“I have read how rich men have lost a fortune through gambling and how it has ruined their lives – especially in the Regency period.”
She paused for a moment before she added,
“Beau Brummell had to go into exile and politicians like Charles James Fox were obsessed by the green baize tables.”
“So apart from being a singer and a rider,” the Earl said, “you are also a book lover.”
“Of course!” Donela said, “and I expect, as this is a magnificent house, you have a very big library.”
“I do indeed and I am sure that you will commend me when I tell you that I add to it every week.”
“That is the best thing to do,” Donela said. “I always think it sad that so many famous libraries are not kept up to date.”
Her mother had told her this and they had also read about it in several serious article
