A Reputation for Notoriety. Diane Gaston
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Название: A Reputation for Notoriety
Автор: Diane Gaston
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Историческая литература
Серия: Mills & Boon Historical
isbn: 9781472003850
isbn:
‘Not at all.’ His tone remained matter of fact. ‘If I saw you make wagers that would jeopardise my establishment, I would certainly warn you away from my tables, but, as long as you play fair, it matters not to me how much you win off of any gentleman brave enough to challenge you.’
‘Do you suspect me of cheating?’ The very idea filled her with dread.
And reminded her of her father.
He shook his head. ‘You are a skilled player.’ He paused. ‘I admire that.’
She relaxed for a moment, then glanced down the street, looking for Jonah, her coachman.
‘Who taught you to play?’ Rhysdale continued conversationally.
She averted her gaze, not willing to reveal the pain she knew would show in her face. ‘My father.’ Her throat grew dry. ‘He once was also a skilled player.’
Before he died.
She faced Rhys again, wanting to take the focus off of her. ‘And who taught you to play, sir?’
He made a disparaging sound. ‘Certainly not my father.’ He looked reluctant to tell her more. ‘I learned in school, but I honed my craft later when it became necessary.’
‘Why necessary?’ she asked.
It was his turn to glance away, but he soon faced her again. ‘I was living on the streets.’
She was shocked. ‘On the streets?’
He shrugged. ‘When I was fourteen, I had no one and nothing. I came to London and learned to support myself by playing cards.’
No one and nothing?
How well she remembered the desolation of no one and nothing.
She opened her mouth to ask why he’d been alone, what had happened to his parents, but her coach turned the corner and entered the street. She was silent as it pulled up to where they stood. As he had done the night before, he put down the steps for her and opened the door.
He took her hand and helped her inside, but did not immediately release it. ‘Will you come play cards again, madam?’ His voice seemed to fill the night.
She wanted to return. She wanted to win more.
And she wanted to see him again.
All seemed equally dangerous.
‘I will return, sir.’
He squeezed her hand.
After he released her and closed the coach door, Celia could still feel the pressure of his fingers.
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