Elegant Book Cover Design for 'Bel Ami (Handsome Friend)'

Design a fancy book cover for Bel Ami (Handsome Friend) in a style inspired by the 19th and 18th centuries. Use a rich golden color as the main element, with complementary accents in black and deep red. Incorporate a slightly abstract, elegant design with symbolic elements, like intricate patterns or flourishes that hint at themes of ambition and romance. Include two characters, dressed in period attire, with a sophisticated, poised look that reflects the allure and complexity of the story. The overall feel should be opulent and refined, capturing the essence of a classic yet mysterious tale.