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Cogsworth~

As months went on, Eveline and I continued our relationship on the same basis. We stayed consistent in our actions and intentions and it was clear that we were both happy. Eveline brought me joy that I had never possessed before. Everything about her made me fall more in love with her with each day.

"Are you sure you are ready, Cogsworth?" Lumiere asked.

"Are you not the one who told me to ask her the very day I proclaimed my love for her? It has been six months, mon ami, and I am no getting any younger."

"Yes, of course, but is she ready?"

"I have every reason to believe she will be delighted."

"You have a beautiful relationship, Cogsworth. I just want to ensure both of your happiness."

"I am not asking for your consent, Lumiere!" I snapped.

"I am not giving nor denying it. It is your choice, after all."

"I am aware. I just want advice on how to ask. You asked Babette a few months ago…you must know how to propose!"

"Well, what were you thinking?"

"Well, I know I am doing it in the gardens. I was thinking over a picnic…of food I make of course. I was thinking to do it at sunrise, but that may be suspicious."

"Why sunrise?"

"It is…special to us."

"I say you do it. Just tell her you want to watch the sunrise with her…you haven't done it in a while, am I correct?"

"Oui."

"Say you miss watching it with her then dazzle her with your proposal!"

"I can do that!"

"Do you need help with a speech?"

"No, I have that under control."

"Perfect! You will have to let me know how it goes!"

"Of course, mon ami. I have someone I have to talk to. Au revoir!"

I walked to the dining room and peeked in to make sure Eveline was not present. As of late, she had been doing more kitchen work, so it was not terribly complicated to find Clarisse without Eveline. I entered the room, "Clarisse, may I see you in the hall for a moment?"

She looked up from her work, then turned to the other serving maid, "Is that alright, Josette?"

"Oui, that is fine."

Clarisse followed me out to the hall and crossed her arms, "How many times have I told you to call me Clare?"

"I apologize, Clare, I have a request."

"What is it?"

"Well, I wanted to do this the traditional way, but being as though you are orphaned, I figured asking you would be the closest to the proper fashion to pursue…"

"Whatever are you talking about, Cogsworth?"

"I…" I had no idea how to start this conversation, but I had a conversation with Eveline once about how she wished that her father were alive to make her marriage proper. We had discussed marriage on a few separate occasions, but the engagement was not yet present. "As you know, I have been courting your sister for some time now and…I love her." Clare gasped with a smile, knowing where I was going with my request. This caused great relaxation within me. "I wanted to seek out our future in a proper way, so I was wondering if you would give me your approval for my asking of her to marry me?"

She hugged me, "Oh Cogsworth, once she discovers that you asked me she is going to be overjoyed!" I smiled. "Thank you, thank you! Yes, oh, yes!" Tears were forming in her eyes, "When are you asking? Can I see the ring?"

"Oh, your sister would not be pleased to not have the honor of showing you the ring," I replied, "Tomorrow at sunrise."

She wiped her tears, "You are the perfect man for my sister. I could not be prouder of her and I know you will make her happy. And I want to thank you for that…I never thought I would see my optimistic, joyful sister ever again and you brought her back." She hugged me again.

I was speechless. Though Clare and I had been on good terms for about six months at this point, hearing her praise me so highly was a shock. We had become friends, but I never believed she could think so highly of me. I felt a tear form in my eye. Finally, I felt as though speech was possible, "Thank you, Clare. I am so glad she has such a loving sister." She replied with a smile. There was a time when she heard that phrase she would begin feeling guilty again, but over time she got past it. She went back to work and I went to the kitchen to locate Eveline. "We have not watched the sunrise together in quite some time…"

She jumped at the sound of my voice then smiled, "No, we haven't…"

"I know it is usually spontaneous, but I cannot help but miss it terribly….would you like to watch it tomorrow?"

She smiled brightly, "Oh, that would be wonderful! I've missed it so!"

"Excellent."

"You seem chipper today…" she noted.

"Oh, do I?"

She giggled, "Yes, I hope I will find out why soon."

I sighed in defeat, "Possibly."

She kissed me quickly, "I really must get back to work."

"Alright, fine. Au revoir, ma chérie."

I will upload the last chapter in the next week, but I'd really appreciate if you would give a review. Yet again I apologize for my slowness at updating and I hope that despite that you've been able to enjoy this story.