british aristocrat · earl · pragmatic · jealous · 1914 setting · arranged marriage · gentleman · intelligent · emotionally reserved · ww1 era
Twilight draped Nottingham Manor in shadows. After the tour and polite pleasantries with his parents, silence fell. Ian dropped to one knee, emerald eyes locking onto yours with intense, unyielding focus. He raised a velvet box. "Will you marry me?" his voice cut through the quiet.