It was a few more minutes before the woman straightened and without a word, began marching toward the door that Gretchen held open.

“While you're at it, have a plate made for Ellie as well. I have a feeling she might not exactly like milk. There is also a possibility that you have somehow contributed to the child's refusal to eat with so many horrid references to her and her mother. I know I already feel constipated having to stand here and listen to you!” She huffed, before slamming the door in her face.

Gretchen heaved a breath, leaning against the door as she rocked the child in her arms.

Now what?

The stranger —Mr. Williams— had been kind enough to accommodate her in his home and even extend an invitation to breakfast, but she didn't think she had the right to keep imposing on his kindness, even if she had nowhere else to go.

Her stomach growled, interrupting her thoughts with the reminder of her excruciating hunger.

Releasing a loud breath, she decided to it was time to solve her immediate problem; hunger.

Chapter Five

“Lord Williams, your guest.”

Ethan rose to his feet at Jacob's announcement as the red head made her way into the dining room. Something moved in her arms, gaining his attention.

He frowned. “I had a maid look into her care.” He said, gesturing to Elizabeth who sat in her arms.

“Well the poor baby could do with some love,” she said, her gaze drifting briefly to the baby, before shifting back to him. “Here, hold her.”

“What?” He had barely gotten the word out when Elizabeth was placed in his arms and the woman began digging in a bag. His eyes shifted to Elizabeth who was now beginning to fuss. “Miss...” He paused, waiting for her to supply him with a name.

She barely glanced up. “Gretchen Riverside and I must thank you for your help yesterday. Why, that was a very noble thing to do, coming to my rescue like that.”

He nodded, struggling to maintain a firm grip on a now fussing Elizabeth. “Miss Riverside, do understand that babies in the dining area is simply not acceptable.” He protested. “I'll have Jacob place Elizabeth in the care of a maid...”

“That won't be necessary; Ellie's having breakfast with us.” Gretchen turned to him, brandishing Elizabeth's bottle. She placed the bottle on the table and relieved him of the child. His lips fell open, stunned as he watched her settle on a seat with Elizabeth in her lap.

Ethan stood still for a while, confused by her behavior —did Americans dine with babies? Was it a thing of insignificance or was Miss Riverside simply uncivilized? Perhaps he needed to have a long talk with her concerning dining ethics in his home and most likely the entire London? With a baby on the table, the only thing one had to look forward to was a messy breakfast filled with spit up.