The Setting: Lady Antonia’s family villa in Antium

Portia walked into Antonia’s bedroom quietly so as not to interrupt her mistress’s contemplation of the beautiful blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Lady stood still as a statue, seeming to take courage from the scene, and Portia knew that a new supply of courage would do her mistress well.

“Are we ready to leave now?” said Antonia.

“Yes, all of our supplies and all of your personal items have been loaded and we are ready to go. Your personal items took up most of the space, by the way.” said Portia, trying to lighten the mood of her mistress and friend.

Her ploy worked as a generous smile came across Antonia’s beautiful face. “Good then, let’s go…Rome awaits us.” she said with a chuckle. “Besides, Posca has to be missing you dreadfully!”

Portia knew her mistress would be all right when she winked at her and preceded her out of the room at her usual confident clip.