Galt felt strange. He wasn't sure if it was nostalgia. He could barely recall having dinner with his family, and what he did remember, it wasn't nearly this warm. His family all loved one another, of course, but there was a lot of bickering and childish fights or his overworked parents yelling. Here, he somehow felt more at home. Silke did the heavy lifting in that respect, but even her father and Vincent had a familiarity they shouldn't have. While it confused him, he wasn't about to complain and the thief decided not to dwell on it. 

He also had to make a mental note not to pocket the expensive silverware. Not a good impression for a husband-to-be. 

His eyes did widen a bit when the conversation started to veer toward Silke's marital status. It wouldn't be noticeable unless someone was looking intently at him. Fortunately, he gathered himself by the time Vincent's eyes were cast in his direction, probing him for any sign of guilt. He pretended not to notice, and smiled warmly at Silke when she offered more of the appetizers. He gave a breathless chuckle at her jest on Vincent's behalf, and plucked a few more from the tray she offered. Galt tried to focus on that singular moment, how nice it was sharing food and talking to Silke, how he would do most anything to keep it going, even announcing it in front of the table of various lords. 

He took her cue, giving the barest hint of a nod and a look to Silke that spoke volumes. He breathed out through his nose, and before he even touched the appetizers he had been given, he turned to the head of the table. He cleared his throat gently. 

"I've known Silke for what seems like quite a while, but truthfully it's only been a few months. But Lord Kasper, you have raised an incredible daughter." He began, and all the chewing in the room stopped. Lord Bryne watched with interest, brow raised. Vincent looked on intently, face unreadable save for a growing alarm, though whether mere anticipation or dread it was hard to gauge by Galt's estimation. "This entire world is new to me. I've done things I've had to do to survive, being a lowborn. I've lived in squalor and hunted for food on the street. And then I get thrust into the aristocracy by the grace of the Duke and our wise King..." Galt shook his head, trying to keep his thoughts from crumbling. 

"One might think that would have been the greatest blessing one could get in this life. But I have to confess, even with all the wealth, food, and warm comforts, I would give it all away if I could spend just another moment with your daughter. She is the most intelligent, thoughtful, and lovely woman I've ever known, highborn or low. And that's why today, before our ride in the rain, I asked her to marry me, and she said yes..." 

Lord Bryne was grinning, clearly trying to hold in his glee so as not to interrupt the drama. Vincent looked shocked, aghast at the pronouncement. He tried to speak but he merely managed to mumble something incomprehensible. Galt's gaze was transfixed on Lord Kasper's face, who studied Galt with an intensity, trying to decry any lie in his words. Galt had lied much in his life, but this was not one of those times. Finally, Galt glanced back at Silke, and gave her a shaky grin. He was nervous, but he had still be waiting for this moment for some time, even if most of it had been in his fantasies. He turned back to her father, head held high. 

"I would ask for your blessing, my lord."