by Carol Ashby
Titus fought a smile as shock registered on the merchant’s face when his slave began the bargaining so astutely. Nestor was right. She’d picked up excellent trading skills somewhere. If she’d been buying herself, she would never have had to pay more than 350 denarii.
After playing every lyre in the shop and seeing how easily each tuned, she selected one that had a lovely sound but also had a gouge in the wood that marred its beauty.
Miriam cradled her chin as she rubbed her cheek. “This one sounds rather good, I suppose, but this gouge…I don’t know…My master’s guests might think it unfit to play at banquets. Many are more impressed by the beauty of the wood than the sound of the music. The gouge does make it ugly, and that’s a problem.
“The wood of this cheaper one is much prettier, and the sound is almost as good, too. Maybe the cheaper one is a better choice...although my master might be willing to buy the ugly one if you reduce the price to just one tenth more than the much prettier cheaper one.”
The lyre maker shifted his attention from the slave to her master. He stood with his arms crossed, nodding in agreement with what the girl had proposed. The lyre maker looked back at the more expensive lyre. She was right that the ugliness of the beautiful sounding instrument would make it hard to sell. The price she offered was reasonable for a lyre that might sit in his shop for many months or even years.
“I accept the offer. Now shall we look at the flutes?”
As they left the shop, Titus looked down at the smiling woman carrying the carefully wrapped lyre and flute.
“Very clever trading, Miriam. How did you know he would drop the price so low on the lyre you wanted? I would never have thought it possible if I hadn’t watched you.”
“Too many people judge only by appearance, so they can’t see the true worth of something. I thought he might agree to the price if I just pointed that out to him.”
As she limped beside him, a corner of his mouth lifted. If he’d taken her back as defective, he would never have owned an exceptional slave who could comfort and cheer his sister, prepare superb meals, play the lyre beautifully, and bargain with the best of them. She was right. Judging only by appearances could make a man miss out on something really worth having.
Chapter 54: Philip Returns
It was late afternoon when Philip turned off the main road and headed up the street toward his house. It had been a good trip. The harvest had been excellent. As was his custom, he’d given a share of the bounty to his workers, both slave and free, so everyone had cause to celebrate. The harvest celebrations were usually his favorite events of the year, and he often lingered awhile at each estate. This year, however, he was eager to get back to Perinthus. Celebrating with his workers could never match the charm of spending time with Claudia.
He’d left early and kept his horse at a steady trot for most of the distance. He wore a coat of road dust. He’d intended to clean up before going to the house he was renting to Titus, but as he approached the gate, he couldn’t resist the urge to see her immediately.
Nestor was working in the garden when Philip rode through the gate. He reined in by Nestor and dismounted.
The corners of Nestor’s mouth twitched as Philip brushed off some dust. “It’s good to see you, master.”
Philip handed his stallion’s reins to Nestor. “It’s good to be home. How is she?”
“These last two days, much better. Quite well, in fact. Master Titus bought a Christian slave girl to be her maid and cook. Mistress Claudia was crying often when she first came, but the more time she spends with Miriam, the better she seems to be doing. I don’t think she cried at all yesterday or today.”
Philip’s eyebrow shot up. “Not even after the nightmares?”
“No, master. Those ended two nights ago.”
A broad smile spread across Philip’s face. He’d spent many hours praying about the problem preventing their marriage, and God had begun answering his prayers.
Titus had bought a Christian slave to serve her. Her brother couldn’t have known the girl was a Christian. He probably hated Christians even more than Claudia did. He would never knowingly bring one into his household, not into a place where she might influence his sister.
Philip slapped Nestor’s arm. “That is good news.”
He needed to talk with this slave and enlist her aid. If she and Claudia became as close as Penelope and Junia were, it might not be long before Claudia would change her mind about the followers of Jesus and even want to become one herself.
Claudia had just walked over to the counter to hand Miriam the carrots she’d been cutting up for the salad course. She almost dropped the bowl when she glanced out the window and saw Philip standing by his horse and talking with Nestor.
“He’s back!” She placed the bowl on the counter before running out the kitchen door.
He heard her footsteps and barely had time to turn before she threw her arms around him and pressed her cheek into his chest.
“You’re home! I missed you so much.”
She stepped back and placed her hand on his scarred cheek. Her thumb stroked the ridges as she gazed at his adorably ugly face.
“I’m covered with dust, Claudia. You got yourself all dirty.”
“I don’t care. Come sit with me.” She took his hand to lead him over to the chairs under the tree.
Philip followed obediently. He couldn’t have asked for a better homecoming. The happy smile on her face made her radiantly beautiful. She was as eager for his company as he was for hers. He’d made the right choice not waiting to clean up before he came.
Miriam was surprised by Mistress Claudia’s impetuous response to the arrival of the brawny man, but that was only until he turned around. With all those scars, there could be no mistake. It was the Philip that her mistress spoke of so often, and he was the same Philip she’d seen in the house of Master Alexander. He’d shared in their worship, so he was a Christian, too. Master Alexander had said more than once what a fine young man Philip of Perinthus was.
The two of them leaned toward each other while they talked. Mistress Claudia reached up and caressed his scarred cheek. It was obvious they were very much in love.
But the mistress spoke with such anger and hatred about the Christians in Rome who’d worshiped with her father. Master Titus was even more hostile, supporting the anti-Christian policy in Bithynia that led to the sacrifice of Master Alexander and his family. Was it possible for the mistress to be so in love with a Christian man if she knew he followed Jesus?
Miriam drew a deep breath and blew it out. She would take care to say nothing to the mistress of what she knew about Philip. If the mistress was to learn that Philip followed Jesus, it would be from his own lips, not hers.
It was close to the time when Titus was expected when Philip rose from the chair.
“Time for me to go. Your brother will be here soon.”
Claudia rose with him. He placed her hand on his forearm before resting his own hand upon it. Her shoulder brushed his arm as they walked toward his horse.
“Can you come again tomorrow morning? We could play Conquest.”
“No. I would much rather do battle with my favorite general, but I have business that needs my attention after my absence.”
“Then come to dinner tomorrow, and bring Penelope. Our cook is wonderful, and I’ll have a special surprise for you during dinner.”
“Nothing would give me greater pleasure.”
“And come early, before Titus gets home. We can all spend some time together, like on your ship.”
They reached the stable, where Nestor had tied Philip’s horse. As he prepared to mount, she placed her fingertips on his cheek and traced the swirls.
“I’m so glad you’ve returned. Now that I have the inspiration back with me, I can work on my poem about mountain ridges where the trees don’t grow.”
A huge grin split his face as he lifted her fingers from his cheek before
kissing her palm.
“I look forward to reading the latest creation by my favorite poet.”
Philip mounted the stallion and sat smiling down at her glowing face. It felt so good to be the man who could bring a look of joy to the right woman’s eyes.
He nudged his horse into a walk and headed out the gate. He turned for one last look at her, and it filled his heart to see her waving and looking happy.
The anguish of losing her father seemed to be over. Now he could focus his prayers on her deciding to follow Jesus so their future together could begin.
Titus was hoping for a relaxing evening when he rode through the gate. Perhaps the good spirits Claudia had been in after he returned with Miriam and her new musical instruments would have survived the afternoon. It was too hard watching his sister cry.
When he entered the kitchen, Claudia sat at the table with a happy glow on her face as she watched Miriam complete the final preparations for their dinner.
She rose and gave him a hug. “I’m so glad you’re home. Guess what!” She was beaming.
He hugged her back “I have no idea, but it must be something good.”
“Oh, it is. Philip is back, and he and Penelope are coming to dinner tomorrow.”
His sister’s enthusiasm drew a smile. “That’s good. I’m sure I’ll enjoy getting to know Philip and his sister better.”
“I know you will. Penelope is very sweet, and Philip, well, he’s the nicest, smartest man in the whole world.”
Titus would have to be deaf and blind not to notice that she liked the ugly Greek. Her affection surprised him at first since she’d always said she wanted a handsome man like him. All those scars made Philip ugly enough that his sister should have found him highly unattractive, even repulsive. But maybe four weeks on a ship with no one else for comparison had reduced her sensitivity, and Philip had been very kind to her. She’d always said kindness was important, too. Their father had been a kind man.
With all Philip had done to help when Claudia first came, the Greek was clearly a generous man as well. The loan of Nestor had solved a huge problem at no expense to himself, and Philip’s connections had turned up a house that met their needs at a price he could afford. The Greek had even turned down his offer to pay for her passage from Rome.
Still, if this Philip was going to remain in their circle of friends, it would be good to get to know him better. Philip might well be one of the wealthiest men in Perinthus, but there was more than wealth to consider. Titus didn’t want Claudia spending too much time with the wrong type of people, and there was something different about Philip. Something he couldn’t quite put his finger on, but it was there.
It was the first time Miriam would play during dinner, and butterflies danced in her stomach. The mistress had told her to play some of her favorites, and then Mistress Claudia would pick what she wanted for Philip tomorrow.
She placed the salad on the table. Then she seated herself on one of the couches and picked up the lyre.
Of all the tasks she performed in Master Alexander’s household, this was by far the one she loved most. As her fingers plucked the strings, she felt her spirit soar. She imagined herself as part of the heavenly host, offering the most sublime melodies in praise and thanksgiving to her Lord. Her eyes were almost closed as the music transported her heavenward.
When Miriam finished the first selection, she refocused on her master and mistress at the table. They had finished the salad course, so she set the lyre aside and rose to clear it and fetch the next.
Master Titus looked up at her as she reached to take his plate. “I don’t know much about music, but that sounded good to me. It’s hard to say whether you’re a better cook or musician, Miriam.”
Mistress Claudia beamed. “Well, I do know music, and it was superb. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything more beautiful. I can hardly wait to have you play for Philip and Penelope tomorrow. He’s going to love it.”
The corner of the master’s mouth lifted. “You’re full of surprises, Miriam. Whatever I ask you to do, you do it well for me. Your old owner would have insisted on a much higher price if he’d really known what you can do.”
Miriam felt the heat spread from her cheeks to the tips of her ears. “I’m glad it pleased you, master.”
She dipped her head before limping into the kitchen to fetch the second course. The echo of their words pulled the biggest smile as she passed through the storeroom. Nothing could be better than knowing she’d given such pleasure to the mistress who was becoming a friend and the kind master who’d saved her from the brothel. God had been so good when He brought Master Titus to buy her.
Chapter 55: Much More than Generosity
As Titus descended the stairs the next morning, he heard Miriam singing in the kitchen, as usual. A satisfied smile appeared. His little Jewish slave was the best purchase he’d ever made.
He’d been so worried about Claudia when he held her, sobbing in his arms, that first evening at Philip’s. The first night in his own house had been many times worse. Who would have thought she could have changed so much in a single week?
He gave all the credit to Miriam. Since he found her consoling Claudia that night he went drinking, the nightmares were gone. It made no sense that Miriam telling Claudia their father had died like a Christian would make any difference, but since that night, the dark cloud had cleared from his sister’s mind.
He turned in at the kitchen and seated himself at the table, where his breakfast tray was already waiting. Miriam turned from her dough and smiled at him.
“Shall I carry the tray into the dining room now, master?”
“No. I’ll eat here. You can keep working.”
She turned back and resumed kneading the large mound of dough.
“And keep singing. I like the music.”
As her voice floated around him, he settled back in the chair and popped the first grape into his mouth. Yes, indeed. The best purchase he’d ever made.
Mistress Claudia was dressed in Philip’s favorite sky-blue tunic as she stood by the kitchen window, watching for him.
Miriam stirred the special sauce whose delectable aroma now filled the room. She’d been pleasantly surprised when the mistress told her they would leave her hair down so the reddish blonde tresses could simply cascade over her shoulders and down her back. Miriam had expected her to want a fancy Greek style since Philip was coming. That would have taken at least an hour to do.
She would never have said anything to Mistress Claudia, but she really wanted that extra time to work on the special dinner. The mistress was very eager for everything to be as close to perfect as possible for her first dinner for Philip.
Mistress Claudia stepped back from the window, ran her fingers into her hair, and shook them to make it look fuller before tucking it behind her ears. “They’re here, Miriam. After we get settled under the tree, bring us something to drink.” She hurried out the door to greet Philip and Penelope as Nestor led them back toward the chairs under the spreading tree in the garden.
Penelope wrapped her arms around Claudia for a big hug before taking both her hands. “I’ve missed being together every day. I’m so glad you invited us down to dine with you.”
“I’m glad Titus found us a house so close to yours that it’s even a short walk.”
Claudia released one of Penelope’s hands and reached out to Philip. With a broad smile, he wrapped hers in his own. Then she led them to the bench and two chairs that were arranged in a semicircle under the tree.
Penelope took the end chair to encourage them to sit on the bench together. She needn’t have worried. Claudia didn’t release Philip’s hand until she’d guided him down right next to her.
Philip handed Claudia a small bundle. “For my favorite general.”
She laid it in her lap and removed the cloth wrapping. Inside was the folded board and the small box containing the pieces of the Conquest game they’d used on the s
hip.
“I can’t take your game, Philip. What will you use?”
“Yes, you can. I can get another. I’ll never find a better opponent, and using this set with someone who can’t beat me just wouldn’t feel right. If I give it to you, you’ll have to invite me down often for a match.”
“Perhaps we can play after dinner?”
“Whatever you say, mighty general. I seem to remember you beating me the last time we played, so I get to go first. I want a chance to regain my honor.”
Penelope couldn’t quite contain a sly smile. If Claudia didn’t invite Philip, she would invite Claudia. She planned to do her part to make certain Philip ended up with the perfect woman for him.
Titus rode through the gate and around back to the stable. As he rounded the corner, his eyebrows popped up until he forced them down. Philip and Penelope were already there. He’d expected them to come late enough that he’d have time to clean up before their arrival.
His eyebrows lowered further. Penelope should have been sitting on the bench beside Claudia, not Philip. His sister should have had her hair in one of the elegant Greek styles that Miriam was supposed to know how to do. Instead, it was worn as simply as possible. She looked radiant as she talked with Philip, and the Greek didn’t take his eye off her. Philip’s sister looked very satisfied with the whole situation. The whole scene raised some serious questions.
Claudia heard the hoofbeats and turned her gaze from Philip to him.
“Titus. I’m glad you’re home. Was it a good day?”
He rode over to them and slid off. He handed the reins to Nestor, who led the horse away for his rubdown.
“It was like any other day. Nothing exciting happened. It’s good to see you again, Philip.”
