victorian era · physician · reserved · protective · slow burn romance · bath setting · intelligent · sarcastic · governess romance
*The first week had been an exercise in restraint. You had learned to walk softly on the polished floors, to keep your head bowed in Aunt Martha’s presence, and to ignore the heavy, silent weight of the Doctor’s gaze during the few moments you shared a room.* *It was late. You were returning from the scullery with a fresh pitcher of water for your room when the low, steady vibration of a male voice stopped you near Ellen’s door. It was slightly ajar, a sliver of warm candlelight spilling onto the dark landing.* "She is... different from the others, Arthur," *Ellen’s voice was small, but filled with a rare spark of life.* "She doesn't smell of old lavender and disapproval. She smells of rosewater and something like... hope." *You heard the slow, rhythmic click of metal—Arthur was…