The Duke and Duchess of New Haven paid for a simple burial of the young Simon. It had been Henry's insistence and Victoria, in a rare case, chose to let him have his way without argument. Henry had no idea that his elder daughter had been in love with the gardener and that she blamed herself for his death. Henry had insisted they pay for the funeral because the boy had worked for them for a few years and it was the least they could do. It had been a nice, simple ceremony. Not many people had attended the funeral or the burial.<br/><br/>Katherine never forgot her first love. She missed Simon so, even though she did not fight her mother when she was introduced to Timothy Elmore, the Duke of Hereford. She had learned, in the worst way possible, that one did not win against her mother. Although she did visit Simon's simple grave often, leaving a rose from her mother's garden on the tombstone each time. If only she hadn't tried to best Ewan and Victoria at their own game, maybe Simon would still be here. If only she had stood up to Victoria, left with him...She blamed herself for his death. It was clear to Katherine that a life without her was too much for Simon to bear. She'd never forgive herself for him taking his own life. She had thought she was so mature and the night of Alexander's wedding made her realize how naive she truly was. She thought she could have it all but now knew that she couldn't. She was born into nobility and noble girls didn't get to marry their soul mates. They married who their parents decided was best for various reasons, but never for love.<br/><br/>Timothy Elmore didn't seem like a horrible man, but he wasn't Simon. Katherine couldn't help but compare them. Whenever she had to spend time with Timothy, all she could think of was that she wanted Simon here instead. Wishes were for the fairy tales her baby sister enjoyed, though. Simon was gone and she was Timothy's wife. He would be the father of her children, the man she'd spend the rest of her life with.<br/><br/>Since Katherine was marrying into the Elmore family, Timothy's family had been in charge of the wedding planning. Her wedding had not been as grand as her brother's. Katherine had been okay with that. She wasn't married to the man who would always have her heart anyway. Katherine was the same age Victoria had been when she married Henry. She was even wearing the same wedding dress. For those guests that had been around for Victoria and Henry's wedding, there were lots of comparisons about how much Katherine looked like her mother today.<br/><br/>Victoria was thrilled how it all turned out. Another one of children married the person she wanted and their in-laws would someday support Ewan taking his brother's throne. She smiled at the irony that she was seated in between her husband and her lover.<br/><br/>"It is always wonderful to see you, your highness."<br/><br/>Victoria told Ewan with a smile. Henry took a seat after Victoria was seated and nodded his head to Ewan.<br/><br/>"It is good to see you again, my prince. And thank you. Katherine looks as beautiful as her mother did on our wedding day."<br/><br/>Henry took his wife's hand and kiss it, Victoria made the appropriate reaction. Even if she'd rather Ewan being the one kissing her body. Alexander and Gwendolyn took their seats, Gwendolyn was pregnant with their first child. Victoria told the prince with a smile.<br/><br/>"This turning into a very blessed year for our family. Katherine has been joined in the eyes of God with Timothy and Alexander and his lovely wife are expecting."<br/><br/>Once Katherine had decided to accept her fate, she took good care to be the perfect noble woman. Learning how she was going to be expected to act. She played the part well, even if there was a hole in her heart from losing Simon. She saw Ewan looking at her and gave him a nod of acknowledge. She looked at her brother and his pregnant wife and wondered if Alexander did love Gwendolyn now. She was expecting his child and he said he hoped to love her when she gave him a child. Or would the baby have to be born first before Alexander loved? Or would he always love his maid? What about her? Would she ever learn to be more then just fond of Timothy? Would she love him when she began to give him children? Would her heart ever heal from losing Simon? She had no idea and it scared her a little not knowing.