“Legate Urbicus! Might I have a word? Former consul Hadrian wrote to me so glowingly of your exploits in Germania… you are acquainted with him, of course? He is seeking support on one or two small matters I might draw to your attention… I understand you are looking for a wife. Perhaps I might draw your eye to Senator Norbanus’s daughter Faustina? Such a beauty, and the dowry… yes, I have some influence with the girl’s family. I could ensure her choice; perhaps you should speak with Hadrian soon. He would welcome your support…”

The speaker rose to begin the reading, and Legate Urbicus hastened off to his seat, quite puffed up with promises. Plotina smoothed the folds of her dark-green gown over her lap, pleased. It wasn’t just funds that kept Dear Publius climbing the ladder, oh no. Supporters, allies, friends in high places—far more important, and such men would rear back like offended snakes to be offered money. Other things, though, proved more welcome.

“Magistrate, perhaps you will sit by me? We might have a word or two for one another.” Plotina dropped her voice to a murmur, inaudible below the orator’s. Senator Norbanus had declared himself too old for public oration and had invited young Titus Aurelius to perform the reading for him. The senator had never invited Dear Publius to read one of his treatises, and Dear Publius was his own son-in-law! No doubt the good senator, just like everyone else in Rome, was falling all over Titus Aurelius simply because his grandfather had left him such a fortune. Plotina frowned as the young man took his place, rolling off the first words of the treatise in a confident measured baritone, and turned back to the magistrate still waiting at her side. “I heard about the death of your wife, magistrate—so sad. I understand you are looking to marry again soon… a mother for your children, yes, very sensible. Might I suggest Senator Norbanus’s daughter Faustina? That’s her in the front row, in the yellow. A beauty, isn’t she? I assure you I have some standing with her family and can easily influence her choice. Perhaps I might talk to you about one or two judicial matters that have arisen recently? Matters very dear to the heart of former consul Hadrian…”

Plotina sat back, fanning herself. Young Titus made a joke to end the first portion of the reading, and she laughed along with the rest of the audience, not listening. Young Faustina jumped up to congratulate him during the brief interval, and Plotina watched her benignly. She’d make a fine wife—to the legate or the magistrate, whoever proved more useful. I’ll invite the girl to the palace to assist with the weaving, Plotina decided. She’ll be honored, and I can give her a hint what choice to make.

Though it really was a pity the girl couldn’t just marry Dear Publius.