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nothing to really offer Amelia now. When you turn twenty next year, you will get a share of our ranch where you can build a house for yourself, and you’ll find a girl in Kansas who will be only too happy to share it with you. That’s the life you will have to plan for your future.”
    Ben nodded without meeting his gaze, then rose and returned to his seat next to Billy. He’d expected opposition from Mr. and Mrs. Carlyle, but for it to come from his own parents rent his soul in two. Still, he would not be dissuaded. Only Amelia herself could stop him from pursuing her.

Chapter 5
    A melia breathed deeply and squared her shoulders before entering the dining room for breakfast. She had no desire to go through the social season and hoped to convince her parents that she didn’t need to do so. Most likely she would lose this argument, but she had to try.
    If only she could muster up the enthusiasm for such show as Mary Beth, who had talked about nothing else in the week since her family returned to Kansas. All the while Mary Beth talked about dresses to wear and whom she might meet, Amelia had been devising ways to get out of the entire ordeal.
    No good plan had materialized, so now she had to face her parents and let them know she didn’t really want to participate as one being presented. Attending wouldn’t be a problem, but the parading of herself as a young woman now eligible for marriage created a bitter taste.
    She pasted on a smile and entered the room. “Sorry, I’m late, Mama, Papa. My hair gave me fits this morning.” Not exactly the truth, but not a complete fabrication either for she had changed hairstyles twice.
    Papa eyed her with a smile. “You look lovely, my dear.”
    Mama didn’t say a word but searched Amelia’s face. For what, she wasn’t sure, but it had happened the past several mornings. It was almost as if Mama was trying to read Amelia’s mind.
    After bowing her head and saying a short prayer of thanksgiving, she spread her napkin across her lap. Maeleen set a plate with eggs and bacon on the table. Amelia thanked the servant and followed her departure back to the kitchen with interest. Now there was a young woman who would turn heads. Even her servant’s uniform could not hide her comely figure and attractive features. Amelia sighed and picked up her fork. Sometimes she believed she’d rather be a servant than a wealthy man’s daughter.
    Mama buttered her toast as she peered across at Amelia. “Don’t forget we are to go for a fitting for your presentation gown this afternoon. I believe Mrs. Haynes is bringing Mary Beth for hers at the same time.”
    Here was her opportunity to approach the subject of the cotillion. “Mama, do we have to have a presentation for me? Mary Beth could have it all to herself, and then we wouldn’t have to be concerned with the cost of so many dresses and parties for me.”
    If she had dropped a cannonball in the middle of the table, her mother’s expression could not have expressed more horror. Even Papa’s mouth skewed into a terrible frown. His forehead creased and his thick brown eyebrows formed a straight row across it. “Whatever gave you that ridiculous notion?” he said. “You’re seventeen and just graduated from Mrs. Harcourt’s finishing school. This is your season.”
    Mama’s hand gripped her napkin until the knuckles turned white. “Amelia Carlyle, I will not even consider such nonsense. You will go to each and every party given, and you will be presented with Mary Beth at the cotillion.”
    â€œBut it’s such a waste of money.” No sooner had the words left her mouth than she wished them back.
    Mama blinked her eyes and pursed her mouth. “The dates are set, plans are made, and invitations ordered.”
    Papa pushed back from the table. “You will participate like the Carlyle you are, and I won’t hear