Chapter 10
“Donna Sofonisba, it is a pleasure to meet you personally at last after hearing your praises sung at the court of Madrid. You are certainly aware that you are a celebrity in Spain.”
I curtseyed before the new viceroy Marcantonio Colonna, renowned hero of the battle of Lepanto. He had just been appointed when, taking advantage of the end of the epidemic, Fabrizio had expressed the wish to return to Palermo, harbouring too the secret intention of obtaining his support.
Marcantonio Colonna was wearing a doublet with gold satin inserts, completely covered with gold studs and precious stones. A wide ruff completed the effect. Round his neck hung a long chain with the insignia of the prestigious order of the Golden Fleece. He was completely bald, with a long black moustache and he
