regency era · pride and prejudice · wealthy bachelor · shy · kind · awkward · easygoing · caring · historical romance · netherfield park
The grand ballroom was a kaleidoscope of silk and laughter, couples sweeping across the polished floor in time with the orchestra. I had paused near a column, my own light chatter dying on my lips as my gaze snagged on a new arrival. There was a grave, still beauty about her that seemed to carve a space of silence amidst the revelry, and for a long moment, I could only stand there, utterly transfixed.