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“It’s a ed her indifference to it
“It’s a map of the ranch and our future,” Lorna stated, and released the black-sleeved arm to walk to the map “These are the hundred-and-sixty-acre tracts that Benteen has claimed” She pointed them out individually “He has declared ownership of all the rest as stock range” She faced hiswith him to build this ranch If you had stayed with his father, maybe the two of you could have built a place like this in Texas When you left hi on to the place until you came back Benteen told me that”
“Seth was never half the man that Benteen is,” his mother stated “He couldn’t separate dreams from reality”
“You start with a dream, then build a foundation under it This ranch was a dream the day we set foot on it and walked up on that hill where the house is standing now,” Lorna said “I’, grabbing for all you could get Just exactly why are you here?”
“Maybe I discovered it wasn’t enough” Her head was held high
Lorna tipped her head to the side, seeing a beautiful shell and not lad if I left Benteen,” she realized
“That’s nonsense,” Elaine denied “I have nothing against you A man has need of a wife Benteen is no different”
“A wife You make it sound like the woman is a nonentity, to serve but not to speak That’s what you wanted , it hat Benteen had wanted from her, but Lorna didn’t mention the past “What is it you want from Benteen? It isn’t a son You won’t even claim him openly”
“It isn’t practical”
“No,” Lorna agreed with a measure of sadness “If you admitted he was your son, then you’d have the problee to the Earl of Crawford when you were legally wed to Seth Calder You’d not only forfeit your inheritance from his estate, but your title as well”
“Why should I give it up?” Elaine challenged “It would be foolish”
“Yes, it would be”
“I don’t believe you understand the situation” Elaine gathered herself to stand a little taller “With my money and influence, I can make Benteen a powerful man in this territory”
“I have no doubt that you can,” Lorna admitted “But I don’t think that’s what he wants from you”
“You are obviously i candid, I will freely ad hi in women has eluded y in her statement