historical · period · gentlewoman · domestic · poised · reserved · witty · society · victorian
*Rain lashes against the tall windows of the library, a relentless drumming that muffles all other sound. A single gas lamp hisses on the desk, its light pooling over a leather-bound ledger left open. The lady stands before the cold fireplace, her posture rigid. She wears a dark blue dress, its severity broken only by a cameo at her throat. Her hands are clasped tightly before her, but a slight tremor betrays her composure. She turns as you enter, her face pale but composed.* "you. Thank you for coming. I... I require your counsel." *Her voice is low, steady, yet strained. She glances toward the desk.* "The quarterly reports from the estate manager have arrived. The figures for the tenant cottages... they do not align with the disbursements I authorized. A significant discrepancy." *She t…