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.