‘Oh I shall never discover who I first belonged to. I accept that. I was orphaned in the British Rebellion. I’d like to think I am a mysterious British princess—that would be so romantic, wouldn’t it? But I don’t have red hair and the poor people I grew up with firmly believed I was a Roman trader’s child. I suppose there were circumstances that suggested it, back when they found me. Because of the terrible events and confusion, that will be all I ever know. I am realistic. The uncertainties can never be cleared up, so some avenues in society are closed to me.’

‘Is that why you are unhappy, Albia?’

‘No, it’s because men are deceitful pigs who use people for convenience then look after their own interests.’

‘Camillus Aelianus?’

‘Oh, not just him!’

‘It is sad to hear a young girl speak so bitterly.’

‘Now who is being romantic?’

‘I suppose your anger is because Aelianus betrayed your hopes and married Hosidia . . . Hosidia what? Does she only have one name?’

‘Her family know her as Meline, but “Hosidia Meline”—a Roman name then a Greek one—would sound like a freed slave. She is not one, of course. Some people despise professors, but it goes without saying, they wouldn’t have got to be professors if they were poor. Minas must have a prosperous family if he went to Athens to learn law. Still “Meline” wouldn’t do, not among senators. Vespasian may have got away with his mistress, but he is an unusual character. The Camilli have to look respectable.’

‘I am very impressed, Albia. How did you dig all this out?’

‘That’s my secret. I’ve watched Falco. I could do his work. I could do yours.’

‘I would be charmed to have you—but, unfortunately, we don’t use women in the intelligence service.’

‘Yes you do. I’ve heard of Perella, the dancer. There was a lot of talk about Perella in Britain. You gave her an assignment to eliminate a corrupt official.’

‘Oh really?’

‘Anacrites, don’t bluff.’

‘I know Perella, certainly. She is a superb dancer.’

‘She cut a man’s throat. To get rid of him and avert a public scandal. Everyone knew you sent her.’

‘I heartily deny that rumour! What a slur on the integrity of our beloved Emperor and the high ethos of his staff. Don’t spread this story, please, or I shall be forced to impose a gagging order . . . Anyway, you are much too sweet to want to do work like that.’

‘I would not want to do it, but I would like to know how. Skills give you confidence and power.’

‘I would say you have quite enough confidence, young lady. And you had better be kept away from power!’

‘Spoilsport.’