She watched as Jacob made his way out of the study and held the door wide open for her to go in. She heaved a nervous breath before straightening her shoulders and making her way into the study.

Ethan sat behind his desk, his head bowed over a pile of papers. As she approached, he lifted his gaze to her and rose to his feet.

“Miss Riverside,” he bowed his head slightly.

“Lord Williams, I'm so sorry to barge in on you with such short notice.” She began.

“No need to apologize, Miss Riverside, you're entitled to come here when you feel the need especially if it concerns Elizabeth.” He walked around the desk and pulled out a seat for her.

“Thank you.” She said, settling into the seat. Offering him an appreciative nod, she waited until he was seated comfortably behind his desk, before continuing, “I'm here to ask for permission to go into town. I'm in dire need of a few things and with the rest of my luggage back in San Francisco, I was hoping I could have Sue make a few dresses for me. I also need to have a package delivered to my parents back home. If it isn't too much trouble, I will not be away for too long. Ellie's already been fed and put to bed for her mid-day nap. I should be back before she wakes up.” She finished, holding her breath as she prayed desperately for the stoic man to be kind enough to permit her to leave the manor for a few hours, especially because she was in dire need of new dresses. As it was, she was beyond embarrassed of having to wear the maids' old dresses.

“I think you have been cooped in this house long enough to deserve a day off, Miss Riverside. I shall have Stanford drop you off wherever it is you need to go. Please let me pay for your new dresses, it’s the least I can do to show my appreciation for all you have done for Elizabeth. And of course, I shall see to it that someone else see to Elizabeth's care until you return.”

She gasped, stunned. “Oh no, my lord, I do not wish to inconvenience—”

He shook his head. “I insist,”

A broad smile settled on her face. “Thank you, Lord Williams.” She said, rising to her feet with eagerness to begin her little adventure.

Nodding to her words, Ethan rose to his feet as well. “You are excused, Miss Riverside.” He said with a smile she thought was absolutely breathtaking, settling on his face.

**

ELIZABETH WAS TAKING Gretchen's absence poorly. With the cries of an unsatisfied child echoing throughout the house, Ethan couldn't ignore it any longer. He rose to his feet and began his march to the nursery where he found a maid battling to calm the wailing child.

“Lord Williams,” The maid's eyes pleaded for reprieve.