William frowned at the news of her mother's passing.  The woman had been like a second mother to him and he had spent just as many years as Catherine huddled around the woman's skirts.  It was a tragedy to hear such news and he fought back the tears.  He squeezed her hands again, this time with a trembling in his strength.  He let out a soft sigh and shook his head.<br/><br/>"I'm so sorry to hear such news.  She was one of the dearest women I have ever known. I only hope she went peacefully and surrounded by her family."<br/><br/>Of course she had but it needed to be said.  He only hoped Catherine drew solace from the fact that her mother had touched so many lives and made them all the happier for it.  It was a pity she would never see her daughter married but he knew the woman was watching them from above and would be there in spirit.  The time for mourning had passed for Catherine but it had only begun for William whose own parents had died not long ago and he still secretly mourned for them.<br/><br/>"Yes.. your aunt will do just fine then.  I will write her a letter after we get permission from your father."