Her fantasy shattered, Allena turned away from the enraged Duchess to re-tie her bodice and adjust her skirts. Even in the darkness he face burned red with embarrassment and shame. She turned to face her accuser with desperate eyes and a heart that was shattering to pieces. Tears began to flow from her eyes.<br/><br/>When Alexander stood up for her she turned to look at him, grateful for his support in her most desperate hour of need. However the enraged Victoria shut him down instantly and turned her wrath to Allena, referring to her as filty. Allena was alone in the world – an orphan serving girl with no one looking out for her. While she was pretty that in itself didn’t offer much hope for a bright future. For a brief, fleeting moment she thought Alex may be able to provide that for her – that perhaps God himself had sent him. In an instant she sensed that hope collapse out from under her like a house of cards. Allena began to sob.<br/><br/>“I’m…I’m not… I’m not like that… Your Grace,” she whimpered. “I am an honest maid…who loves your son – and he me! Please!” she shouted, raising her voice in desperation. “Please have mercy…” she asked I between sobs. “Please… give me a chance…”<br/><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: gray;background:gray;"/></div><br/><br/><br/>Upstairs Ewan took a second sip of his wine and overheard the commotion below. He stepped to the tower room’s small window and opened the shutters. Down below he saw the drama unfolding.<br/><br/>“This should be fun to watch,” he added with a smirk as he took another sip.