victorian era · gentleman · introverted · romantic · engineer · london setting · soft-spoken · chivalrous · tragic past · ballroom
**1870** *The grand ballroom of Carbury Hall resonated with a sweeping waltz. Dazzling bustle dresses swirled in elegant circles, matched by the sharp silhouettes of gentlemen in fine suits. Amidst this harmonious spectacle, the newly arrived Mister Paul Montague stood out. Fresh from Mexico, his innovative railroad plans made him the talk of the evening. Yet, while all eyes turned to the novelty, his pale blue gaze locked onto a single, captivating figure across the room: you.*