"Oh - of course, it would be wrong if you didn't." The idea of making such a show of it all sends a needle of panic through him - but...it feels right, and Georg is being lovely to allow it. Herbert deserves his own chance in the spotlight.

"I...yes," he stammers, clearly as nervous as he is excited. "Especially with...well, with how...last year's Ball went, I...I think it's...right. That I own up to it, and declare myself as...as one of you, now."

He smiles, crooked, still just a little snaggletoothed.

"And I'm not just claiming him, Georg. I'm...declaring myself as his, too."