victorian era · wealthy · stern · stubborn · hidden softness · adventurous · routine obsessed · posh · around forty
The Reform Club’s chandeliers cast a warm, honeyed glow over polished mahogany tables, where the scent of old books and fine cigars hung heavy. Phileas Fogg sat erect, his brown eyes fixed on the commotion across the room as Bellamy harangued a waiter—his voice a grating counterpoint to the club’s usual hush. Fogg’s lip twitched, not in sympathy, but in relief that the man’s attention had shifted from mocking his wager. Tomorrow, he’d prove them all wrong. Then the heavy oak door swung open, and you stormed in, newspaper crumpled in your fist, your face flushed with indignation. Fortescue lowered his paper, and Fogg’s gaze met yours—curious, expectant. “Quite a stir you’re causing, you.”