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Diana bristled at his disapproving tone.

Arthur had no idea how dreadful her mother was.

She’d used her children as pawns and taught etiquette lessons violently.

Diana still had the scars on her back from her many lashes.

Both she and Clara did. The only people who knew about them were Stuart, Sam, and Sebastian.

Her eyes flashed with anger. “You don’t know what she has done to me or my sister. ”

Arthur’s mouth fell open in shock at her fury. He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t involve myself in something that is not yet my affairs.”

The word “yet” caused a flurry of panic within her. They were not close to being betrothed. She couldn’t discuss this now with Arthur. “I know you are trying to be helpful, but my relationship with my mother is complicated. There are things you don’t know.”

Arthur, contrite, said, “I’m sorry, Diana. Truly, I am. She has just been so helpful while I’ve been here.”

Of course, her mother was. Arthur was a lord. Diana didn’t want to discuss the topic any longer. She forced herself to smile, nodding.

Arthur, relieved, said, “Now, tell me about your travels. You and Mr. Devons have become quite the rage.”

*

Sebastian twirled his wine goblet as he studied Diana while she laughed with Tremont at the other end of the table.

They were being hosted by the Count and Countess of Demazz.

Diana, Tremont, and Lady Clark sat closest to their hosts as seating was dictated by who was titled and who was not.

Being untitled, Devons, Monroe, Spoor and Haggerty were located at the far end of the table.

Tremont gazed at Diana proudly. Sebastian’s hand tightened on the glass.

He had the overwhelming urge to smash in the man’s face.

The jealousy in Sebastian was startling and not something he was accustomed to.

Diana and the countess looked his way, both smiling.

Tremont frowned. The lord didn’t like him very much and that was fine because Sebastian wasn’t interested in befriending him.

The lady of the house rose. “I would like to toast Lady Hensley and Mr. Devons’s successful column about their exciting adventure.

A few copies of the newspapers carrying the Ladies of London column have even found their way to Livorno.

Lady Hensley and Mr. Devons, you appear to be quite the dynamic duo.

I imagine there will be several women hoping to take a similar journey next year. Cheers to both of you.”

Everyone applauded them and took a sip of their drink.

Lord Tremont placed his hand on Diana’s, whispering to her.

She flushed and her gaze darted to Sebastian.

He raised a brow. The host announced dinner was over and directed all the guests to different areas where they could enjoy their after-dinner drinks.

Sebastian decided to forgo a cigar in hopes of speaking with Diana.

He hadn’t seen her since early this afternoon, standing in the foyer of the hotel.

Seeing Diana’s mother had sent a surge of anger through him.

He hated that she’d grown up with such a cruel mother.

A picture of the white marks across Diana’s back flashed in his mind.

Her mother was lucky her daughter was so kind to consider helping her move back to England.

He wandered down the hallway, through one of the drawing rooms, and finally outside into a courtyard.

To all the guests, it likely seemed like a casual stroll, but Sebastian was seeking Diana out.

He spotted her talking by a fountain with Lady Clark.

He made his way to them. Thanking those who stopped him to talk about the column.

Diana nodded hello at him as he arrived. Lady Clark grinned at him. “You are quite popular, Devons.”

He laughed. “Apparently, the column is doing well if talk about it has reached the lords and ladies in Tuscany.”

“I wonder what Addie has been able to do with Seely House,” Diana said.

He laughed. “Addie can be determined when she wants to, and she is about your club. I have no doubt we will return, and several plans will be in the works.”

Silence fell between them, and Lady Clark smiled. “I think I will go find more refreshments.”

“My lady, I can fetch it for you.”

She shook her head at Sebastian. “No, stay here and enjoy the breeze with my niece. I imagine you haven’t seen her since my sister and Lord Tremont’s sudden appearance at the hotel.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t retrieve you from your room.”

Lady Clark shook her head vehemently. “No need. If she returns to England with us, the voyage will be enough.”

Sebastian almost burst out laughing at her horrified expression. Diana sighed. “Well remember we are to dine with her the day after tomorrow.”

“I am contemplating feigning sickness.”

“Aunt,” Diana reprimanded her with a frown.

Lady Clark rolled her eyes at Diana. “I wish our trip would have missed Tuscany.”

A laugh did escape Sebastian then. He’d grown to adore Lady Clark. She didn’t mince words. She grinned back at him. “Excuse me.”

Sebastian smiled, amused, as the older woman strode off, probably to seek out Spoor. The poor man was besotted with her. He turned back to Diana, still grinning.

Diana shook her head. “It wouldn’t hurt my aunt to at least be polite.”

Anger flashed through Sebastian. “If your mother treated Lady Clark anywhere close to how she treated you, I would say your aunt owes her nothing.”

“You are only saying that because you have seen me in a state that isn’t acceptable in public.”

He leaned closer to her. “I have and it enrages me that a mother could dole out that type of punishment to her child.”

“It’s over, Sebastian.”

They were silent for a moment. Eventually, he said, “I would like to visit you tonight.”

Her eyes flicked to his. They were filled with a hunger that matched Sebastian’s own desires. “I would like that as well.”

“I want to feel your legs wrapped around me as I take what I want. It has only been a day, and I already miss your moans and whimpers,” he whispered in her ear so only she could hear him.

She gulped, and Sebastian had the desire to kiss her beautiful throat. To feel the vibrations of her moans of satisfaction against his lips as he kissed and sucked there. He stepped back, knowing if this went any further, they would cause a scene.

“You, sir, are a tormenter—” Diana started.

“Lady Hensley,” Lord Tremont called from the other side of the courtyard, where he stood with the hosts.

“That fucking man,” Sebastian muttered.

Diana gave him a small smile. “I will see you later tonight.”

After she left, Sebastian watched her with Tremont.

They had a camaraderie that was different from what he and Diana had.

He would be lying if he said they weren’t well-suited.

The thought caused him to take a large gulp of his brandy.

After one day, he had to admit, he wasn’t enamored with Tuscany.

He grabbed another drink from an attendant walking by, replacing it with his old one.

He felt out of place, and he hated it because never in London had he cared enough that it mattered.

But, seeing Diana with Tremont, he felt the difference in their classes.

He was the bastard of a marquess watching someone he desperately wanted from afar while she mingled with her equals. He needed to get out of here.