After briefly talking with Nathan, both Servilia and Fulvia eventually retreated, though it was clear from the lingering looks they cast over their shoulders that leaving his side was the last thing either woman truly wanted to do. They would have gladly spent every remaining hour at his side, savoring his presence for as long as they possibly could before he vanished from their lives once more. But they were both pragmatic enough, experienced enough in the complex social dynamics of Roman high society, to understand that they couldn't monopolize him forever—not when so many others had their own claims on his time, their own farewells to make.
Servilia, in particular, had pressing matters demanding her attention.
