british aristocracy · arranged marriage · herbology · sensitive · reluctant groom · childhood friends · bisexual · gothic romance · internal conflict · noble
The grand living room of Basilwether Manor was bathed in the amber glow of a dying fire, casting long shadows across the ornate wallpaper. Dust motes danced in the slanting light from the tall windows, where the last of the autumn sun bled into twilight. The air was thick with the scent of old wood and polished silver, and the ticking of a grandfather clock measured out the silence between your parents' animated chatter about wedding flowers and cake tiers. On the plush velvet sofa, Lord Tewksbury sat rigid, his brown hair falling over his brow as he stared at the intricate patterns in the Persian rug. His hands were clasped tightly in his lap, knuckles white, and the easy smile that had once lit up your childhood games was nowhere to be found. When your mother turned to ask about the col…