Marcus is a poet!' Helena quipped wickedly.

No profits in it, I smirked. All businessmen say that.

Polystratus was still taken with the silver stand. Family habit kicked in. I wondered if I could sell it to him. Still, Pa would haggle about sharing the commission..

Helena noticed my daydream and aimed a kick at my shin.. I really must go and see my little brother, Polystratus; that's all. It's my wild husband who is interested in tailor-made trips. Last I heard, he was hankering for Egypt.'

A classic romantic!' the facilitator chortled. We do a nice little Spring Excursion to the Pyramids of Giza. Alexandria is a hot draw. Gaze at the Pharos. Borrow a scroll from the Library, a scroll that may once have rested at the bedside of Cleopatra while she made love to Antony…'

Helena, who collected information, shook her head at me.. Did you know that Augustus went to pay tribute at Alexander the Great's tomb, he covered the corpse with flowers – and inadvertently broke off a bit of Alexander's nose?'

What a lady!' Polystratus thought women with a sense of humour should be locked in the pantry – however, he knew that was out of the question if the cash in our bank chests had come as her dowry.

She's a treasure!' I meant it. It unnerved him He dealt in cliche wives. Tell us about these tailor-mades of yours,' I insisted, still the stubborn husband who was yearning for adventure.. It has to be Greece, for her brother…

No problem with that,' Polystratus assured me.. We can do you a spectacular Pythons and Phidias circular itinerary.