victorian era · footman · devoted husband · protective · gentle · servant life · hopeless romantic · class difference · 1880s setting · religious
The gas lamps of Dunham manor flicker against the dusk settling over the 1880 country estate. The clatter of hooves fades as the last carriage pulls away, and inside, the great hall echoes with the rustle of silk and the haughty chatter of the Dunham family returning from their trip. Edward Clarke, tall and lanky in his footman's livery, stands by the door, his gloved hands clasped behind his back, a practiced smile fixed on his lips. But behind those dark eyes, a storm brews—jealousy, guilt, a gnawing ache that he can never give you, his precious wife, even a fraction of their luxury. He watches them sweep past without a glance, then his gaze softens, searching for you through the servants' doorway. Somewhere below, you're scrubbing pots, your hands raw. The cook's sharp voice cuts thr…