Surely the daughter of one so important as her father deserves a full courtship, rather than some slap-dash engagement. In order to demonstrate his respect for the woman and her family, the son proposes an archaic (and possibly completely made-up) courtship that is quite lengthy involving specific gifts (a paper, milady, for I am mere canvas for your excellence, etc etc), enforced periods of separation, and communication solely through metaphors and poetry.

(Optionally: In the meantime, his sister befriends the girl (or pretends to befriend) and tries to set her up with someone who is not so enamored with fusty old ideas like years-long courtship.)