It was odd the pattern Percy's life had fallen into. There was peace and happiness, a gratitude for the way it had all played out. But even the happiest of peaces can be shattered.

With Maggie's reappearance into his life Percy had found himself spending as much time as he could visiting Irvingly. Every chance he had to stop in the town on official business he did, and even in his evenings he'd find himself walking the path to Maggie's house. Which often wend it's way in front of the school house where he'd inevitably run into Miss Jennings.

Miss Jennings' presence in Percy's life, her new found friendship, often brought a smile to Percy's lips. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and it was entirely refreshing her point of view. If Percy had had any realization of what was happening he might have taken a second glance at the friendship, but he didn't. He was too consumed with his plans for the future, and lately, with Maggie's sudden silence so unlike the months of happiness they had found.

Despite his blindness where Miss Jennings was concerned, Percy was all too aware of the increasing fractures in his relationship with Maggie. As if she still doubted them. The last few weeks his letters had gone unanswered, their plans unfulfilled. Percy had determined he'd talk to her about it this afternoon, but on his way to her house he'd noticed Miss Jennings standing in the school yard, face tilted to the sun, eyes closed, enjoying the simplest of pleasures - a pleasant day outside.

"Good afternoon Miss Jennings." Percy bowed, doffing his hat before straightening back up. "I was on my way to visit a friend, but then I saw you ..." For a moment he trailed off with a smile, "Well I rather thought if it would be rather rude if I did not offer to walk you home." He shrugged as if this was no big deal, although in the back of his mind he wondered at his own forwardness. It seemed his shyness had diminished with the realization that his future was already planned.