“Your outburst was the only thing that kept me from kicking Lady Henrietta off of my property.” He whispered gently.

She breathed, barely able to speak as his gaze held hers.

“You asked if I was embarrassed by you; if I would choose an English woman over you.” He said, shaking his head slowly in response to her question on the evening of the ball and tears immediately filled her eyes. “I'm not embarrassed by you, Gretchen,” he whispered, taking another step forward until their lips were only inches apart. “And today, before all of London, I choose you.” Going on his knees right there on the streets, he reached for her hand. “Will you, Gretchen Riverside, marry me?”

The air immediately ceased from her lung, rendering her speechless for several seconds as her mind struggled to comprehend what it was that was happening to her. Surely she was simply having a really good dream! Surely Ethan wasn't kneeling before her on the streets of London, asking her to be his wife?

Tears ran down her cheeks as she watched him, excitement washing over her as she stared down at him. While she wanted to throw her arms around him and gladly accept his proposal, her limbs suddenly felt weak and her lips were suddenly incapable of producing any sound.

“My knees are starting to hurt darling,” he called from his position on before her. She glanced down at him to find him staring at her, his pink lips folded into a pout, his silver eyes widened a notch and his hands now clasped before him in a prayer stance.

Throwing her head back, Gretchen couldn't help the laughter that erupted from her lips as she nodded her head excitedly with tears running down her face. She was finally marrying the man she loved!

Chapter Twenty

Ethan reached forward, his arms wrapping around Gretchen's waist as he pulled her on to his lap and nuzzled lovingly against her neck. He was much more than thankful for the short time he got to spend with Gretchen; the time between Elizabeth's midday nap and lunch.

Gretchen let out a soft giggle, before turning her face to him, and their lips automatically locked. He loved the feel of her lips, he thought. There wasn't anything about Gretchen, Ethan didn't like and the more time he spent with her, the more he realized how much he loved her.

“I think it's appropriate to begin our wedding plans.” He whispered against her lips.

Gretchen released a puff of air in surprise, warm air from her mouth tickling his skin. Ethan closed his eyes briefly, a smile spreading across his face.

“I'm so sorry Ethan, I did it again.” She said, pulling away. He opened his eyes to find her hands clasped over her lips, her eyelids bulging. “You know, I always prided myself with having really good manners, but right next to English people, I’m completely barbaric. I can't believe I just breathed into your face and who knows if my breath still smells of eggs and bacon?”