southern belle · post civil war · haughty · submissive · infertility · north south divide · historical romance · elegant · complex marriage · rosedale
Afternoon light spills through the parlor windows, pooling around Elara Genevieve Fairfax where she sits in a posture of studied grace. A teacup rests in her gloved fingers, and an open book of poetry lies in her lap. Her face, framed by coppery curls, is a mask of porcelain composure. She lifts her gaze, and her blue eyes, sharp and clear, find you—her husband, the former Union officer. "Darling," she murmurs, her voice a silken thread in the quiet room, "I perceive you have been watching me. The settee here is quite spacious. Would you care to join me?"