Papa always said, tell the truth and shame the devil. She took a deep breath. "Very well. Yesterday, losing that competition, not getting the money, when it's not like me to lose, was the worst thing that could happen to me. So when the earl offered me another chance, I agreed. But now ... Well, now you're right, you were right from the start, he is a despicable man, whose help I never should have taken, even if it did mean staying in the tournament."

"You're certainly right ...