She nodded routinely. It was no great loss, at least not emotionally. In many regards, Maggie was relieved not to have to face him again. The lies he told wore on her soul, the late nights and constant wondering diminished her light. Maggie didn't miss him, not in the slightest. If not for the safety he provided she would be glad he was dead.

A frown settled upon her face as she considered what to say. It wasn't as though Maggie could speak ill of her late husband, not so soon after his passing. Besides, she didn't need the added stress of rumors swirling about. There were enough of those as it stood. "Thank you, the children miss him," felt to be the easiest explanation. Sebastian and Addy didn't seem to care much, but Oliver was a resentful disaster. "We'll be alright. It's been a strange transition to say the least." She glanced down at her dress before continuing as brightly as she could manage in such circumstances, "black was never really my color."

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Funny how a simple head nod to affirm something Percy already knew could be a jab in the heart, confirming that the happy life he had always envisioned for Maggie had been cut short by tragedy. His heartbreak always come with the comfort that Maggie was happy, safe, provided for. Her’s was a different sort, a finality that could never go away. There was no comfort in that.

He had always known there would be children, but the utterance of their existence was still a mild shock to his system. There would of course, had to have been children, but he’d never sought out information about Maggie, had never lingered enough to find out. Now he found himself nodding rotely in response to this new knowledge. “It must be difficult.” He murmured politely, entirely out of his depth with this conversation.

There was the Maggie he remembered, ready to make a joke to settle everything at ease around her. He left out a soft amused snort at her comment. “Well, if there is some way I can help, please let me know.” Doubtful that she would take him up on the offer, but Percy couldn’t seem to resist it. It would hurt him every time to see her this way, but it hurt him more to know that he might be able to help Maggie and that he turned away from it.

“Perhaps the best way to help,” Percy started, trying to lighten his offer to something more reminiscence of her cheerful courage, “Is to get this lift started again.” He stepped toward the grate, wand out, as he thought. It was likely neither of them wished to remain stuck here for long, after all they had narrowly avoided a huge argument, and Percy did have Mrs. Skeeter’s summon and she did not suffer tardiness well.

  

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Pretties from Lady <3

Difficult was an apt word for the position Edmund left Maggie in. Adelaide's estate was handsome enough that school would come at little issue for her, but the boys...Maggie would need a solution and soon. Their grandparents weren't much involved (thankfully, Maggie loved her in laws even less than she loved her husband) so relying upon them for assistance would be foolish.

His offer of help, while appreciated, was one that would never be accepted. Maggie had stolen enough from him, she could do no more. "Thank you. We'll be okay once the shock wears off, I think." It was unfortunate she wasn't younger. Finding another husband at her age would be difficult, especially when considering it would be years before she could even begin searching. "My sister has come to stay with us, she's been a great help." Maggie added with a slight smile. Percy needn't worry, though Maggie knew he likely would.

She stepped aside to allow him room. While she resented the idea of parting from him once again, they could hardly remain in the lift forever. Besides, she had promised Oliver a visit with Fred's children.

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He only have the vaguest of memories of Maggie’s sister, having the impression that she had been a great deal younger than themselves, but it must be an ease to her mind to have her sister to lean on, Percy told himself. Much more than any comfort an old forgotten friend might give.

Instead of dwelling on the matter further, Percy decided to throw himself into attempting to get the lift to move. He tapped the bars with his hand thoughtfully, wondering what he had not yet tried, when the lift began to move as if there was indeed some mercy left in the world. “What luck.” Percy commented, trying to keep his tone light as if he were speaking to any lady who might visit the Ministry.

The lift continued on its path, stopping at the very next floor where a very portly older gentleman made to get on. Figuring it safer to exit now than to make Mrs. Goyle (he would persist in calling her this in this thoughts when thinking of the occasion) feel any further discomfort, Percy took his leave. He’d take the next lift the Mrs. Skeeter’s office, late as he already was a few more minutes would not matter. “Good day, Mrs. Goyle.” He tilted his head in farewell and exited with as much ease as he could on his cane.

  

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Pretties from Lady <3