‘Quite so,’ Hadrian added. ‘And tetrafarmacum, if I am not very much mistaken. My four-fold medicine never disappoints. You must try it, dear ladies, you really must. But where is the centurion? Surely he will join us.’

‘My lord Ferox begs to excuse himself from attending on his esteemed guests. Stained as he is from a long ride.’ Philo’s tone implied a level of unutterable filth. ‘He does not wish to interrupt or spoil his guests’ enjoyment of their meal. He will refresh himself and bathe.’ Philo almost regretted not being able to supervise and chivvy his master into performing these tasks properly. ‘And will then be ready to wait upon the noble legatus later tonight or in the morning, as most suits my lord.’

‘He should come,’ Hadrian said mildly.

‘My lord,’ Philo said, surprised by his own boldness, ‘my master fears that he is scarcely presentable.’

‘He rarely is,’ Claudia Enica commented. Philo saw Lepidina’s lips purse in disapproval, although since Hadrian reclined between the two ladies, Claudia did not notice.

Hadrian smiled. ‘This is the praetorium, not a villa in Baiae. I do not think anyone would be offended by the honest sweat of a good soldier doing his duty.’

‘We are not all soldiers,’ Lepidina suggested.

‘And you have not smelled my husband.’ Claudia wrinkled her nose in exaggerated disgust.

‘Indeed we are not,’ Piso said, speaking loudly, his voice a little slurred from wine. ‘And may Venus and all the nymphs be praised that there is beauty among us.’

Julius Dionysius wriggled his shoulders and moved his head from side to side, as if preening. ‘Well it’s nice of someone to notice.’

‘Send for the centurion,’ Hadrian ordered.

‘Are you sure, my lord?’ Philo said before he had time to think.

‘My husband is not the finest companion at a table,’ Claudia said quickly to cover the freedman’s embarrassment at having doubted so distinguished a guest. ‘His manners are…’ she paused in thought, ‘at times a little rough. And apart from that I…’ She trailed off into silence, dropped her head and blushed.

‘They have been apart for a long time,’ Sulpicia Lepidina whispered into Hadrian’s ear. Less discreet, and just audible was Piso’s muttered, ‘Don’t worry, he can rape you later.’

‘Please ask the centurion to join us as soon as possible, and not to worry about his appearance.’ Hadrian reached over to pat Claudia on the hand. ‘I am sorry, my dear, but this is a matter of duty and the good of the res publica. You may have a proper reunion later.’ Hadrian caught Piso’s smirk and glared at him.

‘My lord,’ Philo said and bowed his head in obedience. Privatus caught his eye, nodded and left the room to seek Ferox.

Hadrian reached for the plate with the pies. ‘Let me offer you some, dear ladies? Four-fold medicine,’ he said happily, ‘is the cure for all ills and every woe.’

‘Is it filling?’ Claudia asked. ‘I have eaten a good deal.’