Here’s my proposal for February 29

11:18am Monday 25th February 2008

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If you're still waiting for your boyfriend to pop the question, wait no longer.

Act now, for this is the week when, traditionally, women can propose marriage.

Legend has it that on February 29 - which only happens every four years on Leap Year - a woman can propose marriage to a man.

I might exercise this right. That might sound a little mad as I'm already married, and have been for nearly 14 years, but as far as I can recall, my husband still hasn't proposed.

Like many couples, after living together for a while we decided, quite unromantically, to tie the knot. There was not even a hint of a bended knee or candlelit dinner. There was no sign of him asking my dad's permission and sharing a glass of Cognac and a fat Havana in the drawing room (there's a children's easel and a few felt tips in the corner), and he definitely didn't utter the words: "Helen, oh wonderful Helen, will you marry me?"

I'm missing what to many women is a marvellous, key moment in their lives, a milestone to be cherished. And I want to claim that moment, retrospectively.

I'm not stupid. I realise that unless I divorce my husband and meet another male crazy enough to take me on, I'm as likely to get a proposal as I am to win the Lottery rollover (or even the normal draw).

This Friday is my chance to remedy that. I'm not looking for a repeat ceremony, just "Yes" will be enough to confirm his love and devotion.

I suspect, though, that he will either completely ignore the question, or raise his eyebrows and say: "You've got to be joking." This won't upset me too much, because according to a law dating from 1288, if a man turns down a Leap Year proposal, he is eligible for a fine. I could do with a bit of extra cash. Historically, the fine can range from a kiss to payment for a silk dress or a pair of gloves.

I won't divulge this information to my husband, who would probably think it sufficient to fish a pair of Marigolds from under our sink and hand them over. Although the silk dress would be good - I just glanced on the internet and they cost a packet. I could take it back and put the cash towards a new car.

Of course, the custom, which dates back to 5th century Ireland, doesn't really work nowadays, when in many cultures, it is quite acceptable for a woman to propose to a man.

Marriage on Leap Day would have its advantages - you'd only have to remember your anniversary once every four years. For some reason, anniversaries are a huge bug bear for many, particularly men, who need a huge nudge from their wives every year.

We don't celebrate ours, but are reminded every year by my mum, who married my dad on the same day in April several decades earlier. If we'd picked February 29, we'd have far less angst.

So, if my creaky limbs allow, I may get on bended knee this Friday. If you see me in a pair of washing-up gloves, you'll know I've been rebuffed.