Elinor wouldn't have minded Kit's declaration, if only he saw her as an attraction rather than a duty. She was aware of her limitations. Vivacious Valerie had pronounced her older sister pathetic and scared-looking, but Elinor's responsibilities had been heavy since their mother died. With a new land and life ahead, Elinor hoped for a brighter future. Unfortunately she fell in love with the arrogant Kit Anderson, to whom she seemed fated to appear at her worst.