Agreeing with her suggestion, Gretchen had suggested that the dressmaker be summoned to the manor to get Elizabeth fitted for new dresses, but Juliet quickly came up with a better suggestion —an excursion to town. Not only would an excursion afford them all a break from the confinement of the manor, but it would give them the opportunity to go shopping for what they needed.

When the morning for the planned excursion came, Juliet feigned a stomach bug. Insisting that Gretchen and Elizabeth's day not be ruined by her own ill health, she had forced them to go without her. And while she hadn't expected the plan to actually work, she had been pleasantly surprised to watch Gretchen get into a carriage with Elizabeth in her arms.

A smile spread across Juliet's face as she began making her way to Ethan's study for the final execution of her plan —win back Ethan's affection. She knew she was running out of time and that if she didn't get Ethan to turn away from Gretchen, she was not only going lose him to the red head, she was going to lose Elizabeth as well —and Juliet didn't feel like losing.

She wasn't certain what it was that awakened her to the feelings she didn't even know she had for Ethan —perhaps it was the kiss?

Reaching his study, she was pleasantly surprised by the butler's absence. She pushed the door wide open to find Ethan seated behind his desk with his head bowed over a file before him. The sound of her approaching footsteps seemed to pull him to the present. He jerked his head up, his eyes coming to settle on her.

“I thought you had to go into town,” A frown tugged on the edges of his brows as he rose to his feet.

Poor Ethan, for he was always the gentleman. It was a wonder he could never remain seated when a woman entered the room —a fact that acted as an added advantage as she made her way to him, closing the distance between their bodies.

“I lied.” she breathed, her eyes searching his as she took captive of his hands. “I wanted to get rid of Gretchen.” She admitted. “I wanted you all to myself.”

A nerve worked in his jaw as he stared down at her silently.

Reaching up, she ran her index finger seductively down his chest. “You can divorce her,” She whispered slowly, pressing her lips to his neck. “Divorce her and marry me again.” She moaned, her hands exploring his chest as her lips trailed his jaw. “We could be a family.” She hands moved slowly up his chest and tangled around his neck. “Ethan,” she breathed, “Juliet, Elizabeth...” A thin smile settled on her face as she felt shiver at her closeness. “Divorce the American.”

He leaned down, her eyelids pulling shut as his warm lips grazed her earlobe. “Juliet...” His finger traced her jaw. “I have loved you...” He whispered, his lips moving slowly down her neck as a soft moan drifted from her lips. “I have loved you for too long.” His breath tickled her skin. “My love for you has driven me to many places,” clutching his waist as his hand traveled the length of her neck, she threw her head back, giving him full access to it.