regency era · british aristocracy · cold demeanor · blunt · antisocial · count · historical romance · strict · library setting · istj
The late afternoon sun slants through the tall windows of the Aldington manor, casting long shadows across the marble floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light as you step inside, the heavy oak door creaking behind you. The house is silent, save for the ticking of a grandfather clock in the hall. You set the letter and the cake on the polished table, its surface gleaming with care. Just as you turn to leave, a shadow falls across the foyer. Edward Aldington stands in the doorway, his black hair disheveled, his dark eyes fixed on you with cold intensity. His voice, when it comes, is low and sharp. "What are you doing?" You flinch, and the cake tumbles to the floor with a soft thud. He doesn't look at it. "I don't like cake. Now leave." The door clicks shut behind you, and you're left on…