“Here,” she hissed, “you feed her!”

She turned around sharply and fearing she would break down before them, humiliating herself further, she ran out of the room, her tears breaking loose of the restraint she had on them the second she was out of the door.

**

“NO, ELLIE!” GRETCHEN yelled, crossing the room swiftly and retrieving a blanket from Ellie's mouth. She turned and dumped it on the dresser, frustrated. She just wasn't in the mood to deal with the teething baby.

In response, Ellie let out a loud cry.

Gretchen sighed, turning to face the crying child. It wasn't Ellie's fault —she mentally kicked herself. None of it was Ellie's fault but she couldn't help but feel frustrated about the whole situation. Everything with Ethan had gone from bad to worse, and with the way she had practically stormed out of the room yesterday at lunch, she was certain she couldn't face Ethan anymore. Yet, she couldn't quit because she needed the money and she had nothing to return to in America; she was stuck.

“I'm so sorry, Ellie.” She retrieved the wailing baby off of the carpet. “I'm sorry sweetheart, I'm just really tired but it's no excuse for my attitude. I love you, Ellie,” she said, rocking the baby in her arms.

A knock sounded on the door, forcing her to turn to it. Releasing a soft sigh, she crossed the room and pulled it wide open.

Ethan! She stiffened.

“Miss Riverside,” Ethan stood there, his gaze running over her.

Her mouth suddenly felt dry as she stared back at him, confused by his presence. For a brief second, she imagined he was here to fire her for her behavior the evening before. And perhaps she deserved to be fired? It was not her place to dishonor him in the presence of his guest.

“I'm going into town,” he continued, a plain look on his face. “And I would like for you to come along. I have instructed Jacob to get a maid to see to Elizabeth's care.”

She swallowed once, dreading the thought of going into town with Ethan. What she needed was to be far away from him! She began tasking her brain, desperate for an excuse not to go along with him. What did he want from her? Was he going to drive her into town and dump her there on the streets?!

“I can't go, Lord Williams.” She called after him as he made to leave. Turning around, he raised a questioning brow. “I have to stay here with Ellie considering...”

“No, Miss Riverside,” his icy tone sent a cold chill down her spine, silencing her. “You have to do what I say, and I say you're coming into town with me. This is not a request, it's an order. I shall be waiting in the carriage.”

She heaved a breath as she stared after his retreating form. She would have broken down in tears if she didn't already have a baby in her arms in desperate need of comfort.