Katherine was out of her element, she realized that quickly. In some ways, she was becoming like her mother. However, she wasn't ready to best her mother or her lover in the games of blackmail and deception.<br/><br/>"Yes, I did."<br/><br/>Katherine replied quietly. She learned how cruel the prince could be when he let his mask slip. She was pretty sure she didn't want any mentoring from Ewan. She also didn't want to become like her mother. She wanted to be a better woman then her. She wanted to marry for love and be a good mother. Be a mother like Eugenia was. The sudden switch in Ewan was shocking. He went from threatening her to wanting to make her an ally someday.<br/><br/>"I....Good night."<br/><br/>Katherine replied, not sure if she should believe anything Ewan just said to her. Maybe he was being genuine and wouldn't tell Victoria.. But what if he did? She shook her head, she needed to get out of her, right away. She rushed out of the reception hall. She had to get word to Simon that they had to leave. Her parents would disown, they'd be dirt poor, but they'd be happy and safe. Their love would make it a good life. She almost ran into Eugenia, who had just settled Rebecca and David to bed and heading back to the hall for Nicholas and Adam. As the night was wearing on, it was time for the younger Montgomery children to go to bed.<br/><br/>"Katherine? Are you all right?"<br/><br/>Eugenia asked in concern. Katherine shook her head.<br/><br/>"I...Ummm..."<br/><br/>Katherine adored Eugenia, she always felt she could trust her but...She didn't want to get the family nanny in trouble with Victoria. As badly as she wanted to confess her failed attempt at blackmail, the young woman held back. She didn't want get Eugenia in trouble. The less she knew, the better. It would protect her from Victoria's wrath.<br/><br/>"Could you give someone a message for me?"<br/><br/>Eugenia nodded her head.<br/><br/>"I can, after I make sure Adam and Nicholas are in bed."<br/><br/>Katherine gave Eugenia a tense smile.<br/><br/>"That is fine, it will give me time to write it out."<br/><br/>Katherine replied and Eugenia reached out and touched her forearm.<br/><br/>"Katherine? Are you sure you are okay? I-"<br/><br/>"I am fine, Eugenia. It is just important and cannot wait another night."<br/><br/>Eugenia didn't truly believe her but she knew the young woman well enough to know that Katherine wasn't going to tell her. Eugenia nodded her head.<br/><br/>"All right. I will come to your room once I make sure your brothers are in bed."<br/><br/>Katherine agreed that was a good idea and rushed to her bedroom. She realized she had a lot to do. First, though, she needed to talk to Simon. Tell him what was going on. How they needed to leave and make plans to run. She gave Eugenia a note that asked him to meet her tonight in the garden maze, in their spot. Eugenia didn't say anything, but she knew which servant was getting the note from Katherine. She had a bad feeling this would not work out well.<br/><br/>------------------------<br/><br/>Victoria's eyes narrowed in anger when Ewan passed on the information about her daughter. She had had her suspicions as of late, but she had had no proof before. Just that Katherine seemed distracted and lost in her thoughts. She'd also disappear to the gardens from time to time but she had been very careful. When he brought up the rose, Victoria replied.<br/><br/>"It must be Simon. He tends to my roses."<br/><br/>And he was young and foolish enough to think it was acceptable to take one for his crush or that he could be with a girl of noble blood. Silly Katherine, you'd think she would have learned from her brother's mistake.<br/><br/>"Thank you for the information. I will deal with it right away."<br/><br/>Victoria had to drug Henry's wine and then deal with her daughter and her gardener. Dear Lord...a gardener. That was so beneath them, she'd be damned if her grandchildren had a servant for a father. Henry was an easy task. She quickly got the tonic and it didn't take much encouragement to get him to drink more wine then he needed to. Especially once the children were heading to bed. Victoria told a guard to follow Katherine. It was late, there were many guests, and she claimed to be concerned for her child's safety.