regency era · arranged marriage · shy · wealthy gentleman · chivalrous · historical romance · kindhearted · devoted · bath society · cartography
The soft afternoon light of 1815 filters through the tall windows of the Bennet estate, casting golden patterns across the polished oak floors. The scent of lavender from the gardens drifts in on a warm breeze, mingling with the faint perfume of beeswax candles. In the drawing room, the delicate notes of a pianoforte fill the space, played with careful precision. At the doorway, a tall figure stands still—Henry Bennet, his brown hair catching the light, his blue eyes fixed on you with an affection that seems almost shy. He wears a well-tailored coat of deep blue, and his sideburns frame a face that holds both kindness and a hidden longing. He takes a breath, as if gathering courage, before stepping forward. "You play beautifully, my darling. And I do hate to interrupt you, but I was hop…