Victoria arrived at the nursery a few minutes later and once Gretchen had instructed the maid on how to care for Ellie in her absence, she planted a kiss on Ellie's cheek and said goodbye to her. She wasn't sure she'd see Ellie again and while the thought was strong enough to scare her, she was just plain worn out and tired.

Once she was seated in the carriage beside Ethan, she focused her gaze on her hands as the carriage began to move, silence building a wall between them as they journeyed. She didn't dare look at him, even if she felt his gaze settle on her once in a while.

The carriage finally stopped moving and she was more than thankful to be let out of the crippling silent prison she had been sentenced to for what felt like an eternity, with Ethan as her prison mate.

Without a word to her, Ethan began leading her through the busy streets. While the silence was beginning to drive her crazy, she decided to diligently follow Ethan. It wasn't as if she had any choice; she certainly could not disobey him. She was his child's nanny, his employee, and whether or not she approved of his dragging her aimlessly through the streets of London, it didn't matter. He was Lord Williams after all; the lord of the manor, the proud owner of several lands spread across England, the controller of vessels that traveled the world, and worst of them all, the possessor of her heart. The longer she spent in his home, the more convinced she was that she couldn't leave his side.

After walking for thirty minutes, Ethan came to a halt in the middle of the busy streets. Her feet were hurting but she was determined not to complain. Perhaps this was his idea of punishing her for insubordination?

The streets all around them teemed with people going about their business. She watched silently as his gaze traveled the busy streets, his silver eyes scanning their environment. Then, without warning, he turned to her with an expressionless look on his face.

“Do you know why I brought you here, Miss Riverside?” He began. She shook her head, lacking the strength to speak. “This is the center of London, the busiest street there is.”

“I have already had a tour of London, Lord Williams.” She said, wanting to end this madness and return to Ellie.

Ethan nodded once, his gaze traveling the streets again. “You were rude to my guest, one of the most revered women in London. Her family is very influential.”

“I apologize, Lord Williams.” She said, meaning it. “I will extend my apologies to Lady Henrietta when I get the chance.” She bowed her head.

“Yet, I forbid you from doing that.” He said, surprising her.

Taking a step that brought him face to face with her, she felt a slight shiver race through her spine at his closeness; a feeling of excitement mingled with fear.