Ella was tired of being treated as though she were a fragile flower. Yes, she had been a weak child, always catching ill, but she hadn't been ill in years.

"Mother, I really wish to go to Lady Amelia's ball. She said that many handsome young men have been invited." She didn't add that she wasn't interested in any of them, but her mother might believe that and be more inclined to let her go.

Her mother paused in her reading of the Morning Post and sighed thoughtfully. ...