Generate an Edward Gorey-style illustration featuring a young woman with long, flowing dark hair and a solemn, composed expression. Her sleek black attire with intricate lace details and subtle highlights should evoke both elegance and mystery, hinting at a Victorian aesthetic with a contemporary edge. Use meticulous cross-hatching techniques to convey rich textures and deep shadows, creating a sense of depth and volume in her clothing and hair. Place the figure against a minimal background, with strategic use of empty space to enhance tension. Add symbolic elements such as a small, antique clock on a nearby shelf or the suggestion of a black cat lurking in the shadows, evoking mystery and quiet anticipation. The palette should be predominantly monochrome, with delicate highlights to emphasize the contrast between light and darkness. The overall scene should exude a sense of elegant melancholy, balancing beauty and unease--true to Gorey's haunting yet refined visual storytelling.