Create an Edward Gorey-inspired illustration featuring a young woman with braided black hair, dressed in a sleek, black, gothic-style ensemble. Use meticulous cross-hatching techniques to convey the intricate textures of her satin-like fabric, adding subtle shadows and reflections that suggest depth and volume. Render her lace collar and delicate bow with fine lines, emphasizing the delicate details. The woman should exhibit a serene yet emotionally ambiguous expression, evoking Gorey’s signature character style--both detached and mysterious. Her cat ears headband can serve as a playful but symbolic element, subtly connecting with themes of duality and inner nature. The background should remain minimalist: perhaps a faint wall adorned with a single ornate candle holder casting soft light, enhancing the eerie stillness of the scene. Incorporate symbolic motifs, such as a small clock in the distance, its hands stopped at an odd time, suggesting themes of suspended reality and hidden meaning. Use negative space strategically to frame the figure, emphasizing her isolation and the tension between elegance and enigma. The entire scene should evoke a sense of quiet unease, balancing beauty with subtle menace, staying true to Gorey’s distinctive blend of surrealism and gothic charm.