Secluded lake

Netta gave a nervous laugh, "Good," she nodded.

She watched him move closer and felt nervous again. "Your grace?" she tilted her head.

Netta looked at his hand upon her arm, finding herself even more nervous.

She looked up at him, nodding. "And I wish to be myself with you, your grace." Though she did not want to give the duke the idea that she was as wanton as the English ladies of court.

Netta took a deep breath, nodded and gave a smile as she looked up at him.

Mionetta's eyes flashed upward as her eyes met his. She gave another smile, finding herself blushing. "Of course, your grace, you have been nothing but kind," she nodded.

Netta looked around at the lake, realizing finally it had gotten late and she felt a ping of panic, yet smiled at his grace's offer.

She gave a nod, looking up at him. "Oh, yes, please your grace," she laughed, tucking a curl behind her ear, "I had not noticed how late it is."

Netta nodded, and placed her arm around his, allowing him to escort her back to the palace. "Thank you, your grace," she smiled.

Ben was walking about the grounds when he noticed a beautiful woman, he knew he had to speak to her. "My lady forgive my bluntness, but I noticed you from afar and I had to speak to you." He said with his eyes still locked on her.

"Well it's in my nature to speak to a beautiful lady!" He said as he sat next her. He sat close enough that he could smell her scent that smelled of sweet honey and vanilla.

Catherine waited for Thomas at the lake, the thought of seeing him again made her smile and her heart to race with excitement . It was a fine, clear spring day, the air alight with birdsong and a small breeze whispered softly and gently lifted her long hair. The sun's warmth filtered through her bones and she felt a feeling of reassurance from the great outdoors.

Thomas walked out to the lake and saw his Catherine sitting by the water, he walked up to her "Cathy?" he knew it was her but wanted to see her her turn around; a look at that beautiful face.

All thoughts fled at the sound of Tom's voice. Her mouth dried and her heart skipped a beat. She turned  around, her smile wide and joyous, and her eyes sparkling with love.

Thomas!

She came to him and wrapped her arms around him, inhaling his sweet scent.

I've missed you.

She hadn't seen him since Elizabeth's weeding and she had missed him so much.

Thomas heard a beautiful voice, he turned and saw his love. Embracing her, he kissed her then looked into her eyes "You've been missed" he caressed the side of her cheek "I want to apologize for my mother's behavior the news of our engagement just shocked her a bit." He said covering up for his mother.

She was glad his arms were around her, because she was sure she melted in his arms from his kiss. She smiled up at him as she gazed softly into his eyes.

No need for apology. Everything was rather quickly and anyone would react like it.

She said as she leaned into his hand.

"I just want my family to accept you....Although, even they don't that would never change my decision to marry you." He then held her close and kissed her passionately as he brushed a few strands of her hair behind her ear. "Cathy I wish to be with you fully although, that's if your ready." He confessed.

Catherine pulled back a little her eyes opened and she smiled at him, a soft, dreamy smile.

And they shall eventually. Just give them some time.

She said as she held much hope that they'd accept her. However, when he  pulled her closer into his arms and kissed her all conscious thought disappeared and she  felt like a flower blooming, unfurling, under the heat of the sun. She closed her eyes and pressed her body more against his , giving herself up to his kiss, to the sheer indescribable delight.

There is nothing more I want than to give myself entirely and completely to you. To be yours fully.

She whispered, looking up at him with her flushed cheeks.