A Surrendered Heart (Broadmoor Legacy, Book 3)
Amanda raced up the steps and into her bedroom. Slamming the door behind her, she leaned against the cool wood and wrapped her arms around her waist. For a short time her breath heaved in short, rapid bursts, then slowed to a more normal rate. Her dreams of love collided with the reality of Ellert Jackson, and she wondered if she could possibly marry him. Perhaps he would be willing to wait until they gained a better understanding of each other. She pressed her knuckles to her mouth at the thought of marriage to someone so old--a complete stranger.  A knock sounded on the door, and she jumped in surprise. "Who is it?" There was a quiver in her voice. "It's your mother. May I come in?" Her mother didn't wait for a response. Instead, she was across the threshold and into the room before Amanda could answer. "I know this is more than you should be required to bear, and I'm so very sorry." She wrapped Amanda in a warm embrace and then stepped back and looked her directly in the eyes. "Not all marriages that begin as arrangements are unhappy. If you work at pleasing Ellert, I believe he will treat you with kindness and generosity. After our talk the other night, I had hoped you had begun to accept the arrangement. Who can say? You may even grow to love him."--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.