Optimus' senior clerk stood up and nodded. " Domina, always a pleasure to do business with you. Any message for my employer on Pompius Magnus' status?"

Cornelia looked at him with her coolest gaze. "He keeps my full attention, and I give to the lares several times a day for his complete recovery."

" So you expect a full recovery Domina?"

"Only the Gods can tell," Cornelia said standing. "Thank you Glaucus," and the man nodded again and left, hearing his dismissal . He would get nothing from her to sell as news in Rome.

Cornelia glanced at Lydia, who instantly left. She then walked towards her bedroom suite, where her husband was waiting.

" Do you think he guessed wife?" Magnus asked her as she entered.

" No husband," Cornelia said sitting down on her bed.

" And what about our guest?"

" We haven't actually spoken yet. He retired and then went directly to visit with Porcia. "

Maagnus sat up in his chair. " Sextus won't fancy that. Especially not with his history."

"No, but I doubt there is much to worry about."

" What do you mean?"

" He's a strange man, Magnus. In more ways than one. When he divorced Junia Tertia, there was a lot of talk, because he stayed so thick with his brother in law."

Magnus raised his eyebrows. " I am surprised Servilia let him in the house then."

" Oh, she wasn't overly pleased with it, but he gave back the dowry with interest, so she swallowed it. Porcia's friendship is a bit less surprising, knowing her antipathy for Caesar. Frankly I'm counting on that a bit to help him work with us for more than money. In case money isn't quite enough."

A light tapping came at the door. Lydia entered.

" They are still talking in her sitting room Domina. And dinner is ready."

" Thank you. Inform my daughter in law and her guest, we will eat in half an hour." Lydia bobbed and then left.

Cornelia started adjusting one of her sandal straps. ' So, will you join us?"

Magnus pursed his lips. " No, let him wonder a bit more. You have dinner with them, and send something to me. Send Sextus to me, if you think it will be inhibiting."

Cornelia stood, and feeling a chill, reached for a wrap. To her surprise, her husband beat her to it, and began to place it on her and began to tidy her on her own. He did it with unexpected skill. She understood even more now why he had always been popular with his previous wives. With a soft kiss on her neck, he sent her on her way.
***********************************************************

Lydia arrived moments later at Porcia's study.

"Dinner will ready in one half hour," she notified them.