Cedric did not ask of her mother when they went into her garden, and was concerned about the way Jon has been treating his sister. He shivered as she kissed his cheek, and he looked to her and said,<br/>“I did not know about how Jon was treating you. When you go to the university, Jon will not be there. You will have more freedom.”<br/>He smiled as his fingers played with a loose lock of her hair. He went to say,<br/>“Know Lady Kate, that being in your presence, to be able to talk and to touch you, to see your eyes looking at me, to hear your voice talking, it brings me much happiness. You have helped me so much Kate….”<br/>His hand slid around her neck and he drew her close, slowly kissing her tender lips. He then looked into her eyes for a moment before kissing her longer and with more intensity. When they broke, he whispered,<br/>“I think kissing you is my favourite thing to do. I will do what I need to do to get this posting. I will be lost no more Kate, not if I have you in my life.”<br/>Hi hand slid from her neck and caressed down her shoulder, and down her arm until their fingers entwined. Cedric sighed and had to ask,<br/>“Do you think we will be missed at the ball? Will Jon be looking for you?”<br/>He raised her hand to his lips and gently kissed her fingers.