The vicious slap turned Simon’s head all the way to the left and temporarily stunned him. He knew she’d be angry but the intensity of the blow was much more than he expected. He turned to face her with an expression that was equal parts fury and terror as he listened to her unveiled threats.<br/><br/>“It must be nice to threaten someone who can’t fight back? Isn’t it?” Simon said before turning and spitting on the ground. Partly he did this to show how little he cared or respected for his former master, and partly to rid his mouth of the taste of blood.<br/><br/>“I don’t have children, and I don’t have any idea what it means to be a great lord – but I do know what cruelty is. Yes, you are cruel, m’lady – however noble you think your reasons are won’t change that.”<br/><br/>He let those thoughts sink for a moment before acquiescing to her demand – at least in word.<br/><br/>“And yes, I will return to gather my things and be away before first light.<span style="font-style: italic">You</span>will never see me again,<span style="font-style: italic">your Grace</span>.”<br/><br/>Before Victoria could strike him again he jumped away and pressed himself through a gap in the hedges. He knew she wouldn’t follow him and risk damaging her precious dress, so Simon was able to get away. Once he was out of her earshot he whispered to himself the rest of his thoughts.<br/><br/>“But<span style="font-style: italic">Katherine</span>will see me again, m’lady, that you can count on…”<br/><br/>Knowing the maze like the back of his hand, Simon was able to make his way through the dark into the grove. From there he spent some time alone, hugging his knees as he struggled to think about what he would do next. He had family in Launceton, perhaps they would take him in for a while, he wondered. As he sat silently he watched carefully for any guard patrols who might have been sent to round him up.<br/><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: gray;background:gray;"/></div><br/><br/>Once Victoria was back at the party Ewan came by to tell her he was heading up to his room. After thanking her profusely for hosting such a wonderful event he leaned in for a whisper.<br/><br/>“I am prepared to deal with the boy – permanently. Simply nod if you wish it so,” he said so that no one else could hear.<br/><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: gray;background:gray;"/></div><br/><br/>Some time later Simon decided it was time. He made up his mind sneak back to the gardener’s shed for his few worldly possessions and then make his getaway. Later, he supposed, he would sneak up to the window outside Katherine’s room and try to get her attention. If successful, he planned to then plead his case for elopement. Deep down Simon knew his chances we slim – but they were chances he simply had to take.