I was surprised she had let Aulus tend her husband. However, Quintus was her weakness. Claudia stayed with him out of love; yes, he was the father of her children, which limited her freedom to leave, but they had been together for ten years through many personal upsets. It was a testament to what people can do when they make their minds up. In other words, it was like many marriages.

I guessed Claudia could not bear to watch painful medical processes being inflicted on Quintus. She would have gone off to see to the bodyguards.

She had been followed back here by a maid bearing a big jug of hot mulsum and enough tots to serve everyone with this sweet, soothing beverage, relieving shock. Aulus certainly needed it; he tossed his beaker back in a single movement. The maid came round of her own accord pouring refills. This left the tender mother free to see that each child kissed Quintus and whispered private endearments to him, before being carried away to bed. That done, Claudia organised Faustus and me.

‘Albia, I have put you in little Aelia’s room. If she wakes in the night she can creep into your bed for comfort, if you don’t mind. You have always been so good with children … Aedile, you must naturally stay with us. It is too late for you to go up to the Aventine, unless many guards were to be sent with you. I want our people all under our roof; you will understand. You will be most comfortable in a room at my brother-in-law’s house; I have spoken to my sister-in-law, who has everything ready.’

Faustus opened his mouth, then subsided in the face of the Baetican whirlwind. I secretly wondered whether dear Claudia, a high-minded woman, was making sure no sly creeping along corridors occurred between Faustus and me.

‘Your sister-in-law is still in situ! Aulus still not divorced?’ I asked dryly. I rather enjoyed the notion of his wife having to give hospitality to a friend of mine − the third wife who had given up on Aulus (and who could blame her … ). And that grouch Aulus would hate having to offer a nightcap and smalltalk to a fellow they must all think was having an affair with me … A fellow of such fabulous reserve I could trust him to give no clue as to whether it was true.

Hades, Faustus never even gave much of a clue to me.

Claudia pulled a face and rattled her bangles with disapproval. ‘The poor woman is still waiting for Aulus to make arrangements. I suppose he will bestir himself in his own time. They share the house but lead separate lives.’

‘Didn’t they always? … And where is ridiculous Aulus, incidentally?’ I noticed he was missing. He must have slipped out of the room during the hot drinks.

‘Gone to the vigiles. He insisted on escorting the prisoner personally.’

‘What prisoner?’