Titus looked at her again. “Andrew? Are you in love with him, Abigail?”
Abigail sighed, not missing the censure in his voice. “No, Titus, I am not in love with Andrew. But he is my friend, and I love him. I will not endanger my son’s future standing by marrying a slave. Do not worry.”
A smile slipped onto Titus’s mouth. “Well, you cannot blame me. Your husband did it.”
Abigail rolled her eyes. “To ensure his son’s future standing. It was a very different situation.”
He granted that with a tilt of his head, then turned when the captain called out their permission to debark. He nodded his acknowledgment to the man, then smiled into Samuel’s grin when the boy took his hand excitedly. “Here we go. We shall be in Rome within the hour.”
Abigail had to stifle the urge to run back into her cabin and hide.
They left the ship, their luggage having already been taken to Titus’s slaves. As soon as they were on dry land again, one of the elder servants rushed forward, falling onto a knee with head bowed in front of Titus. “My lord and master. It is with deepest pleasure that I welcome you home.”
“I have only been gone a year, Vinius,” Titus said with humor. “Do not injure your bad knee on my account.”
The man seemed taken aback by the show of concern.
Titus chuckled, motioning with a hand. “Rise, good servant.”
Abigail watched as the man obeyed, his face proving the discomfort caused by his knee. His gaze wandered to Abigail before he cast his eyes to the ground.
“This is Abigail Visibullis,” Titus said by means of introduction. “You may remember my friend, Jason.”
“Of course!” Vinius beamed a smile.
“This is his widow, and their child.”
The servant’s smile vanished. “Widow? My lord, I had not heard of his death. My condolences. Mistress,” he then said, bowing to Abigail, “your husband had my deepest regard. I serve your pleasure with willingness.”
“Thank you, Vinius.” She hoped he heard her genuine appreciation in her voice.
Titus’s brows were drawn. “The head servant in my father’s house has not heard of my best friend’s death? I have forgotten much about my father’s habits, it seems. I wonder if even my mother knows.”
“Your father shares with us what we need to know.” Vinius studied the ground.
Titus grunted and nodded in the direction of their horses. “Let us be off, Vinius.”
The servant was quick to obey, leading them to their transportation and pointing them to where they could sit in most comfort and watch the scenery pass with the most luxury. Titus nodded his approval and held Benjamin while Abigail was helped into her place, then gave the child back and hoisted Samuel up, following him soon after.
They were all menservants who had come to greet their master, and Abigail felt their gazes on her more than once. If she happened to turn in their directions, though, they were always quick to look away. She found her spine straightening of its own accord and glanced down at her son for fortification.
“Did Jason not tell you that nowhere in Rome was there to be found a beauty to compare to yours?” Titus asked with a smile, his words soft so that his slaves would not overhear.
“Jason said many things to try to flatter my vanity.”
Titus chuckled. “Flattery it may have seemed, but it was probably all true.” He glanced briefly but sternly at one of his men who was looking their way. “It would take more control than most men have for them not to look at you, Abigail. You will have to be understanding.”
She lifted her chin. “From what I have heard, women are not lacking in your household, Titus. Perhaps you should remind your men that I am not a novelty, as I was aboard your ship.”
Before Titus could respond, Samuel began his customary catalogue of questions, asking about everything from the name of buildings they passed in Ostia to the kinds of plants growing alongside the road to Rome to who was who among his slaves. It kept the two adults occupied until they entered through the massive gates of the city Titus dared to call home.
Chapter Thirty-One
“Mistress! The runner has arrived! Your son will be here in moments!”
Aquilia Asinius smiled. “Go see that cook has the meal prepared.” The servant hurried away, and Aquilia reached to smooth down a curl of her silver hair. She took a single glance in the mirror, long enough to verify that she looked her best. Each tress arranged. Paint carefully applied to her face. Stola draped just so. Jewels telling the world who she was. Satisfied, she headed for the door of her chamber.
She moved slowly through the house, knowing it would be a few minutes before Titus arrived. As she went, she looked at every piece of furniture she passed, making sure all was clean and perfect. She was not disappointed. She arrived in the front room just in time to hear the commotion that preceded the opening of the massive door.