Cornelia read Cassius' brief message with internal sense of relief. A brilliant talented man of his class, yet at times quirky. There were rumors of some unconventional tastes, but as she was not inclined to heed unsubstantiated gossip, she simply put it down to his occasional unpredictability. Just so, she had not really been sure what he would choose to do. Now she did.

In spite of the warning, Cassius did come so hard on his note that she, Magnus, and Sextus had been attending the coming of age ceremony of Brogus' oldest male child. By the time they had returned, Cassius had bathed and was enclosed in his guest suite, without a sound to be heard. Cornelia was at her desk paying bills with the bookkeeper and Oppius' assistant when the steward came to infomr her that Cassius had come out.

"Gaius Cassius has gone to see the Lady Porcia, Domina."

Cornelia blinked, but her heavy brows didn't shift. "Really?" Cornelia asked. "Alone?"

"Yes, Domina."

" Is anyone with her?"

" I presume the maid you assigned her is, but I didn't check. Do you want me too?" the steward went on, now mildly curious.

"No," Cornelia responded slowly, not willing to enlighten the steward on the few speculations that had floated around in Rome regarding Brutus, Cassius, and Porcia. Nothing specific, but it had been a very odd friendship triangle. Brutus she knew quite well because of his mother, but now she would see the other side of it. The steward broke into her thoughts by clearing his throat.

" Just make sure they have whatever they need, and leave them their privacy. Just inform me when they come out, unless dinner time arrives first Also inform my husband that I feel he should get his rest until dinner."

" Of course Domina," the steward responded with a short bow, wondering if the lady really expected Magnus to consider her wishes. When Magnus did, the man just scratched his head, and wondered what other surprise the day would bring.