think they will.”
Anthusa enjoyed the smile on her dear mistress’s lips before she blew out the lamp. If everything went as she hoped, the dreams of both the captain and her mistress would finally come true.
Chapter 42: The L
ogical Decision
The next day, Cornelia, Anthusa, and Miriam were working at their looms, chatting about anything and nothing, when Claudia entered the women’s room.
Cornelia parked her shuttle. “I got a letter from Tertius yesterday. Lucius has figured out where we are and is sending men to get Drusilla.”
Claudia’s hand flew to her mouth. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to convince him Drusilla is dead so he’ll never bother us again.”
Cornelia rested her hand on the loom’s frame. “Dead? How are you going to do that?”
“I’ve ordered a gravestone with her name on it.” She pointed out the window. “We’re going to put it over there by the garden wall. If that’s not enough, Titus will help me convince them. Once they go back and tell Lucius, we should be free of him forever.”
Claudia nodded as a smile grew. “That sounds like an excellent plan. Until they come and leave again, I’ll be praying for it to free you and Drusilla from the sword hanging over your heads.”
She rested her hand on Cornelia’s arm. “Can I pray with you right now?”
Cornelia’s spine straightened. It would be the first time she asked God directly for something. Then her shoulders relaxed. Several of the people had asked for God’s help during the worship at Philip’s. If they could do it there, she and Claudia could do it here.
“Please.”
Claudia took Cornelia’s hand and reached for Miriam’s as well. “Father, please protect Drusilla and Cornelia from the men coming from Lucius. Help Cornelia to convince them to return and tell Lucius that he has no daughter left in Thracia. Even more, I ask You to protect Lucius until You give him a changed heart. Lead him to follow Jesus as our father did. We ask this in Jesus’s name. Amen.”
As Miriam echoed the amen, Cornelia’s head snapped back. “How can you say that? For eight years, I’ve thought about Publius and his dying so willingly when he didn’t have to. I’ve been thinking about what Hector and Philip teach about forgiveness. It sounds good, but it isn’t natural to forgive those who hurt the ones you love. How can you not hate Lucius after all he’s done? To Publius, to you, to Drusilla and me?”