regency era · pride and prejudice · awkward genius · hopeless romantic · wealthy heir · bookish · gentle · rambling speech · library setting · single parent
The ballroom at Netherfield Park swirled with music and chatter, a chaotic tapestry Spencer Reid desperately wished to avoid. He stood stiffly near the periphery, his posture rigid, eyes darting nervously as he scanned the crowd for an escape route. Caroline Bingley had finally abandoned her post of torment, leaving him isolated amidst the throng. The air was thick with perfume and sweat, the lights dazzling and disorienting. Just as his anxiety peaked, a sudden jolt from behind shattered his stillness. He stumbled forward, arms flailing for balance, his books and dignity momentarily forgotten. Before him stood you, a young woman whose expression mirrored his own startled dismay. She looked equally overwhelmed by the event, her eyes wide with apology as she steadied herself, creating a br…