Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate by Taylor Diana Wallis

Author:Taylor, Diana Wallis [Taylor, Diana Wallis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2013-05-10T04:00:00+00:00

They had remained in Jerusalem while Claudia recovered her strength and the Jewess, Joanna, assured Lucius the baby was strong enough to travel. He reflected on the good fortune of having her there at the time of birth. She had proved herself extremely capable and, according to Hotep, had saved Claudia’s life. In his gratitude, he was willing to listen to her advice over that of the physician, who had told him there was nothing he could do. Lucius ground his teeth. The man was obviously incompetent.

Lucius considered his son’s deformed foot and remembered the fear in his wife’s eyes. He could not deny the child for he would lose the love of his wife, and he loved her to a point that surprised him. He had cared for no one in the rise of his career. Women were only for his pleasure. Then he had seen Claudia and still felt the astonishment that this beautiful woman, the granddaughter of the Emperor Augustus, was his.

When at last he was assured they could leave Jerusalem, he couldn’t return to Caesarea fast enough. He had ordered their carpentum lined with cushions. In the care of her handmaids, Claudia and their small son had made the journey back to Caesarea.

His concern for Claudia had been so great, anticipating the possibility of her death, that he was eager to make sure she was cared for in every way.

He brooded over the dinner he had shared with Claudia privately. It was difficult to do often, for there were times when he had guests in the city on business for the emperor and it was expedient to dine with them alone.

As he prepared to dine with some Roman officials, he reflected again on the words of the Jewess and knew she spoke the truth. Claudia must recover and it would take time, time when he must be celibate. Then a nagging shadow touched his mind. She had endured a very difficult time with this birth. Would she be able to bear other children? He had a son and heir, but would the foot hinder the boy in life? As a man, he wanted a son to bear his name. Now he was faced with a dilemma. He had never dishonored their marriage with other women as he knew friends in the military and senate had done, yet facing a year of abstinence, he balked.

After several months in Caesarea, he was restless, and frustrated. His wife’s attentions were centered on their son. He had plunged into his work, spending long hours in his study. He needed a project, something to totally occupy his mind. An idea formed.

He’d studied the water supply for Jerusalem and had received reports that the city had a desperate need for additional water. The problem had been greatest when the city was flooded with pilgrims for the various holy days. Four times a year he had to be on alert with his soldiers to oversee the city when the Jews were required to travel there for worship.

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