The cool morning air has the scent of autumn. Amara and Dido wait for their host in the small courtyard, enjoying the tranquility. Drusilla has made clever use of space, the fountain is against the wall rather than taking up too much room in the center. It falls in a cascade over a mosaic of blue tiles, water splashing against a statue of Venus who stands naked at the edge of the pool beneath, as if poised to bathe.

“It’s so pretty,” Dido says, looking around.

“The fountain is perfect,” Amara agrees.

“I’m glad you ladies approve.” They turn to see Drusilla watching them. She is in a light tunic, the gold band on her arm. Her head is dressed in a silk wrap that Amara instantly wants for herself. It’s the perfect way to disguise undressed hair, if there was ever anyone she needed to impress in the morning. “Why don’t you take some refreshment with me before you leave?”

They are only too eager to agree, following her to the dining room. It has been cleared since last night, and a plate of figs, pears and bread is waiting on a side table.

“So how was Lucius?” Drusilla asks, tucking herself up on a couch and gesturing at the others to take the one opposite. “He seemed quite taken.”

“He is going to try and find my family,” Dido says, looking from Drusilla to Amara, clearly excited to share the news. “He thinks it might be possible, through the census.”

“But that’s wonderful!” Amara exclaims.

“Did he tell you this before, or after?” Drusilla asks.

“After,” Dido says. “As he was leaving.”

“That’s a good sign.” Drusilla nods. “That means he was serious. Though you may still need to remind him. Lucius is not used to thinking of other people.” She pushes the platter toward them, waiting until they have taken some food before helping herself. “And if he finds them? What then?”

“I don’t know,” Dido says, looking more uncertain. “It would mean so much just to know they were alive.”

“Would they not buy you back?” Drusilla takes a bite of pear.

Amara looks at Dido, anxious for her. They have discussed this many times. “No,” Dido says. “I don’t believe so. Not when . . . not after what I’ve been. There would be no place for me at home now. If I were free, if I had some money saved, then they could overlook it. Save face and pretend. But not when I’m . . . like this.”

“Does Lucius know?”

“Yes. I told him there was no way back for me.”

“Perhaps it’s as well. Less work for him, and he might actually do you the favor if there’s no chance of drama. Unless he has finally found his romantic side.”

“Were you and Lucius once . . .?”