title: Amelia's Story
author:  C P Murphy 
description: <b>Mini Excerpt:</b> <br /> <br /><span>Amelia sat on the edge of the sofa in the sitting-room as she waited for her father to join her. He had sent a message telling her that he would like a word and she hoped that he would tell her that the horrible nightmare was over. The front door squeaked as it opened and Amelia jumped to her feet. Henry walked into the room and right away reached to embrace her but she stood with her arms crossed. She was still angry at him for what he was putting her through, but glancing at his concerned eyes made her wonder how long she could stay upset with him. "What is it you want to talk about?" She questioned as her arms dropped and began to play with the trim on her apron.</span><br /> <br /><span>"You've been quiet," Henry stated. He knew that she was upset about his decision but figured that she was over it. "Is there something wrong?"</span><br /> <br /><span>She cocked her head and looked at him while he took a seat in the arm chair. He was a man who healed the ill but perhaps he was maddening himself, she thought. He couldn't have forgotten the torture he was putting her through. "Yes, this whole engagement is wrong. I can't believe I have to tell you that."</span><br /> <br /><span>Henry placed his forehead in his hand. He could feel the heat from inside his body rush to the surface of his face. It was foolish to think that she wasn't going to continue fighting for her freedom. He was desperate to give it to her but it would cost him his if he did. Again he made himself act as if he was behind the Samuels and Van Martin union. "Amelia, we aren't going to get into that again. Are we? Don't you realize that I'm trying to do what is best for you?"</span><br /> <br /><span>Appalled, Amelia answered, "Best for me? You can't possibly think that Thomas is best for me."</span><br /> <br /><span>Henry stood and faced the window. "The Van Martins are the wealthiest family in the village. You will never have to go without the things you desire, ever again."</span><br /> <br /><span>"Except love, Father," Amelia snapped. Recalling her conversation with Thomas, she knew that it wasn't in her future. "You forgot love."</span><br /> <br /><span>Henry could never forget about love. It didn't seem too long before when he fought for the love of his life. Henry thought that he would never put any of his children through a forced marriage but his mistakes had changed all of that. "Why don't you believe me when I say you will love him?"</span><br /> <br /><span>"Why won't you allow me to marry someone that I do love?" It was an endless battle, she knew, but Amelia had to keep trying.</span>
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  **DEDICATION**
  
   _For Scott_
  
   **CONTENTS**
  
    1. Dedication
    2. Chapter One
    3. Chapter Two
    4. Chapter Three
    5. Chapter Four
    6. Chapter Five
    7. Chapter Six
    8. Chapter Seven
    9. Chapter Eight
    10. Chapter Nine
    11. Chapter Ten
    12. Chapter Eleven
    13. Chapter Twelve
    14. Chapter Thirteen
    15. Chapter Fourteen
    16. Epilogue
    17. About the Author
    18. By Tiffany Clare
    19. Copyright
    20. About the Publisher
  
   **CHAPTER ONE**
  
   _ **Highgate, London, 1881**_
  
   **T** his wedding was happening today.
  
  The wedding of all weddings, even if it was planned in haste, Amelia Grant had
  managed to snag one of London’s most sought-after bachelors.
  
  Amelia screwed up her nose as she stared at the sad sight of her reflection in
  the dressing table mirror. It was a shame she looked the way she did, because
  it quelled some of her confidence on a day that was supposed to be special.
  
  An abrasion—still raw and tender—ran three inches along her hairline an