Once settled in the carriage, she glanced out of the window and stared at the magnificent building before her, unable to fathom the motivation behind her niece’s decision to walk away from so much wealth. She had always known about Juliet's insatiable desire for adventure and travels, but running off on a man and a baby was quite inconsiderate of Juliet, the result of which was about to cost Elaine and her husband their home.

Leaning back in the carriage, she took a deep breath and pulled her eyelids shut. Surely she couldn't let that happen; she couldn't stand for Ethan to walk her out of a house she had practically lived in her entire married life. The manor was her home! The moment she got the news of Ethan's planned wedding, she had embarked on a long trip from Manchester to get here to try to stop the wedding, because she knew if Ethan got married to someone else, she would lose her home. She couldn't bear the possibility that her purpose for journeying this far was futile.

Desperate, she ordered the footman to stop the carriage. She couldn't leave London knowing she might not have a home to return to. No, she shook her head; she would remain in London until she tracked Juliet down.

**

WHEN GRETCHEN WAS INFORMED of the visitor who awaited her in the guest parlor, she couldn't help the frown that crept up her face. Considering the fact that she practically didn't know a soul outside of the castle in London, she couldn't help but be suspicious of the mysterious guest.

And her suspicions had been absolutely correct.

Lady Henrietta Hall sat in the drawing room, her amused gaze fixed on Gretchen who stood glued to her position by the entryway.

“Miss Riverside,” Henrietta smiled and rose to her feet. “I didn't mean to barge in on you.”

“Lord Williams has gone into town but he should be back shortly.” She said, assuming Henrietta had come to see Ethan. It was the only explanation for the heiress's rude interruption of Gretchen's afternoon.

“May I?” Henrietta motioned to the sofa.

With a sigh, she nodded and watched as Henrietta settled comfortably on the sofa.

“Oh, please join me over here, Miss Riverside. I was hoping I could get in a visit before heading back home, and with Lord Williams visibly absent from his home, it would be nice if got properly acquainted.”

A frown played at the edge of Gretchen's brows but she fought to keep it hidden, as well as her dislike for Henrietta because she knew Henrietta had feelings for Ethan. For a second, she contemplated coming up with an excuse to reject Henrietta's offer, but she quickly put it out of her mind, knowing full well how rude it would be rude to reject Henrietta, and considering her rude outburst at dinner the last time Henrietta visited the manor, she knew she owed her an apology.