‘I got the idea from Julius Caesar,’ Cerialis explained. ‘He used to carry stones to use as a floor for his tent.’

‘They may become a bit chilly when the winter comes,’ Sulpicia Lepidina added, gently grasping each guest by the hand in more formal greeting. ‘But it does make the place feel more like it is ours.’ She was in a dark blue dress, the shoulders fastened by finely cast brooches, and her hair in its usual bun, this time tied back by a ribbon studded with white gems. She had pearl droplets hanging from each ear and a delicate gold necklace stood out against her fair skin. Her slippers were in pale leather, a single thong between her toes and the soles built up to the heel making her a couple of inches taller. Her husband’s shoes were almost as expensive, the uppers a lattice pattern allowing glimpses of his dark red socks.

Introductions were made. Claudia Severa was dark-eyed and dark-haired like her husband Brocchus, although her skin was fashionably white, and lightened further by make-up that seemed strong in comparison with Lepidina’s. Her hair was also tied back, but a servant had teased the fringe into a row of curls and combed up the top to make it look very thick. It made her already round face look rounder, but that drew attention to her big eyes, giving her a gentle, doe-like appearance. She was in dark pink, with gold bracelets, earrings, necklace and brooches, and pale shoes, the tops of whitened calfskin. She greeted Crispinus with a peck on the cheek, standing on the balls of her feet to reach him for she was very small. Claudius received a similar welcome, perhaps a little less sincere, and it was obvious both men were known to her. Ferox and the former slave had to make do with a warm smile and a gentle press of the hand.