“Well, what is done is done. Now we have to look forward; we can’t change the past. I will leave you alone so you can work out the best solution for everybody.”
He watched Flaminia her gracefully walk out of the room and again thanked the gods for giving him such an understanding and loyal wife, and caring mother for the son he loved with all his strength.
They were his family, and he would do anything to protect them and make their lives serene. The more he thought about how Publius Julius behaved in front of his son and addressed Rufus, the more bitter he felt. Perhaps Publius Julius owed him an apology.
Early the next morning, while Flavius was still asleep, Marcus Tiberius left his house. He was determined to go have a talk with Lucius Claudius Blasio first, to make sure no false rumors about the previous day’s incident had reached his ears, and to discuss the eventual engagement of Flavius to his daughter Claudia.
He knew Lucius Claudius Blasio used to go at that same time to the Thermae. Without hesitation, he strode to the Thermae, happy to see Lucius walking fast as he entered the building.
He didn’t rush in behind him; he still needed a bit of time to find the right words.
As soon as they were formulated in his mind, he approached, “Good morning, Claudius.”
“Good morning. I didn’t know you enjoyed coming to the Thermae this early”
“I usually come in the afternoon; I came here at this time because I hoped to find you here. So how are you?” Marcus Tiberius asked kindly shaking Lucius Claudius’ right hand.
“Thank you, I am fine.”
“I haven’t had the opportunity to ask you for your impression about my son Flavius,” he started.
“He is a very smart youth. I'm sure he has all it takes to become a good lawyer. Did he come to a final decision regarding his career?” Lucius Claudius asked.
“Yes, he wishes so much to become just like you. He has barely spoken about anything else.”
“So, we can surely come to an agreement and start talking about the wedding of Flavius to Claudia, together with your son’s future career.”
“Yes, we can certainly do that. Flavius and Claudia met each other when they were very young. Last time I saw her, I was impressed by her grace and beauty. I do believe they will make a lovely couple.” Marcus Tiberius nodded.
Claudius smiled. “Thank you for the compliments. I can’t say anything wrong about your son, and I share your feelings. They will be a happy and wealthy couple.”
Marcus Tiberius’ expression frowned and pursed his lips. “There is something I have to tell you. As you know, Flavius was supposed to work with Publius Julius Fulvianus as well, to decide whether he’d rather become a lawyer or a diplomat. He was supposed to start yesterday, but Publius Julius offended one of my slaves and mistreated one of his in the presence of Flavius. I don’t much care if someone mistreats his own, but I’d prefer that he give respect to my property. Besides that, he disrespected my son, being extremely brutal with one of his slaves in his presence. Flavius has a mild and fair nature and can’t stand any form of injustice; he despises when someone is violent with people who can’t defend themselves. For this reason, he decided to become a lawyer,” Marcus Tiberius clarified.
They reached the room where they could have taken away their clothes before going to the bath, and Lucius Claudius started to undress.
Lucius Claudius looked at him thoughtfully rubbing his beard with one hand. “I like your son’s attitude; however, I will warn him, there is no justice for slaves. They are merely property with no rights. I do agree with him that something must be done to protect people who can’t defend themselves. I forecast interesting times ahead for him.”
“I hope this will be the first step toward manhood. I have to say. since I bought a new slave to help me with my work and be his companion, he has finally started to grow up.”
“Well, Marcus Tiberius, we will meet soon to seal the wedding contract and set a date for the engagement.”
“I was hoping to have the ceremony before the end of the year. Let’s see what we can arrange. Meanwhile, I will tell my son about his future bride. Like for each of us in the past, I believe the new will come as a surprise.”
“Have a pleasant day, and good luck with Publius Julius,” Lucius Claudius, smirked and turned his shoulders raising his hand to greet him.
“And to you too,” he replied, watching him walking toward the frigidarium.
Marcus Tiberius’ smile faded away at the thought of talking to Publius Julius.
Marcus Tiberius intended to go to Publius Julius’ office in the afternoon, at the same time his son’s appointment was scheduled. He walked away, focusing more on his duties, rather than his problems.
That evening, Marcus Tiberius arrived tardily at home. Feeling exhausted, he bypassed his wife’s room, going directly to his working room where he lighted oil lamps and lay on the couch to think and try to relax.
Flaminia noticed the light in his room and went to ask him about the news. “Marcus, you returned home quite late. Is anything wrong?” she asked, sitting beside him.
“It has been a long day, both for my work and for the business concerning the deal with Publius Julius. He was, of course, upset that Flavius decided to quit working with him. He found it childish, and maybe if I were him, I would have thought the same. On the other hand, we cannot force Flavius on this.
“I also spoke with Claudius about the engagement. We will meet again to stipulate the contract and discuss the details. I was thinking to celebrate it before the end of the year. What do you think?”
“There is not much time left if you want to make it something to be remembered. You should finalize the contract soon, then I will arrange the ceremony.”
“How is Flavius?” he asked.
“He feels better. It was wise to let him rest at home today; he needed time to think. At the moment, he is studying with Saul in his room.”
“I will invite Claudius here soon, maybe next week. Our son is becoming a man. It seems like only yesterday I held him in my arms for the first time, and now I am planning his engagement.”
Flaminia patted his arm. “I miss those times, he used to cry all day long and very little let us rest during the night. Yet, I would love to have that little puffy creature in my arms again. I can’t see the time when he has children of his own; then we can enjoy these moments again.” She stood up from the couch. “Soon dinner will be served; get ready and change your toga, you’ll be more comfortable with a tunic.”
Marcus Tiberius hesitated on the couch a bit longer, thinking about major events of his life, the wealth he was able to accumulate, and the blessing of having a woman like Flaminia at his side. Regardless his life has seen a few hurtful periods, particularly as he thought about the death of his parents, he considered himself privileged with the favor of the gods.
“I can still recall when my father announced me my imminent engagement party,” he chuckled, shaking his head. “I felt like I was going to be executed!”
He stood up and paced around the room, frowning and rubbing his hands together, thinking about a good way to introduce the topic to his son.
“I am afraid Flavius won’t greet the news with my same enthusiasm,” he feared.
Marcus Tiberius clenched his fists, “I am his father, he should just be grateful for my efforts in making his life as smooth as possible. The decision has already taken, and in a way or another, he will have to accept it.”
Chapter 6.