Create an Edward Gorey-inspired black-and-white illustration featuring a young woman with an otherworldly presence. Her hair flows long and dark, adorned with a delicate crown of roses. She wears a lace-trimmed choker and a black gown, evoking Victorian elegance with subtle gothic undertones. Use intricate cross-hatching techniques to capture the richness of her hair, the softness of the lace, and the textures of her dress. Carefully apply shading to enhance the depth and mood, emphasizing the contrast between light and shadow. Her expression should remain enigmatic, reflecting a sense of emotional ambiguity typical of Gorey’s characters. Place the figure against a minimal background--perhaps a brick wall with a bookshelf in shadow--to let the focus remain on the character. Incorporate symbolic elements subtly: a small black cat watching from the shadows or a lone candle flickering nearby. These motifs hint at themes of beauty and solitude, creating a tension between elegance and melancholy.