“When my mother arrives in Rome,” Abigail said once Samuel had run back outside, “you will meet the rest of the servants beside whom you will serve.” She told her about all of them, then about herself, how she came to be where she was now and even the current situation. Then she asked, “What about you, Miriam? What is your story?”
The maid got a distant look on her lovely face. “I was born a slave. My mother was my mistress’s handmaid, and when I became big enough, I began helping her in the chambers of my mistress and her daughters. Her husband, my master, was away a lot, out with his flocks. They were wealthy, with great herds. As it seems you have experienced, Mistress, wealthy men tend to think the world is theirs. The last time my master returned home, he suddenly noticed that I was no longer a child. My mistress had been planning my marriage to another of the slaves, but she was a jealous woman. When she saw her husband looking at me with desire, she decided being the wife of a slave would not hinder my master, so she opted to sell me. The very next day, I was gone. My mother treated me as though it was my fault, as though I had tried to allure the master.” She shook her head, tears burning in her eyes. “I did not. But it did not matter. I was sold to that trader you bought me from. I was lucky, I suppose, that he thought me worth so much, otherwise I would have starved like the others, or perhaps been taken by the men in his employ.”
Abigail reached down and grasped Miriam’s hand. “The Lord keeps watch over his children, Miriam. And if he is willing, we will soon return to our homeland together. You will love my family. They are kind and generous.” She smiled and tickled Benjamin. “And the only master is not much of a threat.”
Miriam smiled at the baby’s deep belly laugh.
Samuel burst into the room. “Mother! Come see!”
Abigail tucked Benjamin onto her hip and stood. “Excuse me, my friends.”
*
Phillip followed Abigail with his gaze but felt the maid’s attention shift to him.
“Is she as worthy of my devotion as she seems?”
He smiled without taking his eyes off his mistress. “More so. I have been with her for a month now. She is not only fair and honest and compassionate, she is genuine and selfless. She is not quite convinced that she is any better than a slave herself. But she is.” He glanced at Miriam, smiled a little. “Speaking for myself, at any rate, she is far superior. She could not offer me freedom as she did you, given that she needs my protection, but I would have taken great pleasure in refusing her. I will gladly serve out my days with her. Life with her will be better than any you could design for yourself.”
Miriam smiled too, and folded her hands in her lap. “I know how to be nothing but a slave; I would never choose to throw myself on the mercy of society. And seeing the love she inspires in you, I am sure I have much to thank my God for. I will honor her all of my days.”
Phillip nodded his approval and focused on Abigail fully again. He need not have worried about this girl’s devotion, he knew. One could not feel the merciful touch of Abigail’s hand without loving her.
*
Titus drummed his fingers on his arm in impatience. He knew he was practically glowering, but his father did not seem to mind. He just kept speaking with the group of men, laughing and exchanging harmless barbs.
“You must all join me this evening,” Caius proclaimed to the joy of his companions, who immediately agreed. Titus mentally moaned. “I will break out that wine I have been wanting to try. Bring your wives, I am certain Aquilia would like the company.”
That, at least, was probably true, and it almost surprised Titus that his father thought of it. Often, he was just as happy to have the men come over by themselves, so that they could engage in whatever debauchery they pleased without fearing the ladies’ interruptions.
The group of men agreed and disbanded, and Titus sighed, thinking they would finally get to leave. Or, at the very least, he could tell his father that he was heading home.
Before he could do more than open his mouth, another gentleman approached. “Ah, the Asiniuses!”
“Cornelius Cossus.” Caius greeted him with a smile. “How fortunate we should happen across you; I was just extending my invitation for entertainment tonight to many of our mutual friends, and I was hoping to invite you and your wife as well.”
Cornelius laughed in delight. “I would like nothing better. I had resigned myself to a dull evening at home, but this is a large improvement.” He turned to one of the slaves dogging his steps. “Run home and tell your mistress we will be joining the Asiniuses this evening. In fact, just have her meet us at their home, I will simply go along with them now. If you do not mind, Caius.”
Caius waved away the concern. “Of course not. We were just heading back. You remember my son, Titus, of course.”