Because of his age, and the strong personalities of his step mother and father, the servants and clients on the home front rarely had an opportunity to see Sextus tale a leadership position. His eyes quickly took in the prone figure of Cornelia and that of a unshaven man grotty from hard travel pinned against the wall by the steward and strongmen. For a moment he wondered if she had had some sort of a relapse, as he knew her to be very stable and generally healthy woman. He squatted and touched Cornelia’s hands, then her forehead.

“She isn’t feverish. Where is my father?” he said calmly but firmly.

“ He is out looking at some of the lower grazing that’s been flooded, Domine. I sent Brogus for him,” answered the steward.

“Good. What did this man bring the lady Cornelia?”

Quickly the steward produced the small bundle. It took only a few moments at the most for Sextus to put it all together. He snorted.

“Well, of course, this would have felled Caesar’s mother or that bit of granite he made his mistress too. “ he looked up at Porcia. “ It appears Metellus Scipio is quite hanging on in spite of everything. He might not have been gifted with old Scipio’s brilliance in the field, but he seems to have dug in.”

Sextus looked up at the messenger. “ Things must have come to a truly desperate pass if the Lady Cornelia’s tata is writing her for help.”

A momentary flash lit in the old batman’s eyes, then was subdued.

“Begging your pardon Domine, but Crassus didn’t do half so well Ne’r was Caesar so cut off from Rome and forgotten no matter circumstances. Great families marry for great connections to achieve great things. Our lady Cornelia married a great man - some say the first man in Rome. He wrote her as he trusts his blood.”

Sextus’ smiled slightly at the answer, then flicked his eyes at the steward. The batman was released. “And he loves his daughter. I can understand that. And I can understand writing her when news might be very limited and uncertain.”

Sextus stood up. “Right. Lets get the Lady Cornelia into her sitting room. My wife can keep her eye on her….” he glanced the question at Porcia..” and that leaves her in capable hands until my father gets here. I’ll do the explaining. You…” now he looked at the batman,” get yourself to the servants bathhouse and the steward will send up clean clothes until we decide what to do.”

Sextus, had just seen his wife and step mother settled when Magnus arrived, his old demeanor returning. His voice could be heard rumbling down the hall.

“Cornelia? What’s this?” he asked far more gently when he spoke to his wife. Whatever was said about his temper, he never turned it on his spouses, especially not the two with priceless pedigrees. He touched her face, felt her wrist and gave an odd grunt. “Did she hit her head…..” he broke off when Cornelia let out a sort of hum and sigh.

“Oh Magnus,” Cornelia said in a low tone. “Tata…..’

“I am hear. I’ll find out whats to do. You stay quiet here with Porcia. I’ll be back.” Magnus looked towards Porcia. “If you are up to it, I would appreciate it if you would stay with her,” and then stood up and walked out nodding to his son, never bothering to know what Porcia’s answer was. Sextus followed on his heels, and the moment the doors closed Magnus could be heard thundering out.

“ Did she hit her head? Don’t tell me you don’t know……..” his voice faded out.