Gretchen watched in horror as a trickle of the child's blood stained the blade.

“But now, I know with all of this, you'll never marry me. My aim has been defeated.” She smiled, her face contorting to look like a crazy person. “And frankly, I would rather die than lose you. Only, I'm not dying alone.” She shook her head. “No, Lord Williams, Elizabeth is coming with me” Ethan tightened his hold on his gun. “With Elizabeth's death, your marriage is over!”

“Henrietta!” Gretchen yelled, horrified. “Ethan! Please! Please! I'll leave, I'll divorce Ethan!” She crumbled to her knees before Henrietta as Ellie's pained cries ripped her heart apart.

“It's too late!” Henrietta called.

Pulling her eyelids shut, a loud cry tore from her lips.

A loud explosion immediately followed her scream and she immediately knew someone had been shot. Scrambling to her feet and praying desperately that Ellie was fine, the sight before her nearly made her faint in horror.

Chapter Forty Five

Juliet watched Ethan ride off toward the manor. She had no idea what Lady Hall would do next but she immediately knew that Elizabeth and Gretchen were in danger.

Turning to face Ethan's lawyer, she said, “Let's go.” She motioned toward the courthouse and the confused lawyer immediately led the way.

Juliet was quick to sign the papers, waiving all parental rights to Elizabeth and giving Ethan and Gretchen full custody of the child. The judge seemed happy that the court proceedings didn't last too long and thirty minutes later, Juliet was racing out of the courthouse.

“Miss Winston!”

She heard her name but didn't bother to turn around as she hurried down the stairs of the court house.

“Miss Winston, wait!”

Slowing down, she glanced back briefly to find Ethan's lawyer running after her.

“What's going on?” He called.

She didn't think she had the patience to address the lawyer who was now standing before her, looking very confused.

“I think Gretchen and Elizabeth are in danger.” The words poured out of her lips. “I need to get back home as well to try to help Ethan.”

“In danger of what?”

“Lady Hall...” She shook her head, knowing the lawyer wouldn't understand. She turned to continue her descent down the stairs.

“How can I be of help?” He took her wrist captive, stopping her.

Impatient about the lawyer's inability to perceive her need for haste, she turned to him and opened her mouth to tell him there was nothing he could do. But the moment she looked at him, an idea entered her mind.

“The constable, get the constable.”

**

ETHAN EASILY FOUND the fleeing carriage and with three bullets released into the air, the footman brought the carriage to a halt.