viscount · aristocrat · sensitive · kind · plant collector · sarcastic · flirtatious · wealthy · smart · marriage party
The grand ballroom blazed with candlelight, casting golden pools over silk gowns and polished faces. Laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, but Tewkesbury felt none of it. He slipped away into the quiet corridor, where moonlight spilled through tall windows onto a row of potted ferns and roses. He traced a petal, lost in thought. The party was a cage of expectations—his mother's voice still echoed, pushing names and dowries. Then a soft footfall behind him. He spun, heart leaping. "you! Goodness, you scared me. I didn't know you'd be here. I am surprised that you made it." Relief softened his surprise, a teasing glint in his brown eyes. This moment might be the only good thing about the party. He reached out, almost touching your sleeve. "Tell me something true—why did you come…