Ethan knew there was a part of him that missed socializing. London's seasons were always the highlight of his year, and he had always delighted in attending several plays in the theaters. Perhaps attending this one wouldn't be so bad?

He wasn't certain why, but for some reason, he suddenly looked forward to the play.

It wasn't until he stood on his balcony watching Gretchen sit in the grass with a book in her hands, that he finally understood the reason he was suddenly so interested in the play.

He waited until dinner to announce his discovery to Gretchen.

"Miss Riverside," he began and waited for Gretchen's attention to turn to him. "It has come to my knowledge that you are interested in Shakespeare." Gretchen appeared confused but simply nodded solemnly. Straightening and trying to keep his excitement from showing, he said, "there is going to be a play tonight in the town's theater and I have been invited." He cleared his throat, all of a sudden feeling nervous. "Would you like to come along?"

He watched as Gretchen's eyes lighted up with excitement, before quickly clouding with uncertainty.

"I... well, I have always wanted to watch an actual play but I'm afraid it is impossible.”

“If it's Elizabeth you're concerned about," he raised in question, hoping that her hesitation laid in her reluctance to leave Elizabeth all by herself, rather than her reluctance to spend time with him. When she nodded, he was relieved. "The show is not starting until two hours to midnight. Is that enough time to put Elizabeth to bed?"

She frowned slightly, uncertainty creasing her beautiful face. For a second, he braced himself for her rejection, but after a few more seconds of silence, she nodded, causing a broad smile to claim his lips.

**

GRETCHEN KNEW HER NEW dress was lovely because Sue had taken extra care to ensure its perfection. The neckline left a huge chunk of her shoulders on display, the intricate beadings on the bodice of the pink fabric contrasting wonderfully with her pale skin.

Still, she found herself nervous about the dress. She hated to admit to it, but she was anxious to see if Ethan would be pleased with it as well.

Her eyes traveled from the gown to her slicked back hairstyle, two curly ringlets hanging on either sides of her ears and framing her face. She thought she could have done a better job with it but given the short notice and the time she had to put Ellie to sleep, the simple hairstyle would just have to do.

Turning to the door, she began her journey out of the building and into the chilly evening. Ethan stood by a parked carriage, his black suit tailored perfectly to fit his form. The jewelry attached to his silk necktie winked at her, its sparkle doing nothing to rival the spark she thought she saw in his eyes the second they came to rest on her.