“Have you heard from Ester?” he asked the couple.
“In a way.” Julia’s strong voice belied her reclined position. “I sent one of my boys over a few days ago, and Andrew and Dinah were there, but they left again soon after. They were looking for Abigail, but Laertus did not know where to tell them to find her. They said they left a note with directions to where they were staying.”
Titus sighed in frustration. “I was just there. The only note anywhere in the house is the one that Abigail left for them.”
“Well, Dinah cannot read. She would hardly know the difference if she saw one sitting there. At any rate, Laertus got no more information from them, except that Ester is unchanged. They should not be too far, though.”
The general nodded his agreement. “Yes, I imagine they will return soon, and when they do, they will undoubtedly stop here to see if we have heard from Abigail. When you leave, just bring her to us. We will see that she and Ester are reunited.”
Titus nodded without any intention of following that advice. “I will speak with you before I leave and let you know what Abigail decides to do. I am sure she will appreciate your generous offer.”
His hosts nodded, and the general rose to see him out. He returned contemplatively to Tabitha’s house, where Abigail was finally up and moving around, Samuel dogging her every step.
When he entered, he did not waste time with preliminaries. He sat down near where Abigail was cutting up vegetables and put the letter he still carried before her.
She eyed it with lifted brows. “What is that?”
“Correspondence from the steward at the Visibullis estate outside of Rome. They just received word of the deaths of Cleopas and Jason. If someone does not step forward soon to claim the property, it will revert back to the state. Abigail.” He reached out to still her hands. “You must make the claim for Benjamin.”
“Of course. I will write this steward.”
Titus shook his head. “I fear it will not be enough. Word has gotten out about the lack of an heir, and Arminius, the steward, has already received several letters from people claiming to be Jason’s wife, or another relative. He wrote me because he knew I would be personally acquainted with you. He recommended that if your child were a son, you come to Rome to offer the proof of that.”
Abigail turned to face him fully. “Rome?” she echoed, sounding panicked. “Proof?”
“If you come with me, I can vouch for you and the child. You have the ruby Jason gave you, and the ring he always wore. It will be enough.”
“But Rome? Titus, I have never been more than ten miles outside of Jerusalem!”
He smiled at her distress. “Then it is high time you had.”
“But Ester–”
“One of Julia’s slaves spoke with Andrew and Dinah a few days ago. Ester is unchanged, and not far off, but they did not know where she had been taken; they had apparently left you a note telling you this, but it has somehow gotten lost. Dinah saw your note, assumed it to be their note. . .”
Abigail groaned. “This should not be so difficult. If I had just stayed there–”
“You would have been alone and hungry,” Titus finished for her. “They will probably check with them again in a few days’ time. They now know where to tell them to find us. But Abigail, my ship sails for Rome in two days. If we do not find them by then, I suggest you come with me.”
She regarded him hollowly. “With you?”
He nodded, certain she saw in his face how serious he considered this matter. “You cannot waste much time. And if Ester is unwell, she would be unable to travel with you even if you found her today. If you do not go with me, you will go alone, and that would not be wise. It is the only viable recourse.”
Abigail drew in a deep breath, her eyes distant.
“You would not have to stay there for long.” He squeezed the hand under his. “Just long enough to make your claim. Then you can return and be with your mother. While there, you can stay with my family. I can see no other option, Abigail. Tabitha cannot support all of you, and though the general offered to open his home to you, I do not trust him, and it would not solve the dilemma of the property.”
“I know.” She met his gaze once more. Hers had grown soft, almost reminiscent. “I never wished to go to Rome, but I obviously have no choice. Thank you for your offer, Titus. I suppose I must accept.”
Titus gave her a small smile and stood. “I will see to the arrangements for your passage. Is there anything I should pick up for you from your house before we leave?”
“My trunk. It is in Jason’s chamber. All I own is in it. Two days.” She sighed. “Poor Benjamin will be fussy. His circumcision is tomorrow.”
Titus felt the blood rush from his head at mere mention of the procedure, and Abigail laughed. “You are certain you wish to subject your son to that?”