Ah. So she knew. Justin ran a hand over his face and nodded. "Yes I thought she might tell you," he muttered. "I was hoping she wouldn't, but I suppose I must face the music sooner rather than later."
Taking a deep breath, he prepared to explain himself. "Of course I think of you as a grown woman," he said. "You are a beautiful woman, entirely capable of making your own decisions. It's just that. . . well, I'm Muggleborn, as I'm sure you know. My father is a diplomat, and as such I was taught a great many things about etiquette and propriety. One of those such things is asking the permission of the family of a woman I am interested in before I take her out."
"I was only trying to do what I was taught, what I felt was right. I hope it doesn't make you think less of me. I am interested in you, Molly. And I would very much like it if you would consider overlooking my lapse in judgment." There. He'd said it. He'd gotten it all out. Now he just had to wait fro her reaction.