She leaned forward. "I love you, Ethan."

“I love you very much, Gretchen." He said, leaning forward as well.

Her eyes twinkled with delight. "Lord Williams, are you about to kiss me on the streets?"

"Ethan..." He answered simply, before pulling his eyelids shut and taking captive of her lips, right there on the streets.

Chapter Twenty Three

The pin pricked Gretchen's skin for the umpteenth time that evening, evoking a loud yelp from her lips. She glanced down to glare at Sue who knelt there with pins in her mouth.

“Are we done yet?” She moaned, exhausted.

She had been standing on her feet for what seemed like an eternity, trying to get the final fitting for the wedding gown. Her wedding to Ethan was barely three days away. She had stalled the wedding for two months, hoping it would give her family the chance to travel, but a day ago she had received a letter from her parents informing her of their deepest regret; they couldn't travel at the time especially because her father was working on a new business plan.

At first, she was upset that her family would pick their business over her —it had been upsetting to know she was going to walk down the aisle without them— but she hadn't been surprised, for money meant more to the Riversides than family.

Sue rose to her feet, pulling the pins from her mouth. “Apologies Miss Riverside, this is the final fitting and you must understand my desperation for perfection.” Sue offered her an apologetic smile.

Gretchen stared at the large mirror before her, her gaze scanning the lace wedding gown. She couldn't believe the beauty of the gown, and although she hadn't cared too much for corsets all her life, she absolutely loved this gown, corset and all. It had a low cut neckline with short sleeves, corseted bodice, and a slightly balled skirt that went ahead to form a long train behind her. Staring at herself, she had to admit that the hours of standing on her feet and being pricked with pins, was worth it after all.

She opened her mouth to say just that but was quickly interrupted by the sound of an approaching carriage. Turning to offer Sue an appreciative smile, she gathered her skirt in her hands and wobbled to the large window where she pushed the silk curtains aside in time to see a black coach come to a halt.

She watched in anticipation, hoping desperately that her parents would emerge from it. Perhaps they had changed their minds? Perhaps they had chosen to surprise her?

She tightened her grip on the curtains, leaning forward slightly as the coachman pulled the door open and its occupant emerged.

Gasping, she released her grip on the curtains and turning to face the door, began racing hurriedly out of the room.