September19, 1877

Percy had dreamed of this day since he was fifteen years old, since he had first realized his love for Miss Margaret Whittmore. Perhaps, he would reflect in the years to come, it would have been better to have told her when they had been fifteen. But instead he had waited, not wishing to shackle her to someone who could not support her. She’d had enough of that in her life, an impression he had gotten over the years of their friendship.

Now, he stood at the end of her walkway, nervous. One hand in his pocket, toying with the small ring that had once been his grandmother’s. He’d envisioned all the ways he’d ask her, but now that the moment was here he could hardly even summon the courage to walk up to her door. He’d never know if he didn’t ask, Percy determined, squaring his shoulders, running a hand through his hair, and then starting for the door. After all, what was the worst that could happen? She’d say no, he’d feel a fool, and they’d continue on as friends as they always had been.

His tentative knock set things in motion and next Percy knew he had been shown to the drawing room, Maggie waiting for him. He hoped she would not be angry with him, he’d grown busy with work the past few months … maybe it had been longer than that… and his letters had dwindled from what they once had been. Each of her own had made him wish to confide his plans to her, but he could not so it seemed the most logical to simply wait until the perfect time to tell her. With this promotion, his work rewarded, the time had finally come.

Percy grinned at his best friend, the woman he loved. She loved as beautiful as ever, but he was so bursting at the seems with excitement that he could hardly tell her such a thing. What would she have thought of that?

“Good afternoon Maggie.” He grinned at her as he executed a bow, trying to blend their friendship with the formality of the occasion, what he thought she’d want. Stay calm, he coached himself, two parts nerves, two parts happiness.


Margaret Goyle

  

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Pretties from Lady <3

On a boring, starless evening three weeks ago, Edmund Goyle had escorted Maggie to an elaborate dinner party that concluded with his proposal. She had been expecting it all evening, for he spoke with Charles who whispered to Gwen who in turn promptly informed Maggie it was her familial obligation to accept. The Goyle's, while not fabulously wealthy, were a respectable pureblooded family. To share a connection with them would serve only to elevate the Wittmore family. Her brothers - none of whom were exceptionally bright might have better prospects if they could claim a relation to the old family. And after Charles dutifully paid for Maggie's two seasons, she had little choice in the matter.

Three weeks ago, Maggie had finally come to terms with the crushing of her folly dreams. The letters from Percy had dwindled since leaving school to a point where she was no longer certain when the last one was received. In fact, she doubted he was even aware of Edmund's existence. Maggie's last letter to him hadn't included the news of her upcoming courtship, and in the time that passed the relationship only grew. The dream of marrying her best friend dimmed with every event she attended with Edmund. The fantasy of becoming Mrs. Percival Adlard Jr. was further broken every week that passed with no word from him. Until finally, she could afford to wait no longer. Not when her parents had such lofty expectations. Not when a suitor - the only suitor she had - was on his knee before her with a ring.

She hadn't written to inform Percy of it, for she felt the announcment in the paper was an obvious enough statement. Whatever moment that passed between them at the Hogwart's Coming Out (though, Maggie now wondered if it was something she imagined) had ended. No longer were they school children with a silly affection - they were adults, and Maggie had to begin acting as such.

But, Merlin, she missed him.

Every day that passed with no news from him was like a dagger to her heart. Maggie often found herself scouring the Prophet for any mention of him or his family. For any tidbit of information that she might use as an excuse to contact him. The time that elapsed since their last encounter had created an awkward distance. Maggie no longer felt comfortable writing him a letter with her random thoughts. Nor did she feel inclined to attempt a visit with him (such visits would be improper now, anyway, given her recent status change). His new life was more important than their old one, forcing his rapid disappearance from her life. It was a jarring and devastating loss.

So when her maid informed her of his visit, Maggie's heart fluttered and her breath caught in her throat. To see him again after so long (they had to be nearing a year!) was a shock to her system. Maggie rushed down the stairs and into the parlor, not even bothering to sit. She didn't stop to think of the reason behind his visit (a mistake of epic proportions she'd realize belatedly). It didn't matter why he was here - it only mattered that he was present and smiling at her. When had she last been able to see that smile? "Hello, Percy." She returned with a grin and a curtsy. The formalities, while odd for them, weren't entirely unexpected. Though, perhaps she had merely gotten used to the Society scene that she didn't think twice of it now.

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There had always been a vibrancy that surrounded Maggie, radiating from her smile, her hair, her very being. In the months that had passed since Percy last saw Maggie (it could not have been too terribly long, could it?) it had not dimmed in the least. The smile she bestowed on him held the same brightness it always had, almost as if she glowed. For a moment Percy forgot his reason for being there, forgot his nerves, forget everything, simply happy to be by her again. For one moment they were suspended in a world all there own as if nothing else mattered. Maybe only Percy could feel it, but in that moment he felt sure that Maggie could as well.

Just like that the moment shattered and Percy remembered his reason for. Remembered he wasn’t entirely sure what her answer would be. But it was Maggie. He had always felt she knew his heart better than even he did. Not to mention that smile she was giving him and then there was the matter of the Coming Out Ball when they had graduated. No, Percy had hope or he wouldn’t be here.

“I’m sorry I’ve been away for so long.” Percy started, his smile truly apologetic. “I hope you have been well.” He wasn’t really sure how to approach the subject but niceties seemed a good place to begin. Afterall how did one propose?

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   Margaret Goyle

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Pretties from Lady <3

It was a relief to know the time that settled between them hadn't greatly impacted their friendship. His was the one relationship she counted on - the single opinion she valued most. Perhaps that was why she hadn't informed him of Edmund's existence. The stoic man was a far cry from the man she envisioned spending the rest of her life with, and Percy would surely notice. Edmund was an emotionless statue, better suited for his role as a dreary ministry employee than as a husband. If not for her parents' insistence that she wed Maggie would've been content to remain waiting eternally. But, she had obligations and she had to settle for less than she deserved.

"It's okay. We always knew life would change after school." She shrugged. Maggie wished she could go back to that girl and force her to commit every moment to memory. To shove her feelings for Percy into the air between them while she still had the opportunity. "How is it working at the ministry? You must have stories for me." She gestured for him to sit opposite her before settling on one of the chairs.

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Beautiful set by MJ

“That’s no excuse.” Percy admitted, with a slight shrug, feeling awkward about the whole thing. But really he hadn’t been a very good friend for Maggie, so caught up in the idea of working toward their future as he had been.

Percy took a breathe, this was as good a time as any, but Maggie cut him off before he could even find the words to say, gesturing to the couch. How he wished he could take that olive branch. That he could take a seat on the sofa and talk as if nothing had changed. But the night of the Coming Out Ball she had given him hope. Things had changed and he had to try. He’d get tongue tied trying to talk to her about anything other than his purpose and she’d see right through that. Or he’d loss his nerve and never say anything, allowing that hope to drift off before he could get the words out.

His cheeks turned faintly pink, as he looked at her. “Perhaps you’d rather hear me out first.” Percy started, realizing belatedly that it likely sounded as if he were in the middle of a conversation rather than answering her. He’s cheeks grew warmer and he had to resist the urge to shift with the amount of nervous energy he felt.

The following 1 user Likes Percival Adlard's post:1 user Likes Percival Adlard's post
   Margaret Goyle

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Pretties from Lady <3

Hear him out? Whatever did he mean by that? Maggie knew him better than to believe his visit today was only to see one another for the first time in months, but this...this seemed serious. The pink of his cheeks made her overjoyed expression fall into a look of confusion. Had he fallen in love with someone? No...that couldn't possibly be, for Percy had years yet before he was considered an eligible bachelor. Surely, he wouldn't have had her wait years for him just to be with someone else?!

Her nervousness prevented her from standing again. If her newly discovered fear was true, Maggie wasn't sure she could restrain from forcibly removing him from her presence. To have to see him with someone else was a horror she knew she would one day have to accept, but she wasn't prepared for it to be now! She was meant to have years before having to attend his wedding!

"Alright..." she said, her confusion obvious in her tone.

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To make matters worse Percy had confused Maggie. Not his intention at all. He’d practiced this a million times in his mind over the years, over the past few days, but now that the moment was there he found he could only remember vague tidbits that he was supposed to say.

Percy reached into his pocket, his fingers wrapping around his grandmother’s ring as he began to speak. “I-I’m sure you are aware that I’ve held you in the highest regard these past few years…” Bloody hell what was he supposed to say next? He found he couldn’t quite look at her and instead focused his gaze on her forehead. Better that way. “And, uh, I know that I can bring little to you - and I’m sure you might have better offers-” The words were pouring out in a rush now. “But I love you, Maggie. I always have, and I always will.” His words were rapid, spoken with the intensity of his emotions guarded for years and at last spilling over the dam. He met her gaze. “The night of the Coming Out Ball you gave me hope you might regard me in that manner as well. And I -” Percy stepped forward toward her, dropping to a knee as he produced the sapphire ring that had once belonged to his grandmother. “Wish to spend the rest of my life with you, as my wife. If you’ll have me?” His gaze was unsure, nervous. But there was nothing he could do now.

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   Margaret Goyle

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Pretties from Lady <3

Oh.

Oh.

It wasn't someone else he loved — it was her! Their dance at the Coming Out Ball had meant the same to him as it did her. His love wasn't some ridiculous fantasy dreamt up after too much time spent together. Their entire future spread before her as clear as day — their wedding, their happiness, their children. Maggie's heart was racing like a thunderous race horse as he fell to one knee, her answer immediately obvious.

Except.

No.

Except, she wasn't free to accept his proposal. Her wide eyed shocked stare fell to one of defeat as the realization dawned on her. " Percy..." She began but soon faltered. The engagement to Edmund had already been announced in the papers. The date was already set. Her parents were relying on her to establish worthy connections (not that the Adlard's weren't worthy). Maggie had expectations as heavy as boulders upon her shoulders.

Regardless of what she wanted (and Merlin, she wanted him), Maggie knew she could never accept his proposal now. It was too late. Three weeks too late. "I'm so sorry. I'm not ... I'm ... " Merlin. How was she to break his heart like this? How was she to shatter her own?! "It was announced in the papers two weeks ago...I already accepted another's proposal." Each word felt like a dagger to her heart. Her shoulders slumped heavily as she prepared herself for what she knew would be a devastating response.

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Anxiously, Percy peered at Maggie’s face. Watching for an infinitesimal change that might flicker across it, some small hint of what she might be feeling. Surprise was clear on her face, in the widening of her eyes, in the moment when he thought a smile might break across her lips. But then her face clouded, her brows furrowed. In that moment, the moment between surprise and devastation, Percy knew her answer. Knew that what he had felt that night at the ball had been him and him alone. She had no idea his feelings for her, as he had mistakenly thought she did, nor did she return those feelings. His heart plummeted.

Her words delivered the sting of a heartbreak he had always known would come. A heartbreak seven - no nine (for he loved her longer than he could remember) - years in the making. A heartbreak that when he thought himself so close to the choice of being with her, was delivered to tell him there had never been a choice, a chance. He may have deluded himself for a few days that there was perhaps so hope in the matter, some small kernel of friendship that might appeal him to her, but there wasn’t. In the end the choice had never even existed.

What hurt the most, Percy realized, was not her rejection. On some level he had always known that was what the answer would be. But rather the thought that there had been another man. Another man that Percy had not even known of. He had always thought Maggie would tell him if she were courting, if her attentions had fallen on another man, yet her letters (rare as they had become) had not even hinted at it. Had their friendship fallen apart into a weak semblance of what it had once been? Or had it always been like this and Percy was too blind to see it?

What did he say now? Percy wondered as the pain crashed into him. What was there left to say? Instead Percy put the ring back into his pocket. His cheeks had turned red, a flush creeping up through to his ears. There was nothing left to say, to do. He realized. This was Maggie’s choice, he had played his role, he had taken his chance.

Percy stood up and stpped back. “I see.” He said, almost emotionless. Inside he was reeling, but he tried to remain collected. He had been too late. The words rang through his head, drumming against his skull again and again, and with it the lingering thought that she had never loved him in the first place.

“I-” Percy started. But where did he go from here? He resisted the urge to run a nervous hand through his hair. Maggie deserved better from this if they had even considered themselves friends. For her sake he had to pull himself together. Set aside his shame and be the friend she would want from him. “I wish you all the happiness in the world Maggie.” He told her, and it was true. He did. Even if that meant that he wasn’t in her life. Quieter, he added, “He’s a very lucky man.” He fixed his gaze on the floor between them, not sure he could handle the embarrassment of looking at her any longer than needed, especially when mentioning the man that Percy had for a moment deluded himself into thinking he could be.

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   Margaret Goyle

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Pretties from Lady <3

Were it not for the timing, Maggie knew her answer would've caused them both far less grief. They would embrace, perhaps even share a chaste kiss. She wouldn't be forced to watch him leave for what she now knew would be one of the last times. Their friendship was irrevocably altered. The question couldn't be rescinded, just as her response was now permanent. Maggie rose to her feet, tempted to beg him to stay for just a minute longer. Percy was her best friend — her person. How could it be that they would no longet remain friends after this? How could a near decade of friendship cease to exist?

Taking a few steps towards him (though nowhere near as close as she wanted to be) Maggie fidgeted anxiously with her fingers. Her impatience led them here. Her doubt in him ruined them. If only she had been brave enough to ask him directly. If only he made some sort of indication this was his plan. "Percy..." she pleaded, unsure of what she was asking. Their friendship couldn't end on this note, Maggie wasn't sure she would survive it.

"You'll be there...won't you?" It was cruel of her to ask, she knew it the second the words left her mouth. But, Maggie knew she would never make it down the aisle without Percy in attendance. Without his blessing. "Please...I...want you there."

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Beautiful set by MJ

The horror between them seemed suspended as Percy’s words landed between, full of platitudes that Percy could hardly believe he had uttered. Then Maggie’s dress rustled as she stood up. She stepped toward him and it took Percy a great deal of effort not to shy away from her. His name lingered between them as if she wished to say more and he glanced up at Maggie’s beautiful face. The face that had always anchored him, the face that had been by his side of years, the face that was almost unreadable as she stood near him and delivered a final blow that he could never have expected but should have.

For a moment Percy could not fathom what ‘there’ could possibly mean. His mind fought against the truth that faced him before he realized precisely what she meant. The wedding. She wanted him to be at the wedding. Looking at Maggie’s face he knew he only had one answer for her. Even if that answer would make him acutely aware of his foolishness and pain. There only ever was one answer when it came to her. “I’ll be there.” Percy told her, the words sticking in his throat. It would become the only promise that he had ever made her that Percy almost disregarded.

  

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Pretties from Lady <3

A deep yearning for their carefree school days knotted itself in her stomach as she stared at him. This wasn't how their story was supposed to end. No romance novel concluded with the chivalrous knight leaving without the princess' favor, but what was she to do? Maggie couldn't turn her back on Edmund now, not when their entire future seemed so final. Not when her brothers' futures too hung in the balance.

Maggie had to let him go.

Percy would recover from this slight and go on to marry some other beauty worthy of him. He would father children and grow into the man Maggie always knew him to be. Their chapter was concluding, but their stories were just beginning. "Thank you." Maggie said with a sad smile.

  

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Beautiful set by MJ

Percy could barely look at her as her soft words lingered between them. He ducked his head, his fingers nervously toying with the brim of his hat. A thought ran through his mind on repeat, he'd been a fool to come, but he had taken the risk, he had told her his intentions. There was nothing left to loose. Yet he couldn't figure out how to leave, wishing by some miracle this could all have been a nightmare, stuck in place, an endless tortore.

Thank merlin a maid appeared at that point, her skirts rustling at her entrance. Percy took that offered distraction, he bowed, his eyes staying firmly on Maggie's skirts, "Good day, Miss Wittmore." And with that he left Maggie's side for the last time.

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   Margaret Goyle

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Pretties from Lady <3