Chapter 1

**Bella's POV**

"Sigh," another boring party; I'm so looking forward to the exchange of hollow pleasantries. "Ugh," how I loathe being ogled by all of the local bachelors in town. I detest my father for forcing me go to these social gatherings.

I gritted my teeth as my maid tightened the laces of my corset; now that was a torture device in itself. As if the pretentious people weren't enough to deal with, not being able to breathe made it even more unbearable. Well, at least suffocation gave me an out. Perhaps dramatically fainting when that self absorbed Newton boy made his advances was one way to get father to bring me home, I entertained the idea.

I despised phony people and Galveston was ripe with them. If I was forced to ask Mrs. Stanley about her spoiled daughter, Jessica, back in New York one more time I may scream. Father would never dream of sending me back east for my education; he is much too content to parade me around like the prized steer at the local fair.

My maid, Lauren, was busy helping me into a dark sapphire gown that father had purchased during his last trip back east. It was the latest fashion with a hooped skirt and plunging neckline, just what I needed something more for the Newton boy to stare at. My bodice was secure enough but every breath caused my breasts to heave as if I was enthralled by whomever I was speaking with. Perhaps I could keep my shawl this evening, claim I was getting a chill, I pondered.

The hot irons sat near the fire ready to curl my hair into the latest style. Hopefully this time the maid wouldn't burn my hair. I secured a string of pearls around my neck and solitary pearl drop earrings from each earlobe. I waited impatiently for Lauren to finish my hair.

A few moments later there was a knock at my door, as my father entered the room Lauren curtsied and then continued on my hair. "Isabella, my darling, you look absolutely breathtaking! If you continue on like this I will be entertaining a dozen offers from potential suitors before the night is through," he beamed.

"Father, if I were the slightest bit interested in any of the men around here you would be the first to know." I rolled my eyes at the end.

"Isabella Marie Swan, don't you dare sass me! Continue with that attitude of yours and you'll be lucky if the stable boy would have you. I expect you downstairs in ten minutes!" He shouted then slammed the door behind him.

I threw my black lace fan down on my dressing table and gritted my teeth. I should know better than to talk back to my father. He was a proud man and a strong willed one at that. He had become one of the most prominent cattle ranchers in the state just after I had been born. Our ranch spread over 15,000 acres of prime grazing land. Most recently he had a lot of pressures weighing down on him, between the threats of his competitors and the normal ins and outs of managing the ranch I barely saw him when he was home.

Keeping honest help seemed to be the biggest trouble weighing on my father's mind of late. We had to fire the foreman a month ago because he found out he was stealing. This left the ranch shorthanded and my father had to take charge that is until Edward Cullen rode into town. Father found him enquiring about work at one of the local saloons. He claimed to have experience as a ranch hand, but I couldn't tell. The way he stomped around the yard like he owned the place made it seem like he had more experience as sheriff or something, but I knew he was just putting on a 'good show' for my father.

The only interaction I had with him was when I asked him to re-shoe "Midnight", my three year old stallion, for me. He seemed polite enough; he nodded at least but never said one word to me. After that, every time I saw him he was racing off somewhere or he'd turned to find the closest person to bark an order at. He gave me the impression that he was avoiding me at all costs.

The sound of Lauren clearing her throat brought me back to reality. "Miss Swan, I've finished, are you pleased?" She asked seeking my approval. I acknowledged Lauren and praised her handy work, grabbed my black lace fan and shawl, and begrudgingly made my way downstairs.

My eyes focused on the wooden planks of each step, so I didn't notice that my father had company in the living room. Once I hit the last step, I froze when I recognized who was conversing with my father… Edward.

They both stopped mid-conversation as I entered the foyer. "Ah Isabella, it's so nice of you to finally grace us with your presence." My father said snidely. I flushed scarlet at being so rudely chastised for my tardiness in front of the help. Edward ignored my father's smugness and startled me with a complement.

"You look lovely as ever Miss Swan." Edward smiled slightly.

"Thank you, Mr. Cullen," I replied addressing him formally and avoiding eye contact with him. I then gave him a nervous curtsy.

"I see you are wearing my little gift." My father appraised the pearl jewelry that I was wearing, drawing Edward's attention back to me yet again. "Father, I'd scarcely call an expensive pearl necklace and earring set from New York a 'little gift'," I replied calling attention to his lavish spending, because I was sure he was fishing for a compliment.

"She'll be the belle of the ball tonight won't she Cullen?" He asked Edward, bragging a little more. Edward must have sensed the growing discord between my father and me, so he nodded politely and excused himself from the house.

"Wonder what's gotten into him?" My father shrugged. "Oh well, shall we?" He extended his arm and we walked outside to the awaiting buggy. I climbed inside reluctantly, tonight was going to be hell and my father would be the main cause of my discontent.