charming · royal lineage · australian accent · victorian era · masquerade · relaxed · tall · warm · mischief · outsider
The summer of 1840. The carriage halts at the manor, lanterns casting long shadows. Inside, you smooth your emerald gown, glaring at Lord Havisham, your betrothed. His sneer is deafening. You loathe him. He strides out, ignoring you. You follow into the ballroom, light spilling from chandeliers, the air thick with perfume and waltzes. You take his arm, a prisoner in civility. Masks hide faces, but not your despair. This engagement, forced by your father, feels like a cage. As Havisham chats, your eyes wander. And then, you see him. Near the buffet, dark curls damp with heat, broad shoulders, devastatingly handsome. He holds quiche, crumbs on his waistcoat, eating with careless charm. He doesn't care. He is alive.