Costa nodded. “Once his father died and he became king, he had the assassins killed, some even saying he took part. Then he moved Inés’s remains to the Alcobaça Monastery and made her the de facto queen even though she was dead. They are both buried there.”
“He must have loved her deeply,” her aunt exclaimed.
“He sounds unhinged to me,” Mr. Spoor stated.
Aunt Winifred rolled her eyes. Diana glanced at Devons. “What do you think?”
Devons shrugged. “That it is a shame they couldn’t marry. A lifetime of scandal is a heavy burden.”
Diana knew he was talking from personal experience. He winked at her. “Though Mr. Spoor might be right. Senhor Pedro does seem unhinged.”
She laughed, and everyone joined in. Costa smiled. “I hope you enjoyed my story.”
“Is it true?” Diana asked.
He shrugged. “Perhaps.”
Steps echoed off the stone flooring, and they all turned to see an elegant man entering the hall. He was tall like Devons but not quite as broad. He had a regal, handsome face with a head of black curls.
“May I introduce Count Lorenzo de Messina from Sardinia. He is accompanying the late King of Sardinia’s sister while she handles the king’s affairs.”
The man’s eyes moved around the room before landing on Diana. He briefly perused her, and a small smile formed on his face. He was certainly attractive. He bowed to all of them. “Good afternoon. I will be joining you for dinner and the theater tonight. Did you enjoy the tapestry? I find the story rather dark but also fascinating.”
Diana nodded. He stepped closer to her, taking her hand and raising it to his mouth. “And you are?”
She blushed. “Lady Hensley.”
“Are you here for the tapestry as well?” Devons asked in a growly voice.
Messina dropped Diana’s hand and smirked at Devons. “This is where I’m staying while in Porto.” And then added dramatically, “Dom Costa asked if he could bring you all here so he can tell his story of tortured love.”
Everyone laughed but Devons. Diana, trying to ease the tension, said, “Mr. Devons and I are writing articles for two London newspapers about a potential new leisure cruise for ladies.”
Messina’s eyes flicked to Devons and back to her. “I understand why you are here but not Mr. Devons. He isn’t a lady.”
“No, but he is very well-liked by the ladies of London,” her aunt piped up.
Diana gasped and frowned. Her aunt grinned and shrugged. “It’s true.”
Messina glanced around the room before landing back on Diana. “Well, I look forward to our evening later. I have some dealings to handle. Goodbye until then.”
“Goodbye,” they all replied.
He glanced at Diana one last time, causing her to blush. Goodness, she hadn’t expected them to meet someone new.
*
Sebastian sat atone end of the table, watching both Monroe and Messina flirt outrageously with Diana. To say he was displeased was a gross understatement. He reminded himself this was what she wanted. It wasn’t his place to interrupt. She seemed to favorthe count more. Monroe looked as if he was on the verge of giving up.
In truth, Sebastian imagined Messina was the perfect person for her to have a brief flirtation with. The count leaned towards her and whispered in her ear, causing her to laugh louder. Aunt Winifred, who sat next to him, peered down the table. “He is certainly handsome.”
He took a sip of his wine and grunted in response. She elbowed him. “Are you telling me that doesn’t bother you?”
He flicked his dark-brown eyes in the direction of Diana’s aunt. “Why would it?”
“Because you like her.”
“We’re friends.”
