The Governor's Man by Jacquie Rogers (best beach reads TXT) 📕

’Since I have been ill with the Sweet Sickness I have largely withdrawn from public life. Perhaps Demetrios and Morcant will be better able to advise you.’

Julia pressed his hand reassuringly and stood to leave, wanting Marcus to rest.

‘Julia? One more thing. I should have said this to you years since, but I didn’t want to upset you, or my darling Albania who was so devastated at not giving me a child. I supposed when we decided to adopt Aurelia that she was the offspring of a villager in trouble. But I knew the moment I set eyes on our tiny newborn that she was your daughter. I want to thank you for bringing us so much happiness. I hope the Gods will reward you with your own joy one day.’

The laundry door at the back of the house flew open with a bang. A child of eight or so ran into the garden, followed by Britta and another young woman, red-faced from steam and shyness. ‘Narina! Narina! Come back here, you naughty girl!’

Narina ran straight to Marcus, and climbed up onto his lap. He smiled; it was clear he was fond of this little girl.

‘Oh, Dominus! I’ve been having an adventure!’

‘Have you, little menace?’

‘Yes sir, but it’s a secret, so you mustn’t say anything. Specially not to the domina. I promised.’ Marcus frowned a little at Julia.

Julia lifted the child, muddy tunic and boots unheeded, and settled her onto her own lap. ‘You remember me, don’t you, Narina?’ Narina’s mother was standing nearby looking worried. ‘It’s fine, Gwenn, she’s no trouble. Let her stay with us a while.’ The young woman ducked her head, and went back indoors.

’Now, then, little monkey, tell your story.’

They soon heard that Narina had brought home a fighting man with a funny accent called Tiro, who was chasing bad men. He was now with Morcant at Home Farm. The man wanted to speak to Magistrate Aurelianus.

Julia stiffened. Tiro? What happened at Vebriacum? Where is Quintus?

‘Come on, Narina.’ Julia held out her hand. ‘Let’s go and see your father and your new friend.’

Marcus grasped Julia’s sleeve, speaking in a low tone. ‘Julia, I am sorry I can’t take on this burden for you; I no longer have the strength. I think one of our family must go to the meeting at Lindinis, and I suppose with Aurelia so young, it must be you in my stead. Promise me you will be careful, and take a bodyguard.’ Julia nodded, but she wasn’t at all sure who to take. Rufus was too inexperienced, Morcant had family and estate responsibilities; who else was there? The Imperial Investigator might have been able to use his authority, but he was not of the tribe. And not here, anyway, she thought with resignation.

Britta had stepped back discreetly, but Julia beckoned her.

‘Britta, I think after all you will need to know what was in Velvinna’s message…’ The two young women walked away with Narina towards Home Farm.

Tiro was also pleased to get to Bo Gwelt. There was everything to like about Britta’s brother Morcant, firm-handed and broad of grin, as dark as Britta was russet. And his wife, shy Gwenn, made the most delicious drop scones and kept topping up Tiro’s mug with home-brewed beer. Tiro persuaded himself that it would be best to consult Britta discreetly before he decided how to deal with Lucius. Not to put the wind up the lad - let’s find out quietly why he’s here first, with all that money. So Tiro sat on a bench by the fire, drinking with Morcant and roasting his feet while dusk cooled outside. Ah, these beers sink down just right.

The farmhouse was a large comfortable roundhouse of the old British style, with a low door, and a hole in the roof to let out the smoke from the big hearth-fire. Nevertheless, Morcant was not a man to spurn Roman luxuries when they appealed to him. He had made sure his house was built on solid foundations, and had a good tiled floor. There were beds with woven sheets and thick bedcovers of new wool. Gwenn had a proper Roman kitchen in an adjoining building, and there was even a tiny bathhouse next to a stream. Just perfect, thought Tiro, stretching out his aching limbs and nearly forgetting why he was here. He could fit right in with this family.

Morcant was interested to hear what Tiro had to say, an edited version leaving out Lucius or Velvinna. He quickly picked up on the innkeeper’s remarks at Camerton, and the circumstances of Catus’s death. Gwenn was openly distressed. Morcant sighed and shook his head.

‘Well now, that fits in with what I’ve been hearing roundabouts. Quite a few of the younger men seem dissatisfied, saying loud they don’t see why Britannia should be ruled from Rome. I do hear rumours of secret meetings, and changes to come, and even - ’ he lowered his voice, ‘ - I’ve heard tell that White Ones have been seen locally. Not had none of them causing trouble since … well, since before my Grandfer’s time. I’d put it all down to idle gossip, but that Drusus lad over to Bawdrip villa seems cock-a-hoop that some big White One is coming to shake us up in Lindinis. I overheard him saying so to young Rufus only yesterday.’

The door opened to let in a draught along with the faint scent of lavender. A buxom young woman in a swirl of tartan shawl walked in and looked straight at Tiro. His heart leapt up to bang under his breastbone.

Morcant laughed. ’Britta! Always a sight for sore eyes!’

Tiro stood rather too quickly, and found his feet not as firm under him as he would have wanted. The curse of Hades on the home-brew! He was overcome with