When Gretchen finally arrived at the parlor, he was surprised to find her standing all alone. She had changed from the nightdress she had on earlier and was once again clad in the white blouse and gray skirt from the morning before. The blouse seemed to have been washed, most likely thanks to a maid. He decided then that if she was to stay on as Elizabeth's nanny, he would have more clothes made for her.

Her hair appeared to have been combed and was pulled to the back of her head to reveal her lovely face, and in that second, his mind immediately went back to the time his gaze had explored her body while she slept.

Heat climbed up the side of his neck, setting his entire face on fire as he rose to his feet, embarrassed. He waited until she was seated comfortably on the sofa before settling on a sofa as well.

“Thank you for joining me, Miss Riverside.”

She offered him a bright smile. “I'm a bit hungry. With Ellie asleep, I realized a tea break sounds like a great idea.”

“Elizabeth's asleep?!” He gawked, shifting to the edge of his seat and almost landing on his breeches on the floor. It was impossible! How had she managed to convince Elizabeth to take a nap?! He wouldn't have believed her tale if he didn’t suddenly notice the unusual silence of the building.

She giggled. “I'm thrilled myself! It's probably because she actually got to eat.”

“How did you know what the problem was? Forgive my manners Miss Riverside, I don't believe we've had a proper introduction,” he said, stretching his hand out. “I'm Lord Ethan Williams,”

“And I'm Gretchen Riverside,” she said, placing her hand in his.

Raising her hand to his lips, he planted a kiss on her knuckle, his gaze still fixed on her. Color sprang to her cheeks as he released his hold on her.

“Thank you, Miss Riverside for caring for Elizabeth. I must apologize for last evening as well; it was cruel of me to leave her in your care like that. I certainly wasn't thinking.”

Clasping her hands before her, her gaze fell to the carpet. “It was the least I could do. I do not remember correctly, but I do remember getting robbed. It would explain my aching head and missing luggage.”

He nodded. “A street urchin seized your bag. I apologize for that.”

“It is no fault of yours Mr... Williams,” she said, and he frowned, slightly concerned by her decision to ignore his title.

“Perhaps you would not mind sharing some more of your discoveries on Elizabeth?” He leaned back against his seat.

“Last evening, you complained of her refusal to eat, and this morning, the sour maid complained of the same thing. You know, when I was really little, I absolutely despised candies, which is unusual, considering children love candies. I mean, of course it can be injurious to the health, but it is still unusual. Anyway, my point is, I decided that Ellie could be like me; different. Of course while Ellie's refusal to eat was mistaken for mere cheekiness, my mother actually rejoiced in my rejection of candy.” She took a bite of the cookie that sat on the table beside her.