Katherine knew they should just get to the business at hand. It would seem almost silly to stand around and talk, but when she was with Simon, sometimes her common sense was lost. She was never with him long enough and always welcomed his embrace. She eagerly returned his kiss and allowed him to let her blond hair to fall down pass her shoulders.<br/><br/>"And I love you, Simon."<br/><br/>Katherine replied with a smile, when they sat down, she took a hold of his hand.<br/><br/>"That is why I want us to leave, tonight. After my parents and their guests are passed out in their beds from celebrating Alexander's wedding. I do not want to wait anymore. I know what I want, and it is you."<br/><br/>Katherine looked down a moment as she thought of what her future would mean if they ran off. Leaving her family, marrying a man her mother would never approve of...She would be blacklisted forever. Never welcomed back into the noble society. She'd probably never see her father or siblings again. Those things made her a little sad but she thought she could handle it. The pros of being with the one she loved, outweighed any con Victoria would throw her way.<br/><br/>"I know it will be hard. My mother will do what ever she can to punish us for leaving, but it does not matter. As long as we are together, then my world will be perfect."<br/><br/>Katherine looked up with a smile. She had lived a privileged life, being the daughter of a duke. She knew that and was old enough to know what running away and disobeying her parents, would make her no better then a street urchin. They would probably have to live as such for some time. Maybe the rest of their lives. It was okay, though. Their love could conquer all. Katherine truly believed that. She laughed when he quickly corrected himself when he said 'simple'. She touched his cheek and told him.<br/><br/>"I know what you meant."<br/><br/>Katherine did not take it as an insult. He was so handsome and sweet. Being with him truly was heaven. Katherine could not picture being with any other man. She knew they should head back, prepare to leave for good, but having a rare moment alone made it hard to leave this moment.<br/><br/>"Everything will be good for us."<br/><br/>Katherine replied, she was sure of that. She knew it would hard but they would survive it together. They would have good, happy lives. Hopefully be blessed with many children. Everything, in the long run, would be perfect. Simon was worth throwing all her old life away for.<br/><br/>"I love you."<br/><br/>She whispered as she moved closer to him, not objecting to the more intimate kiss. A few more kisses, Katherine told herself, then they would discuss their plans to leave New Haven.<br/><br/>-------------------------------<br/><br/>Caden walked Victoria to the garden maze and told her.<br/><br/>"I saw them both go in there, my lady. Would you like me to accompany you?"<br/><br/>"No, but thank you, Caden. This is a matter I must deal with."<br/><br/>Caden nodded his head, not objecting to the Duchess' order. She handed him a small sack of gold.<br/><br/>"Thank you for your services tonight."<br/><br/>Caden bowed his head and told Victoria she was welcome. He thanked her for the payment and went on his way. While curious about what Victoria would do to the gardener and her daughter, he did not stick around. She told him to leave and he knew he had to listen. No one liked being on Victoria's bad side. Victoria entered the garden maze. Katherine and Simon knew it far better then she did. Victoria grew it because that's what people did on estates. She didn't need a maze to meet her lover in secret. She had far more mature ways of doing that. It took her a few minutes to find her way to the center of it, hearing Katherine and Simon's hushed voices helped. When she found her way to them, she saw them in quite an intimate embrace.<br/><br/>"Katherine!"<br/><br/>She bellowed and Katherine jumped back upon hearing her mother's voice. She looked up and saw that Victoria was angry as she was the night she found out Alexander with his maid.<br/><br/>"Mother, I-"<br/><br/>"Shut up."<br/><br/>Victoria said and turned to Simon. How dare this lowly servant think he could touch one her children? Shove his tongue down her throat...That little bastard! She and Henry had given a job, a warm place to sleep, decent food to fill his belly. Victoria hated ungrateful people so much.<br/><br/>"After everything my husband and I have done for you, this is how you repay our kindness? Trying to make my daughter a whore?!"<br/><br/>Katherine's face turned beet red at her mother's accusation.