<div class="floatright">(http://www.film.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/39358397-39358402-large.jpg)<br/></div><em><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">Livia</span> leaves Study with Manius<br/></em><br/>Standing to allow Caris to unwind the palla from about her, the door opened and into the room came two more souls. Livia glanced their way for a mere moment but noting instantly that they were not worthy of her attention and that her marred palla required it more she turned back as Caris finally removed the last of it. The stola had stained as well and as Caris removed this from her mistresses body, Livia allowed her gaze to roam once more to those entering and taking position in the room. The female was a beauty indeed but Livia's gaze went directly to the man who entered in their wake.<br/><br/>She had all but forgotten how formidable a man Manius was in stature and appearance, he was most pleasing to any eye and she was suddenly very aware that she stood now in nothing but her toga before him. With a wave of her hand she let Caris bring the garments to Galo as she herself faced Manius. She accepted his apology and his greeting, graciously sitting once again as Caris moved silently alongside of the servant who had brought them to the study. In his ear she whispered about directing her to the wash room so she had some chance to save the precious fabric of the expensive palla and stola.<br/><br/>Manius turned to Livia and smiled and she felt a blush steal upon her cheeks at being asked to stand in his wives stead for whatever matter had arisen to warrant such a hideous scream moments earlier.<br/><strong>"I would be honoured to attend with you"</strong>she gave no apologies for the wearing of merely her toga, the push of her breasts visible beneath the filmy fabric as she walked elegantly from the chaise to the door. She knew in her absence that Caris would take care of her garments while Patrocles would make his formidable presence known in the study. With a nod of her head she indicated to him that she would be perfectly fine with Manius, she had no reason to fear for her safety with him beside her.<br/><br/>Moving into the corridor once again she allowed him to lead the way, walking alongside as she did so, casting sideways glances to garner some idea of how to react around him. He had once been a friend to her husband, they had done many business dealings together but she had always stayed in the wings. Now it was her turn to walk with him, to speak with him on an equal footing but would he do so with a woman?