Simon instantly removed his hands from Katherine’s midsection as her mother made her dramatic appearance. The reality of the situation landed on him like a ton of bricks. He was completely screwed.<br/><br/>Once Katherine pulled away Simon slid off the stone bench and dropped to his knees. He reached his hands upwards in a pleading expression as he spoke.<br/><br/>“Please, your Grace, I meant no harm – I would never hurt Katherine in any way. I… I love her…” he struggled to explain. Simon knew Victoria as the aloof, demanding lady of the estate who didn’t spend much time worrying about the garden.  He didn’t know exactly how unforgiving and vengeful she really was or else he would have run for his life.<br/><br/>“Please forgive us – we meant no harm. I would never have done anything to compromise her honor – or… or your own! We were just… ah… kissing…” he tried to explain. His expression would have been beet red with shame if he wasn’t so afraid of losing his job. He had no idea exactly what lay in store for him. While they had been doing a tad more than kissing, no articles of clothing had been removed at the time mother found them. Otherwise there would really have been hell to pay!<br/><br/>“I… I…,” Simon stuttered as he desperately tried to think of something to say.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: gray;background:gray;"/></div><br/><br/><br/>Back at the party it was starting to get late. Although he wasn’t tired, Ewan let a yawn slip out as he spoke to Duke Henry before begging forgiveness.<br/><br/>“Please forgive my impertinence, Henry, but I am more tired from my journey than I thought. Frankly, you’re looking a bit exhausted yourself. All you alright old boy? You look like you need your bed even more than I need mine!" he said jovially with a wide smile.