The morning passed with little incident. Favors were granted to clients, while others were engaged in winning the approval of their patron. After the last client departed, Gnaeus Cato Domitius Ahenobarbus sipped on his usual choice vintage wine as he reviewed the day's events in his mind. Letters were read, others were written and satisfaction remained for most of his efforts. It was time to take a quick meal before he departed for the Thermae. Oh, imagine the juicy tidbits he'd gather as he soaked with his Senatorial friends in the tepidarium!

Seeing his dutiful Scribe hovering beside the doorway, he said, "Apollonius, I'm ready to see Publius. Show him into my tabularum!"

The Scribe bowed his head and hobbled out the door. Gnaeus took another heavy gulp of his wine. Shortly thereafter, the man called Publius ... known to others as Coeus of Latona ... entered the room.

Seeing the Princeps Senatus, he bowed, "My Lord Domitius, it's a pleasure to see you."

"We're not here on a social call!" Gnaeus snapped at him. "I want to know what information you're acquired!"

Publius' face reddened profusely. "I've had my men make some subtle enquiries, but there isn't much to report. Everything appears to be in order."

Gnaeus Cato arose from his chair and started to pace the floor. "I want to know all the details!"

"Yes, my Lord," replied the Agent dutifully. "Titus Sabinus Flavius has been a dutiful Son and respectable Senator by all accounts. Through the fiscal contributions of him and his Pater, the Temple of Minerva has been renovated."

Gnaeus nodded his head. "Of course, that isn't a big surprise. Everyone knows that Minerva is the Flavian patron goddess. Anything else? What about the Lady Dia?"

"The Ladies Dia Maior and Minor have proven to be fine and upright Patrician Ladies. The Mater is a Cornelia from a long and repectable line. The younger woman has been brought up as an educated Lady with the training of a genteel Lady of the Nobility," the man replied.

"Still, wasn't there a broken betrothal?" Gnaeus queried. "He had befallen in a bad accident with his horse."

"Yes, my Lord, that is correct. The young Suitor met an untimely end. They'd only been betrothed for a month," acknowledged the Agent.

"Very well, keep searching," dismissed Ganeus. "See what other information that you can find. I don't want to leave a stone unturned for my future Bride."

"Yes, my Lord," bowed the man, who then took his leave.

Meanwhile, Gnaeus barked, "Apollonius! Get in here!"

The Scribe immediately appeared. No doubt he was just standing outside the doorway. "I want an invitation sent to the Lady Dia Flavia. Tell her that I'd like her to share dinner with me this evening. You may go now!"

Apollonius disappeared as Gnaeus gazed at the sun shining high in the sky, while pondering over the recent events.