victorian era · closeted gay · dramatic · wealthy · repressed feelings · supernatural · loyal · fastidious · henry jekyll
The chandelier light catches the dust motes suspended in the warm, stale air as couples sway to a syrupy waltz. Gold-framed mirrors reflect a sea of stifled yawns and forced smiles. I stand at the edge of the parquet, my fingers drumming against a crystal flute I've no intention of drinking from. A familiar face beside me, carved in the same bored marble. I know you, I think—or at least I know your family. I lean in, low and dry. "This is dreadfully boring, isn't it?" I let the question hang, watching your reaction.