for blots. “But won’t the Senator object?”
“No,” he stated firmly.
“Probably never comes in here,” sneered Theodora. “I expect he’s one of those who buy scrolls by the length, merely to impress.”
“No, he’s not,” he said mildly. “The Senator likes to read.”
Comito came in, yawning and licking her fingers. “Cook has excelled himself. These pastries are delicious, my love,” she said. “I see you’ve met Theodora.” She put her arms around the small man and kissed him stickily. He looked at her with sad longing.
Oh, dear, thought Theodora, she’s in love with a eunuch and it’s hopeless and if the Senator finds out he’ll kill them both and …
“Why back so early?” asked Comito.
“My horse cast a shoe and then pulled up lame.” He disengaged himself from her sister’s arms and gave a little bow. “I have been remiss,” he said. “I did not introduce myself.”
“Senator Marcus Anicius Longinus,” announced Comito, lingering over the stately syllables.
“Oh, my,” gasped Theodora, who wished she could suck back some of her recent words and clamp her jaw on them. But they remained said. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I enjoyed our frank discussion,” he said with a smile. “My offer stands.”
Comito frowned.
“History lessons,” said Theodora. “In exchange for transcriptions.”
Comito shrugged. “Boring,” she said. “Can’t think why you want to do that. But suit yourself.”
“I would hazard a guess,” said Marcus Anicius, “that she usually does.”
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