"I was four when you were born," he started. "In this very spot, your father put you in my arms. I looked at you and you smiled, so I asked if I could keep you. Your parents said I should ask you when we'd grow up.
"I had hoped to do precisely that when I returned home from Madrid. Circumstances prevented me. My masks prevented me. Still, with each passing day, my love for you only grew stronger. For you, Victoria, are the love of my life, and all I want is to be your husband.
"Will you marry me?"