Page 28 of Lady Fiona's Tall, Dark Folly
"I—I lose myself when I play. Forgive me, Diana."
"Of course, I do. I know the look, the feeling. How heady the delight of the win."
"Dangerous, too. Oh, Diana."
"Stop, Fee." The lady pushed back in her chair, her head held high, the tears in her eyes overflowing. "Pardon me, please, gentlemen, Fifi, I must seek my bed."
Collingswood and Rory got to their feet.
She whirled away.
Collingswood was hard on her heels.
Fifi struggled to stand. "I will retire." She spun—and forgetting her injured ankle, she stepped out on it and yelped.
Rory cursed. Threw down his cards and went to lift her into his arms.
"Stop!" She pushed him away.
Those in the room turned their way.
"I will walk, my lord. Do see me as I truly am. Capable of many things. But a ghoul when I am at cards. However, that you already knew."
She limped away.
He hated every step she took without him. Caring for her so deeply with only hours of acquaintance to identify the reasons for his desire, he did not ridicule her for her foibles. Did he not have flaws himself? He had no fears for her recovery. He'd seen and heard proof of her self-correction when she had apologized to her friend. Now she retired to take time to heal her sorrowed heart. She did not need him for that.
