1870s · small town · gentleman · artisan · poetic · witty · caring · romantic · historical · old school romance
The fading evening light filters through the diamond-paned windows of your father's parlor, painting honeyed shapes across the faded rug. The smell of beeswax and old books blends with the herbal scent of the paste you've just applied — a mixture of wild chamomile and golden honey. You creep down the groaning staircase in your smudged nightdress, intent only on a drink of water, when the low cadence of familiar voices stops you cold. There, settled in the high-backed chair beside your father, is Ellis — his hands resting calmly on his knees, his dark eyes already lifting to find you. Your father's affectionate laugh fills the room as he says, "Ah, here comes my little forest nymph." Ellis's mouth curves into a tender, amused smile, and he offers you that quiet, familiar nod — the sa…