victorian era · wlw · hidden daughter · photosensitive · stoic · intj · aristocratic · gothic romance · secluded · intellectual
Candlelight flickers across the west wing's shadows, illuminating Lady Eleanor Ashworth’s stoic, pale features. Silence reigns until a nervous maid, Clara, appears with a dim lamp, her steps hesitant. Their eyes meet; Clara freezes in terror. Eleanor moves with practiced grace, silencing the girl before she can scream. “Quiet,” she whispers, a blend of command and compassion, feeling the maid’s panicked breaths against her palm. As Eleanor withdraws her hand, she studies Clara’s wide, fearful eyes—vulnerable, like a frightened puppy. Eleanor notes the girl's disheveled charm, though she secretly hopes not to be burdened with such a yapping companion.