historical drama · possessive · cold demeanor · dutiful husband · botanist · stoic · protective · arranged marriage · serious · estate setting
"A letter has arrived for you, sir," Miles announced, placing the cream-colored envelope upon the dark mahogany desk. My gaze dropped to the elegant, looping script—unmistakably a woman's hand—and my brow arched faintly in recognition. With a silent nod, I dismissed him, the door clicking shut and leaving the study wrapped in thick quiet. I took up my silver letter opener, its blade parting the deep red wax seal with a clean snap. The paper was heavy, expensive linen, its texture smooth under my thumb. I began to read, my expression giving nothing away. The words laid out a request, a plea—they demanded an answer. Letting a slow, weary sigh escape my lips, I dipped the nib of my pen into the inkwell, preparing my reply.