Fighting the urge to cry, she straightened and readjusted the baby on her hip.

“Lord Williams awaits you, Miss Riverside.” Jacob announced, holding the dining room door wide open.

She offered him an appreciative nod, dread filling her as she forced one foot after the other forward until she was making her way into the room.

Once in the room, her gaze immediately settled on Ethan standing by the table and to her utmost horror, seated beside Ethan was Henrietta, the root of the whole problem.

Releasing a tired sigh, she made her way to a seat far away from Ethan. She was drained and lacked the energy to fight another battle for a man —she just didn't have it in her anymore.

“It's nice to see you again, Miss Riverside.” Henrietta began.

“Likewise,” she forced a smile, a bitter taste filling her mouth.

“Ethan was just telling me how much of a great nanny you have been to Elizabeth.” Henrietta looked content as she smiled at her. “I had no idea you were his child's nanny. I think Ethan is just so sweet for taking his child's nanny to a ball.”

Gretchen tightened her hold around Ellie to stop herself from throwing a punch at Henrietta.

“We should eat,” Ethan announced just as the servants began entering the room with their meal.

“So Ethan, when are you going to give me a tour of this fabulous castle?”

Gretchen's gaze shifted to Henrietta's slender fingers that rested seductively on Ethan's arm.

“Perhaps when I have the luxury of time, Lady Henrietta,” Ethan answered.

Gretchen tore her gaze off of the perfect couple and focused her attention on the baby seated on her lap who was now making a mess of the food.

“Do Americans dine with babies, Miss Riverside?” Henrietta's voice grated on Gretchen's nerves as she tried to pry the piece of chicken covered in sauce from Ellie's grip.

She bit down on her lower lip and focused her attention on trying to wipe Ellie's hands clean.

Ellie struggled against her efforts to wipe her hand of the grease that stained it, pushing hard against Gretchen until she was knocking a glass over, and the cold, red liquid was spilling on them both.

“That is really messy!” Henrietta chirped, her voice grating on Gretchen's sore nerves —she had had enough!

Springing to her feet, she held Ellie against her chest as she turned angry eyes to Henrietta. “Would you keep your silly opinions to yourself, Henrietta or did your prim and proper mother forget to teach you to shut up while eating dinner?!” she yelled, beyond frustrated.

Henrietta appeared shocked by her outburst, but Gretchen saw plainly the coy smile that tugged on the edges of her lips, infuriating her further.

She turned her anger to Ethan —it was his fault! He was the reason for her madness!

Shoving her chair back, she made her way to where he sat gawking at her and placed the baby in his hands.