Over the next few months, Madge and William continued to spend time together, letting their relationship flourish. One evening, when it was snowing a lot, William and Madge went for a walk in the gardens. The snow protected them from being seen, so they were safe to be together in public.

"Madge, these past few months… they've been amazing." William told her, as they walked through the labyrinth. He had his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Both were in cloaks of heavy fur so that they would not be cold.

"I know." She agreed. "I've never been happier."

"You are my world." He told her, stopping her from walking. He held her shoulders. "I am in love with you Madge. I've known for awhile now but I felt that now, when we were alone in this beautiful weather, was the time I should tell you." He kissed her nose.

Madge's eyes filled with happiness. She felt warmer than before, fire lighting inside her heart that warmed her whole body. "Oh William… I love you too."

A grin spread across his face at her words. "Truly?" he asked, reassuring himself.

"Truly, you are my love. I told you, I've never felt this happy. When we are together, I feel warm and fuzzy, comfortable and passionate. You bring out so many emotions in me I never knew I had." She kissed him on the lips, holding his body close to her for more warmth.

"You are too sweet darling. You too, have made me happier than I have ever been. I cannot even begin to describe in words the way I feel for you." He enjoyed her kisses with his entire being. "I have something for you, my love."

She looked up in complete surprise. He had already given her an amazing gift, his love and he had told her and he had meant it. What could be better than that? "What is it?" she asked. Her mind wandered, but she did not think for a moment that it would be what it was.

William knelt down in the snow on one knee and placed his hands in the pocket of his cloak, searching for something. With his right hand, he found whatever it was and a smile appeared on his face. He looked up at Madge again; his knuckles tight as he held something, his cheeks blushed red. "I know we have not been together for very long, but these past few months and I say this completely honestly, have been the best months of my life. I do not lie when I say I have never been happier." He opened his hand, releasing a chain with a small ring tied to it. The ring was not of magnificent splendor, like one of King Henry's many rings, but it was still beautiful. "This is not an engagement ring, Madge; it is a promise ring, promising you to me. It was my grandmother's on my mother's side and I've worn it around my neck for much time. I promised my mother I would give it to someone I loved and planned to marry. You are that person Madge; I have no doubts in my mind. Do you accept my offer?"

There were no words to describe Madge's expression. She was shocked beyond all belief. "Oh my, William… really? It is for me?"

He nodded. "Yes it is and soon I will buy you an engagement ring. One that you deserve and that can fit your finger perfectly."

She was now even more shocked. Lots of girls got promise rings at court, but they were usually forgotten. William actually intended to buy her an engagement ring and marry her. "Yes!" She exclaimed suddenly. "Yes I accept your offer!"

He stood up immediately, wrapping his arms around Madge and lifting her up into the air as he kissed her on the lips. When he put her back down onto the snowy ground, he placed the chain around her neck. "Wear it on your neck. That way you can hide it from those who would oppose, like your uncle, but it will always be there, close to your heart, as you always are to me."

The necklace was cold on her chest. She thought it would feel nice once she was in the warmth of the palace, and she would certainly never forget its presence there, above her heart, for even a moment. "I don't even know what to say…"

He put a finger over her lips. "You don't have to say anything. As long as you are happy, I am happy." He removed his finger and kissed her.

"Oh, I am the most happy."