thought Jodynn thankfully as she left the table where she'd just had an earnest discussion with Mungo.

He seemed to see the sense in what I was saying... I mean it is to his advantage to have a respectable place to bring his so-called clients. And common sense would dictate that some of his "assistants" might serve his interests better if they were less... conspicuous.

Walking quickly to the wine counter, the proprietress snatched up the tabula listing her current inventory. As she cast a sidelong glance at the Roman stranger who now lolled indolently at her best table, she tried to recall precisely what his manservant had said.

Something about only the best, and that he had a delicate appetite, she remembered, annoyed that her conversation with the town "entrepreneur" had diverted her attention from an obviously well-to-do patron.

She smiled and wiped her hands on the small towel tucked at her waist, and pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Well, if it's the best he wants, it's the best he's going to get! she chuckled to herself and hurried to the back room.

When she returned, she carried a tray filled with an assortment of small foods and a large pitcher of wine with matching cups. Treading steadily toward the table, she stopped beside the well-dressed man and smiled.

"Good day, m'lord. I bid you welcome to Camulodunum and to Olchabar's. This," she emphasised as she deftly placed the food on the table before him and filled his cup, "is a delightful vintage from Gaul. I think you will find it a perfect accompaniament to the fresh oysters with dill sauce. The greens with minced eggs are quite nice, too."

The dark haired woman took in the small smile on the manservant's face. "Don't trouble yourself with the menu, sir, I will take care of everything."

Gathering up the tray, she watched as the vapid Roman languidly picked up the cup and cautiously sniffed at the wine. Satisfied that it was, if not particularly good, at least not poisonous, he sipped, then sipped again. Eyebrows raised in surprise, he nodded to her.

She smiled, inwardly delighted. "I shall leave you to enjoy these small foods and relax with your wine while your meal is prepared."

As she made her way to the kitchen her feet nearly danced across the floor. It's all begun to pay off, she thought, all the hard work, all the worries. She grinned. If I can please a fop like that -- especially such a handsome one -- I can please anyone!