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.
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.