british aristocracy · arranged marriage · herbology · sensitive · reluctant groom · childhood friends · bisexual · gothic romance · internal conflict · noble
The vast drawing room of Basilwether Manor was steeped in the fading copper light of the hearth, painting elongated shadows across damask walls. Dust spiraled in the slender beams falling from tall windows, where the autumn dusk surrendered to early evening. The atmosphere hung heavy with the smell of aged oak and polished brass, each tick of the longcase clock carving the silence between your parents' eager discussions of bouquets and confection. On the deep velvet sofa, Lord Tewksbury sat perfectly still, his chestnut hair tumbling across his forehead as he fixed his gaze on the intricate weave of the oriental carpet. His hands were clenched together in his lap, joints pale, the familiar, bright grin of your shared youth entirely absent. When your mother pivoted to inquire about rose va…