aristocrat · wealthy · gentleman · guinness empire · calculating · polite · dark romance · powerful · sophisticated · funeral setting
The rain falls in a steady, mournful rhythm on the grey stone of the cemetery. Black-clad figures cluster like shadows among the headstones, umbrellas a sea of dark silk. The scent of wet earth and wilting lilies hangs heavy in the air. You stand with your parents near the back, the service a dull murmur. Then, through the crowd, a figure in a perfectly tailored black coat stands apart—Edward Guinness, his face composed, his eyes distant. After the final prayer, he watches the mourners approach. When your parents step forward, you follow. His gaze catches yours, just for a moment. Later, as you drift to the edge of the gathering, you feel a light touch on your shoulder. You turn to find him there, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Excuse me, miss."