It was good to be in this cool garden with Valeria chatting away and Porcia smiling and adding her two cents when she could, and people coming in and out and children playing on the other side of the pond.

Yet the two letters he had tossed in the folds of his toga were calling for his attention. He asked the ladies’ indulgence and opened them.

The first one was from the quaestor of Transalpine Gaul, and it couldn’t have surprised him more, for it had nothing to do with politics, wars or business, but was strictly personal: a request to marry his niece Valeria Marina. He had a hunch that Agrippa’s letter could be related to it, and as he opened the scroll another was revealed, bearing Valeria’s seal.

"What are you smiling and frowning about, Caesar?", asked Valeria. "It must be something very special!"

"Nothing, it’s just that children grow – as you know better than I. My sister’s daughter, in this case… "

This served to bring the conversation back to children, and while half listening to the baby stories they had to share, Caesar considered the proposal.

"I’ve come to know Ursus well," wrote Agrippa, "He is a sensible, intelligent man whom I believe will make a good military and political career. He has no personal fortune but will inherit the best part of his father’s assets (he has two brothers though) and is rumoured to have some deals through family and equestrian associates.
As for Valeria, she has her inheritance, of which you are responsible under her father’s will, and her dowry, although not large, you can make sure is refundable in case of divorce. I know you’d hoped to make an advantageous match for her but they seem genuinely attached to each other and after the recent scandals (you remember the case of Lucius Medullinus and Cornelia, Spinther’s daughter? And now Aelia Rufa, Catulus’ ward, has disappeared) I wouldn’t want to learn they have eloped for lack of your consent."

Now he didn’t believe his little niece would do anything like that, but neither did he think he had anything to oppose this marriage except for the possible financial difficulties. He would write to Ursus Longinus and clarify this point. Hopefully, a way would be found.

Just as Valeria was ordering a servant to bring some more food and urging them to stay longer, Hermodius came in.

"Master, there is a messenger from the consul’s household, he asks you to attend a meeting with him and the praetor, who is back from the south."

Despite his hostess’ protestations, he said his goodbyes, promising to faithfully attend her birthday party.