Secreto in est horto ⛪️

✨amicus✨

Metella's heart leapt into her throat as she threw a fearful glance up at Grumio's face, full of panic. His brown eyes, which prior had been filled with tenderness and concern, solidified back into stony indifference. He seemed like such a different man than the one that had held Metella in his arms not ten seconds ago.

But Metella had no time to sit and dwell on the cook's eyes, however beautiful and puzzling they may be. She rushed out of the culina, blocking the doorway as she searched frantically for her husband. She could not let him see her and Grumio in the same room together by themselves. 

I am NOT a lady of the night, Metella thought feverishly.

Caecilius's face appeared, evident from his direction he had come from the garden. His bushy eyebrows furrowed when he spotted his wife. 

"Metella, where is Quintus? What work is he doing?" He asked evenly.

"Oh he just finished working- in the atrio, you know. I sent him up to bed," she replied.

Caecilius raised his eyebrows. "You sent him?"

Metella forced herself to appear indignant, widening her stance and crossing her arms across her chest. 

"Yes, I did."

Caecilius' eyes widened as he saw Metella's anger. He stepped forward and took Metella's hand gently and planted a kiss on it. 

"I apologize for my doubtful attitude. I had no reason to question you," he murmured. Metella's heart leapt into her throat as she remembered why she married Caecilius.

He straightened, looking Metella in the eyes. 

"Now that you feel better, would you like to know some good news?'

Metella nodded wordlessly.

"Amicus meus is arriving tomorrow to dine with us."