”We’ve already drawn the winners of the Messalina lottery but we won’t announce the results until tomorrow As you know, there will be only three winners and the liaisons have to be carefully arranged by our employee in the Imperial palace. With Claudius in town, these trysts have to be set up with care. The winners, as you know, are not guaranteed a night with the Empress Messalina has the right to refuse any lover she wants, but her tastes in men are generally broad enough we don’t anticipate any problems. After all, she does sleep with Claudius.”
A titter of laughter ran around the room. Malcolm didn’t join in. Everyone had been shown photographs in advance to prevent the disaster of someone laughing at the disfigured emperor should they accidentally stumble across an Imperial procession. Margo, not knowing any better, laughed too, then turned a puzzled glance toward him.
”What’s wrong, Malcolm?- she asked anxiously. “That was funny. Wasn’t it?”
”No. It wasn’t.”
She studied his face for a moment. “Why not? You’ve seen him, haven’t you?”
”Yes. That’s precisely why I don’t find it funny.”
Margo’s brows drew together, but she didn’t respond flippantly. Good. She was learning. Up near the front of the room, the Time Tours guide said, “All right, everybody ready? Any last questions? Good. Let’s have some fun!”
Malcolm said quietly, “When we get to the street, it’s okay to stare at the buildings. You’re dressed- like a provincial; it’ll be expected.”
Margo nodded eagerly. The shine had returned to her eyes.