Epbot strikes again. It turns out that Steampunk + Startrek = Barrayaran House Reds (and blacks. Or golds)
Now if I could just remember which House had those colors. Oh right:
Vorob'yev or Vordarian I could see Kareen falling for this one; or at least tolerating him For The Good of Barrayar. Hmm... I might have to re-read Barrayar; I don't remember what Vordarian looked like.
(1) Blue and gold. Also: no beard.