Brutus waited anxiously as the eastern midwife he had imported from the east examined Octavia. She was just in the second term of pregnancy and could not afford any illness that would jeopardize her health or his child. His mother sat with him in his office while he awaited the results of the doctor’s exam and sensing her son’s urgency sought to distract him,

“How was your visit with Cicero? I do hope he is doing well, he is such a seasoned and revered statesman.” She said with a purpose. Servilia was a seasoned matron after all and earned her right to know some of the affairs of men, Brutus however, was not in a divulging mood. His candid openness with Cicero had surprised even himself, who had made it a point to appear as neutral as possible. His mother only knew the fragment of his mind and filled in the rest with her own perceptions. The close relationship they had relied on his honorable treatment of his mother, and he did not wish to disappoint her in any way.

“I have not determined if I should serve fish or veal for the banquet in my wife’s honor. I had a mind to serve both. I could use your expertise in this matter.” Brutus stated almost farcically, clearly indicating he did not wish to reveal the contents of the meeting to his mother just yet.

Servilia sighed underneath her breath, hating when her son was feeling secretive. If he did not want to tell her, there was little she could do to alter his mind. She wondered if he had picked up a few of his Uncle’s habits in the east or if prudence was finally getting the better of her son.

“ You could not do wrong with serving both. As the host you are required to give your honor to your guests. Have I wronged you in some way, son?” She asked directly, somewhat frustrated at Brutus’ aloofness.

“No, why should you think so? There is also the matter of entertainment. We are by no means the indulgent Lady Atia; perhaps some poetry should be appropriate, or some historical discourse on the greatness of the Roman Republic. Maybe a set of poems honoring motherhood and the virtues of Roman womanhood.” Servilia remained unamused, but was forced to play along with her son’s game for now.

“I would prefer poetry, history is dry without meter. Just don’t hire that awful Catullus, he would rather dishonor your virtuous wife with slander.” She replied matter-of-factly, recalling the ferocity of his insults in past circumstances.

“Naturally, I will find some other poet. Mother, I wish to use the musicians you have hired in the past. Your taste in music is refined and excellent.” He replied contemplatively, his mind wandering elsewhere, to rumors of the arrival of the Pompeius Family from Picenum.

Servilia observed her son’s distracted features and stated,

“Of course you may use them. They are only the best in all the empire. However, I do believe your mind is elsewhere right now, Brutus. I have heard the rumors that Pompey may arrive in to Rome any day now, while I am reluctant to say this, the whole clan should be on the guest list.” Brutus focused his eyes to Servilia abruptly and agreed, somewhat surprised,

“Without question. You should be glad to see Cornelia again.”

“Yes. She is an outstanding woman. It will also be nice to see the health of my niece, her condition is as much a mystery as that of her new father-in-law.” Brutus noted the slight sarcasm in his mother’s voice and smirked. The fight between Porcia and Servilia was only acceptable when Porcia was a little girl and they had not had any significant interaction since then.

“Mother, I would have thought you were more interested in watching Pompey and Caesar interact together, it has been even longer since anyone has observed that. I can assure you, I’m anxious. They are both guests of honor, however, they are usually the guests of honor at separate parties.” Servilia smiled and nodded. She was about to reply when the midwife came into the study and stated,

“Your wife is fine. She only had a minor illness and it passed quite quickly. She should fully recover soon. Only I recommend you boil her water before you let her drink it. Pregnant women often develop lead sickness easier than others.”