They clasped wrists amid pleasantries that Titus did not feel. He knew well why his father was making this particular reacquaintance: Cornelius Cossus was one of the current consuls, and if Caius wanted Titus in politics right now, this was the man whose favors he should win.
“Yes, of course I remember Titus. Tell me, my young friend, how was Israel? I know the emperor grows continually impatient with the troublesome Jews. Are they as rebellious as the communications make them out to be?”
Much as he hated to admit it . . . “Quite nearly.”
Caius shook his head. “His friend, Jason Visibullis, was killed in an uprising, along with his father. Both were upstanding soldiers; it is a true tragedy.”
Cornelius looked as though the news struck him near to his heart. “Yes, I had heard. It pained me greatly. Did you know, Cleopas Visibullis and I used to be great friends. We were in the academy together.”
His father was never one to let such an opportunity pass by. “Cleopas’s grandson, the heir to the Visibullis estate, is with us even now; he is only a babe, Jason never even met him, but the mother brought the child here to claim his inheritance.”
Cornelius nodded, a familiar glint in his eye. “I hear he married a Hebrewess. A shock, really; most of us were willing to forgive it of Cleopas, but for Jason to repeat the mistake?” He shook his head. “I have heard that the girl was a startling beauty, otherwise why would he have done such a fool thing?”
“You will see for yourself.” Caius’s laugh grated on Titus’s nerves. “She is certainly a temptress, is she not, Titus?”
Discomfort stirred, but he could not bring himself to dismiss the consul. He smile felt strained, but he forced it out. “A lovelier woman I have never met. Jason was the envy of all of us.”
Cornelius laughed. “And knowing your reputation well, Titus, I am sure you were swift to comfort her in her loss.”
The tension within him multiplied. “She has become very precious to me.”
“Yes.” Somehow, Caius sounded more amused than displeased. “It seems my son has a heart within his chest after all. I am not sure where he got it.”
Cornelius chuckled and clapped a hand to Titus’s shoulder. “A heart is a good thing for a statesman to have, at least within measure. Although with Asinius blood in your veins, moderating your compassion is probably not a lesson you need to learn.”
Titus had no response to that; he knew it was intended as a compliment, but his heart did not warm with the words. His father, of course, jumped on the chance to talk of his impending career, but Titus found it far easier to tune them out than to listen. They were soon home, anyway, and the moment they stepped inside, he excused himself to find Abigail and warn her of the consul’s presence and the party that had been formed for the evening. Not surprisingly, he heard her voice coming from the back gardens. He followed its melody outside.
“Titus!” Abigail stood when he appeared. She was currently alone with Phillip, though he got a blur of motion in his periphery that he knew to be Samuel. He smiled at the sight of her, and it grew when she rushed up to him and threw her arms around him.
“She is wonderful.” She pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “Miriam will fit in perfectly, and I am actually glad your father dragged me down to that wretched place.” She kissed him again. “Thank you for not refusing to meet that outlandish price.”
Titus chuckled at her exuberance and did not release her lips so easily when she moved them to his for a third time. It did not occur to him until he heard Cornelius’s voice just behind him that his father and guest might follow him outside.
“I see the rumors were not exaggerated.” Cornelius smiled as Abigail pulled back, obviously startled. The man sent his eyes over her, and his smile only grew when she blushed. “At least, I assume this is the mother of the Visibullis heir.”
“This is Abigail Visibullis.” Titus tried to convey support to her through a hand on her shoulder. “Abigail, this is Cornelius Cossus, one of the consuls.”
Cornelius inclined his head to her. “I hope the lady will be joining us this evening.”
“Father has arranged for a dinner party,” Titus informed her when she looked at him in question.
“And he would be most pleased if you joined us,” Caius added.
Abigail drew herself up in pride. “I thank you for the invitation–”
“Splendid!” Cornelius interrupted. “It is settled, then!”
Caius’s eyes glinted with challenge. “And you can have your new maiden serve you. It would be a good test of her abilities, I think.”
Caius and Cornelius turned and headed back inside, obviously expecting their word to be carried out. Abigail leveled an accusing gaze on Titus.
He let out his pent up breath. “It will be well, Abigail. All of the men are bringing their wives, which ensures the propriety of the event.” He squeezed her shoulder gently, then leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead. “Simply tell Miriam she will assist the maid that usually serves you; it will give her a chance to learn, but she need not be left to founder on her own. Is that acceptable?”