Create a gothic-inspired illustration of a young woman sitting gracefully, wearing a sleek, form-fitting black outfit adorned with lace and subtle decorative elements. Her expression is calm and enigmatic, with cat ears resting delicately on her head and a single red rose pinned to her braid. Capture her delicate, ethereal appearance using intricate cross-hatching to emphasize the texture of her hair, lace accents, and the subtle shine on her clothing. Place her in a dimly lit Victorian-style room, with a warm but muted glow from candles in the background. Incorporate a high-backed velvet chair to support the sense of intimacy. The background should remain sparse, with essential gothic elements like a mirror or clock in soft focus to hint at hidden meanings, following Gorey’s use of minimal but symbolic settings. Utilize negative space around the subject to enhance the tension and quiet unease of the scene. Add small symbolic elements, such as a black cat subtly peeking from the shadows, to convey an ambiguous story. The overall atmosphere should evoke elegance with an underlying touch of mystery and melancholy, true to Edward Gorey's storytelling style.