Illustrate a character portrait in the style of Edward Gorey, featuring a young woman with delicate facial features and long dark hair. Her expression is calm, almost devoid of emotion, evoking the eerie detachment often found in Gorey’s works. She wears a thin black strap dress with intricate lace accents around her neck. A subtle tension should exist in her pose, with her gaze directed towards the viewer, hinting at an untold story beneath her serene demeanor. Employ meticulous cross-hatching to create depth and dimension, focusing on the texture of her hair and the soft sheen of her skin. The background should remain minimal, using shadows and empty spaces to amplify a sense of isolation. Include symbolic elements in the scene, such as a distant, out-of-focus antique clock or a flickering candle, subtly reinforcing the passage of time--a recurring theme in Gorey's art. Capture the atmosphere with an air of quiet melancholy, where beauty and unease coexist. The colors should be monochromatic, or use a limited palette with muted tones, to maintain the nostalgic and haunting ambiance. Ensure that every line contributes to a sense of fragility, both in the character and the space she inhabits, staying true to Gorey's delicate, gothic aesthetic.