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False Colours
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Adlestrop, Mr.
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Mr. Adlestrop is the Fancot family’s man of business. He has been in this position since the late Earl of Denville held the title. He is described by Lady Denville as a detestable creature, such a screw, and so malignant!; and by Kit as a very good man in his way, and I don’t doubt he has our interests at heart, but he’s a purse-leech…. If ever a grig was spent out of the way he always behaved as if we should all of us go home by beggar’s bush! Evelyn’s father shows a want of tact when he brings Adlestrop into a private discussion of Lady Denville’s debts.
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Ainslie, Dr.
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Dr. Ainslie is a doctor who attends upon Lady Denville. He has given her some excellent powders, which she took when she felt a trifle queasy after a late evening supper of lobster.
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Alperton, Miss Clara
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Mother: Alperton, Mrs.
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Clara is a ladybird, or high-class prostitute, living in Tunbridge Wells, who has lately been under Lord Denville’s protection. Her mother, when trying to extort money from the Earl, describes her as a poor, innocent female, whose heart is broken when she reads about the Earl’s impending marriage. On the other hand, Evelyn describes her as the merriest little game pullet alive—full of fun and gig, and don’t give a rap for anyone!, who would be very upset with her mother for trying to intervene on her behalf. Evelyn is on his way to visit Clara when he disappears, although no one else is aware of this.
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Alperton, Mrs.
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Daughter: Alperton, Clara
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Mrs. Alperton is a member of a certain sisterhood of females known inappropriately as Abbesses. In other words, an aging woman of ill repute, possibly a procurer or madam. Her metallic yellow locks and dashing and colourful raiment proclaim that she is not respectable, as these are hardly the adornments for a woman in her early forties, who looks closer to fifty due to a life of dissipation. Earlier in her life, however, she was considered a dasher of the first water, and retired pretty well inlaid from the monies given her by her various protectors. One of these she describes as the Marquis, who treated her like a princess, never grudging a groat he spent on me, besides a handsome present when we parted.... (Later, the party at Ravenshurst is very curious as to which Marquis it was, but they never do discover this.) At the present time, Mrs. Alperton is at low tide, as the bottle was her undoing. She arrives unannounced at Ravenshurst to seek recompense for her daughter, Clara, who has lately been under Evelyn's protection, and now feels abandoned due to Evelyn's prolonged absence. Kit, who meets Mrs. Alperton, has a strong suspicion that she wants the money for herself, and not for Clara.
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Alphonse |
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Alphonse is Sir Bonamy’s highly cherished chef.
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Askham, Edward
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Familial Nickname: Ned
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Father: Askham, Mr. Mother: Askham, Mrs. Brother: Askham, Phillip Brother: Askham, Jeffrey Sister: Askham, Patience
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Ned is the third son of the Askham family. He is in school at Rugby and army-mad.
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Askham, Jeffrey
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Father: Askham, Mr. Mother: Askham, Mrs. Brother: Askham, Phillip Brother: Askham, Edward Sister: Askham, Patience
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Jeffrey is the eldest son of the Askham family. He is a parson, and does not have any action in the story, mentioned only in passing as Evelyn describes Patience's entire family to Kit.
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Askham, Mr.
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Wife: Askham, Mrs. Son: Askham, Jeffrey Son: Askham, Phillip Son: Askham, Edward Daughter: Askham, Patience
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Mr. Askham is a country gentleman, father of a large family. His household takes in Evelyn after his carriage accident, and Mr. Askham is happy to help. According to Evelyn, he is a man of culture, his wife a most superior woman and his family is extremely well-connected; in other words, not a parcel of dowdy provincials. The family is of unquestioned gentility, but not noble. Mr. Askham does not wish for his daughter to make an unequal marriage, and is suspicious of an alliance for her with someone of much higher rank.
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Askham, Mrs.
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Husband: Askham, Mr. Son: Askham, Jeffrey Son: Askham, Phillip Son: Askham, Edward Daughter: Askham, Patience
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Mrs. Askham is the wife of Mr. Askham of Woodland House. She has lived there happily with her husband, raising a large brood of children, several of whom still live at home. She is strictly protective of her eldest daughter, Patience. When the Earl of Denville is laid up at her home by a carriage accident, she calls the doctor for him, and helps to nurse him back to health. However, she also makes sure that Patience is never alone with the Earl. The Askhams do not know the Earl at all well, and do not want to risk Patience being exposed to the less-than-moral ways of worldly society.
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Askham, Patience
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Father: Askham, Mr. Mother: Askham, Mrs. Brother: Askham, Jeffrey Brother: Askham, Phillip Brother: Askham, Edward
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Patience Askham is the eldest daughter of a country gentleman, living at Woodland House, near Crowborough, some ten miles from the Earl of Denville's country estate at Ravenshurst. She is a sweet, innocent girl, strictly raised, unaffected and sincere. Although she is not of the nobility, she is gently born. One description calls her not dashing, or lively, or full of fun and wit.... (not as) beautiful as some others, but overall a very well-brought up, modest, likeable girl. She helps to nurse the 6th Earl of Denville, who has had a carriage accident not far from Woodland House and is carried to the door.
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Askham, Phillip
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Father: Askham, Mr. Mother: Askham, Mrs. Brother: Askham, Jeffrey Brother: Askham, Edward Sister: Askham, Patience
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Phillip is the second son of the Askham family. He is a student at Cambridge, and Evelyn describes him as a very good fellow!
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Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of (??? Cliffe) (deceased)
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Wife: Baverstock, Countess of Son: Baverstock, nth Earl of Son: Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo Daughter: Denville, Dowager Countess of (Amabel) Daughter: Cliffe, Lady Harriet Son-in-law: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Daughter-in-law: Baverstock, Countess of (Amelia) Daughter-in-law: Cliffe, Mrs. Cosmo (Emma) Grandson: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Grandson: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Grandson: Cliffe, Ambrose Granddaughter: Cliffe, Lady Maria Granddaughter: Cliffe, Lady Katherine
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Amabel’s father, the Earl of Baverstock, was the possessor of impoverished estates and numerous progeny, who had accepted the Earl of Denville’s offer for Amabel thankfully. Like many of the Cliffes, he has no head for managing money and a decided inclination toward gambling.
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Baverstock, Countess of (Amelia Cliffe, née Amelia ???)
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Husband: Baverstock, nth Earl of Daughter: Lady Maria Cliffe Daughter: Lady Katherine Cliffe Father-in-law: Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of Mother-in-law: Baverstock, Countess of Brother-in-law: Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo Sister-in-law: Denville, Dowager Countess of (Amabel) Sister-in-law: Lady Harriet Cliffe Nephew: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Nephew: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Nephew: Cliffe, Ambrose
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Amelia is Lady Denville’s sister-in-law, and is a somewhat rude, insensitive person, described as odious by Lady Denville. She has denied her brother-in-law Cosmo and his family their annual visit to her country home, in no very pleasant terms. Also, she has been unkind to her second daughter, Kate, who never has anything pretty to wear, because….Amelia won’t spend a groat more than she need to on her until she has snabbled a husband for Maria, her first daughter.
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Baverstock, Countess of (deceased)
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Husband: Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of Son: Baverstock, nth Earl of Son: Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo Daughter: Denville, Dowager Countess of Daughter: Lady Harriet Cliffe Son-in-law: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Daughter-in-law: Baverstock, Countess of (Amelia) Daughter-in-law: Cliffe, Mrs. Cosmo Grandson: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Grandson: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Grandson: Cliffe, Ambrose Granddaughter: Lady Maria Cliffe Granddaughter: Lady Katherine Cliffe
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Amabel's mother is mentioned in passing only. She is deceased prior to the start of the story, but evidently was a shallow woman, who cared only that her daughters be taught accomplishments, so that they might make good marriages. She is compared unfavourably to Mr. And Mrs. Askham, who have brought up a daughter with many virtues and a strong moral compass.
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Baverstock, nth Earl of (??? Cliffe)
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Wife: Baverstock, Countess of (Amelia) Daughter: Cliffe, Lady Maria Daughter: Cliffe, Lady Katherine Father: Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of Mother: Baverstock, Countess of Brother: Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo Sister: Denville, Dowager Countess of (Amabel) Sister: Cliffe, Lady Harriet Brother-in-law: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Sister-in-law: Cliffe, Mrs. Cosmo (Emma) Nephew: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Nephew: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Nephew: Cliffe, Ambrose
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The Earl of Baverstock is Lady Denville’s brother. There is very little information given about him, other than that he banks at Child’s, as did his father before him, and that he is married with at least two daughters. His wife is described as odious.
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Bembridge, Mr. (deceased)
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Mr. Bembridge was Kit’s godfather, who has left him a legacy of roughly £20,000. Dealing with the formalities of accepting this legacy gives Kit the excuse to take a leave of absence from his duties and find out if all is well with Evelyn. Not much is said about Mr. Bembridge, although Amabel is disappointed at the small amount of the legacy, saying for Mr. Bembridge was always said to be very well to pass, only it turns out to be no such thing, and he was possessed of what Adlestrop, detestable creature, calls a competence. Poor man! I daresay it was not his fault, so you musn't blame him!
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Brigg
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Brigg is the longtime butler at the Denville townhouse in London. He is getting on in years, and Lady Denville does not fear that he will recognize Kit masquerading as Evelyn, because he is getting so short-sighted and deaf. However, previously, when Evelyn only hinted to him that he should retire on a very handsome pension he was thrown into such gloom that Evelyn felt obliged to let the matter drop. However, Brigg has been replaced at Ravenshurst by Mr. Norton.
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Brumby, Lord (Henry Fancot)
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Brother: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Sister: Fancot, Lady Louisa Sister-in-law: Denville, Dowager Countess of (Amabel) Aunt: Fancot, Lady Augusta Nephew: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Nephew: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Great uncle: Gingerhackle
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Lord Brumby is the uncle of Kit and Evelyn. He is a patron of sorts for Kit's career, using his influence to obtain Kit's first post in Constantinople. Lord Brumby's barony has been recently bestowed as reward for his own ambassadorial accomplishments. Lord Brumby is also the Trustee for Evelyn's inheritance, and holds the key to the Trust being ended whenever he deems Evelyn to be no longer too volatile to handle it. His current stipulation for this is that Evelyn be married to a female of character, which leads Evelyn to propose to Miss Stavely. Although stuffy and punctilious, Lord Brumby is fair, and thinks the Trust a bit onerous.
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Cathcart, George |
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See: CATHCART, Sir George |
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Céleste |
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Lady Denville’s expensive dressmaker, over whose bills her husband cut up stiff. Nothing has changed since the Earl died fifteen months before—Lady Denville still owes a substantial sum to Céleste.
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Chacely, Lord |
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Lord Chacely is a middle-aged gallant and an admirer of Lady Denville. Kit encounters him when he returns home from the Stavely's party, still masquerading as Evelyn. Lord Chacely chastises him for failing to keep an engagement with him at Ascot races. Kit pretends that he merely forgot to write to him when he found he couldn't make the party, but Lord Chacely is not convinced, and assumes Evelyn forgot about the engagement altogether.
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Challow |
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Challow is the devoted groom of Evelyn, Lord Denville. He was a stocky individual, with grizzled hair, and the slightly bowed legs of one bred from his earliest youth to the saddle. He has served the twins since childhood, teaching them to ride, and rescuing them from innumerable scrapes by covering up for them to their stern father. He still treats them much as he did when they were schoolboys, which has irked Evelyn, who feels that both Challow and Fimber, his valet, are overprotective. On the trip where Evelyn disappears, he has refused to let Fimber accompany him, and has sent Challow home after just a couple of days. At one point, Evelyn comments that the way (Challow) and Fimber cluck after me, like a couple of hens with one chick, is enough to drive me out of my mind!
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Clent, Mr. |
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Mr. Clent is the barber whom Evelyn has engaged to attend him at noon on the day of the evening party with the Stavelys. Since Evelyn has disappeared, and Kit plans to take his place, Fimber, Evelyn’s valet, thinks it would be wise for Mr. Clent to cut Kit’s hair. It occurs to me, sir, that you are wearing your hair too long. His lordship favours more of a Corinthian cut.
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Cliffe, Ambrose |
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Father: Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo Mother: Cliffe, Mrs. Cosmo (Emma) Grandfather: Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of Grandmother: Baverstock, Countess of Uncle: Baverstock, nth Earl of Uncle: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Aunt: Denville, Dowager Countess of (Amabel) Aunt: Lady Harriet Cliffe Aunt: Baverstock, Countess of (Amelia) Cousin: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Cousin: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Cousin: Lady Maria Cliffe Cousin: Lady Katherine Cliffe
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Ambrose is the sole surviving offspring of Cosmo and Emma Cliffe. He is nineteen years old, and has been up at Oxford, but is currently in the midst of the Long Vacation. His father is keeping Ambrose under his eye, because he has run monstrously into debt. Kit's memories of him are not fond, and he describes Ambrose as the most odious little bounce I ever met in my life! Kit is somewhat appalled to find that the entire Cosmo Cliffe family will be visiting at Ravenshurst. In many ways, his fears are borne out.
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Cliffe, Amelia |
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See: BAVERSTOCK, Countess of |
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Cliffe, Harriet |
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Father: Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of Mother: Baverstock, Countess of Brother: Baverstock, nth Earl of Brother: Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo Sister: Denville, the Dowager Countess of Brother-in-law: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Sister-in-law: Baverstock, Countess of (Amelia) Sister-in-law: Cliffe, Mrs. Cosmo (Emma) Nephew: Cliffe, Ambrose Nephew: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Nephew: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Niece: Lady Maria Cliffe Niece: Lady Katherine Cliffe |
Harriet is Lady Amabel's sister, presumably unmarried. Not much is known about her, except that she is a respectable female, and that living with her would be, for Lady Denville, worse than a bore. Lady Denville is faced with this hideous prospect upon Evelyn's impending marriage, since his Countess will displace her from the Denville townhouse and Ravenshurst, and she cannot properly live alone. |
Cliffe, Lady Amabel |
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See: DENVILLE, Dowager Countess of |
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Cliffe, Lady Katherine |
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Familial Nickname: Kate |
Father: Baverstock, nth Earl of Mother: Baverstock, Countess of (Amelia) Sister: Lady Maria Cliffe Grandfather: Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of Grandmother: Baverstock, Countess of Uncle: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Uncle: Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo Aunt: Denville, Dowager Countess of Aunt: Lady Harriet Cliffe Aunt: Cliffe, Mrs. Cosmo (Emma) Cousin: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Cousin: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Cousin: Cliffe, Ambrose |
Kate is the younger daughter of the Earl and Countess of Baverstock. Lady Denville thinks of her with pity, because her Mama thinks only of Kate's elder sister, whom she is trying to marry off. Lady Denville determines that she will send Kate a string of the most beautiful clear amber beads, which Lady Denville herself rejects after purchasing, saying I don't know how it is, but no matter how dear they may be, there is something about beads which makes one look shabby-genteel. If I were to wear these, even Emma would think I bought made-up clothes in Cranbourne Alley! Evidently, Lady Denville does not consider this a problem for Kate.
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Cliffe, Lady Maria |
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Father: Baverstock, nth Earl of Mother: Baverstock, Countess of (Amelia) Sister: Lady Katherine Cliffe Grandfather: Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of Grandmother: Baverstock, Countess of Uncle: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Uncle: Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo Aunt: Denville, Dowager Countess of Aunt: Lady Harriet Cliffe Aunt: Cliffe, Mrs. Cosmo (Emma) Cousin: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Cousin: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Cousin: Cliffe, Ambrose |
Lady Maria Cliffe is the daughter of the Earl and Countess of Baverstock. She is the elder of at least two siblings, and her mother is trying to marry her off. However, Lady Denville thinks this is unlikely to happen, for she's a plain girl, and has been out for three Seasons already. Lady Denville says that the Countess spends all her money on Maria and neglects her younger daughter, Kate. |
Cliffe, Mrs. Cosmo (née Emma ??) |
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Husband: Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo Son: Cliffe, Ambrose Father-in-law: Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of Mother-in-law: Baverstock, Countess of Brother-in-law: Baverstock, nth Earl of Sister-in-law: Denville, the Dowager Countess of Sister-in-law: Lady Harriet Cliffe Nephew: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Nephew: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Niece: Lady Maria Cliffe Niece: Lady Katherine Cliffe |
Emma is the somewhat drab and mouse-like wife of Cosmo Cliffe. She is a flaccid woman, with weak blue eyes, and a sickly complexion. She is much fixated on the health of her only child, Ambrose, and thinks Lady Denville a neglectful parent because she cannot remember to which childhood diseases Kit and Evelyn fell victim. Emma herself is so watchful that at one point she declares: Ambrose might say what he chose but she was persuaded that he had a boil forming on his neck. |
Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo |
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Wife: Cliffe, Mrs. Cosmo (Emma) Son: Cliffe, Ambrose Father: Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of Mother: Baverstock, Countess of Brother: Baverstock, nth Earl of Sister: Denville, the Dowager Countess of Sister: Lady Harriet Cliffe Brother-in-law: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Sister-in-law: Baverstock, Countess of (Amelia) Nephew: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Nephew: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Niece: Lady Maria Cliffe Niece: Lady Katherine Cliffe |
Cosmo is the younger brother of the Earl of Baverstock, and Lady Denville’s brother as well. He is a tall, spare man, very inquisitive into the financial affairs of everyone around him, although this interest in the Earl of Denville is altruistic; almost as much as he liked saving money for himself did he like to evolve plans whereby other people’s money could be saved. He is notoriously frugal, a nip-cheese, and as Lady Denville says, if he can but contrive to live at rack and manger somewhere (for the summer) he is content! Lady Denville invites Cosmo and his family to Ravenshurst to visit at the same time that Dowager Lady Stavely and Cressida will be there. She hopes that Cosmo will be content to play whist for chicken-stakes with old Lady Stavely, and thus keep her entertained and in good humour some of the time. |
Cressy |
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See: STAVELY, the Honourable Cressida |
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Dursley |
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Dursley is the butler at the London home of the Stavelys. He admits Kit (masquerading as Evelyn) for a private conversation with Cressida, and gives him a conspiratorial wink. He is convinced that he is assisting at a romantical affair, and champions Cressida’s cause for independence through marriage. He and the other upper servants are siding with her against her annoying, insecure stepmother, Albinia.
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Ebchester, Lady (Augusta) (née: Augusta Stavely) |
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Husband: Ebchester, Lord Mother: Stavely, Lady (Cornelia) Brother: Stavely, Lord (George) Brother: Stavely, the Honourable Charles Sister: Stavely, the Honourable Clara Sister: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Elizabeth Sister: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Caroline Nephew: Stavely, the Honourable Edward John Francis Nephew: Henry (son of Caroline) Niece: Stavely, the Honourable Cressida Distant Cousin: Stavely, Maria Distant Ancestor: Gentleman Dick |
Lady Ebchester is the eldest of Lord Stavely’s sisters. She is middle-aged and hearty, shaking hands with (Kit) in a very robust way and speaking very plainly of her contempt for the way her brother has gathered all the most remote relations to meet him. She is inclined to approve of the match with the Earl of Denville, saying that Cressy, with a dowry of only £25,000, would be a fool to draw back from it. |
Edgbaston, Lord |
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Lord Edgbaston is a friend of Lady Denville. He loans her £5,000 after the death of the Earl of Denville. Lady Denville has found herself suddenly beset by creditors, and with no immediate way out of her difficulties. After Mr. Child of Child’s Bank refuses to loan her any more money, she turns to Lord Edgbaston.
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Elstead, Dr. |
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Dr. Elstead is the country doctor who treats Evelyn at the Askham's house for several days after his carriage accident. Evelyn refers to him as that cursed sawbones, but in reality truly respected him and also called him a famous fellow.
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Fancot, Amabel |
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See: DENVILLE, Dowager Countess of |
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Fancot, Evelyn |
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See: DENVILLE, 6th Earl of |
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Fancot, Henry |
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See: BRUMBY, Lord |
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Fancot, Lady Augusta (deceased) |
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Uncle: Gingerhackle Nephew: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Nephew: Brumby, Lord (Henry Fancot) Niece: Fancot, Lady Louisa Great-nephew: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Great-nephew: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher |
Lady Augusta was the formidable great-aunt of Kit and Evelyn, who could put them out of countenance within two minutes of seeing (them)! Kit recalls this, but also that she is happily defunct. |
Fancot, Lady Louisa (deceased) |
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Brother: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Brother: Brumby, Lord (Henry Fancot) Sister-in-law: Denville, Countess of (Amabel) Aunt: Fancot, Lady Augusta Nephew: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Nephew: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher Great uncle: Gingerhackle |
Lady Louisa was the sister of the 5th Earl of Denville, and somewhat of a nemesis to his Countess, Amabel. Lady Louisa strongly disapproved of Amabel's extravagance and tried to instruct (her).... in habits of economy, but was unsuccessful. Amabel considered Louisa a most disagreeable woman... besides being a nipcheese, which led her to not employing a second footman, and serving horrid dinners. Louisa also advised Lord Denville that Amabel be sent away to the Continent, as punishment for some undescribed transgression that occurred when the twins were babies. Luckily, Napoleon was making the Continent dangerous at the time, so the banishment did not take place.
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Fancot, the Honourable Christopher |
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Familial Nickname: Kit, Kester |
Father: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Mother: Denville, Countess of (Amabel) Brother: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Uncle: Brumby, Lord (Henry Fancot) Uncle: Cliffe, the Honourable Cosmo Uncle: Baverstock, nth Earl of Aunt: Baverstock, Countess of (Amelia) Aunt: Cliffe, Mrs. Cosmo (Emma) Aunt: Fancot, Lady Louisa Aunt: Cliffe, Lady Harriet Cousin: Cliffe, Ambrose Cousin: Cliffe, Lady Maria Cousin: Cliffe, Lady Katherine Maternal Grandfather: Baverstock, (n-1)th Earl of Maternal Grandmother: Baverstock, Countess of Great-Aunt: Fancot, Lady Augusta Great-great uncle: Gingerhackle |
Kit is the younger of identical twin sons of the 5th Earl of Denville (deceased.) He is twenty-four years old when the story begins in 1817. His brother, Evelyn, has succeeded to the title, and Kit has pursued a promising career as a diplomat. At the opening of False Colours, Kit has returned to England from the Continent, with the vague feeling that Evelyn may be in some sort of trouble and in need of his assistance. Kit has easy, unaffected manners, and is regarded as the steadier, more serious twin. Other differences from Evelyn include kinder eyes, a tendency to look grave for no reason that Evelyn could discover, and a more even temper than Evelyn. He has tact and address and an instinctive discretion, although he has not foregone the engaging lightheartedness of his youth. His position in the diplomatic corps has given him gainful occupation and has enhanced his maturity and natural poise. |
Fancot, William |
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See: DENVILLE, 5th Earl of |
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Fimber |
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Fimber is the very protective valet of Evelyn, Lord Denville. When the decision is made that Kit will impersonate Evelyn for one night only, Fimber is invaluable in helping to present Kit with the closest possible resemblance to Evelyn. He advises on his haircut, his neckcloth, and his shirtpoints. He also provides Kit with insight on Evelyn’s state of mind prior to his disappearance, and what may have been troubling him.
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Flixton (title unknown) |
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Flixton is a member of the older generation of the ton who knew Mrs. Alperton when she was young and successful as a member of the muslin company. Flixton tells Evelyn that Mrs. Alperton was truly a dasher of the first water, however old and faded she may appear now.
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Franz (last name unspecified) |
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Franz is Kit’s foreign man or personal valet. He is Viennese, and Fimber, Evelyn’s proper English valet, is obstinately prejudiced against him. Fimber eyed (Kit’s) Hessians with contempt, but there was really no fault to be found either in their cut, or in their unsullied brilliance, so evidently Franz is perfectly competent. He does not accompany Kit on his visit to London.
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Gentleman Dick (deceased) |
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Gentleman Dick is the distant ancestor of Cressida Stavely, who has blotted the (family) escutcheon by having journeyed so far into Dun territory that he had seen nothing for it but to take to the High Toby. In this, he was not ultimately successful, as it was generally believed that her interesting forebear had perished on the scaffold….
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Gillifoot, Albinia |
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See: STAVELY, Lady |
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Gingerhackle (deceased) |
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Niece: Fancot, Lady Augusta Great-nephew: Denville, 5th Earl of (William) Great-nephew: Brumby, Lord (Henry Fancot) Great-niece: Fancot, Lady Louisa Great-great-nephew: Denville, 6th Earl of (Evelyn) Great-great-nephew: Fancot, the Honourable Christopher |
Gingerhackle is the nickname for one of Kit and Evelyn’s great-great-uncles. He and his wife are pictured in one of the portraits hanging in the gallery at Ravenshurst. Cressida and Kit are touring the gallery, and Cressida tells Kit the story of her disreputable ancestor who was a highwayman. He counters with Gingerhackle, who is said to have murdered his first wife. |
Goodleigh, Mr. |
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Mr. Goodleigh is the bailiff at Ravenshurst. Kit is forced to meet with him when he takes up residence there, masquerading as Evelyn. Mr. Goodleigh is a long-time employee of the Fancot family, and is very happy to see that Evelyn may soon take possession of his estate and wind up the Trust administered by his uncle. Although he admires Lord Brumby, having Evelyn restricted and not be the one in charge of the estate is not the same thing, sir! Not to those of us who watched you and Mr. Kit grow up from your cradles! Later, he gives Kit many of the details of the estate, not noticing that he is much more interested in the property bequeathed by the late Earl to his younger son than in Evelyn's own vast inheritance.
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Henry |
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Mother: Stavely, Caroline (married name, style unknown)
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Henry is the eldest son of Cressida’s Aunt Caroline. He is mentioned only in passing, when he serves as a catalyst for Cressida’s other aunt, Clara, to remove herself posthaste from a restful vacation and rush to Caroline’s support. This happens when Henry has broken his arm and another of Caroline’s children having thrown out a rash…. and her housekeeper having been obliged to leave at a moment’s notice to succour her ailing mother, who had been laid low with a palsy-stroke.
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Horning, Mr. |
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Mr. Horning, a poet, is an ardent young admirer of Lady Denville. He likens her to a daffodil, tossed like a nymph on the breeze. He is somewhat unconventional, dressed with a studied negligence which included a handkerchief carelessly knotted about his neck, and unstarched shirt-points. Although Lady Denville considers him ridiculous, and that it is dreadfully tedious to be obliged to listen to poetry, even when it has been composed in one’s honour, but she savors the fact that she is three-and-forty, and still able to attach foolish boys.
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James |
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James is Mrs. Askham's manservant. He was called into service to help Evelyn about the Askham's house as he was convalescing there, and to help him dress.
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Jane |
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Jane is Dowager Lady Stavely’s abigail. She is in attendance on her at Ravenshurst, and also helps with Cressida’s simple yet elegant toilette. This was not of a nature to tax the skill of an abigail who was more a nurse than a dresser, so Jane plays more than one role in serving old Lady Stavely.
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John Coachman |
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John Coachman is a retired servant of the Denville family. He has gone to live with his married daughter in Networth, a village not far from Nutley. Evelyn stops in to visit him on his way to Tunbridge Wells, because John-Coachman has grown pretty feeble, and keeps asking after both (of the twins). Both Kit and Evelyn have fond memories of John-Coachman giving them their earliest driving lessons when they were children.
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Kate |
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See: CLIFFE, Lady Katherine |
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Kester |
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See: FANCOT, the Honourable Christopher |
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Kit |
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See: FANCOT, the Honourable Christopher |
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Matlock (title unspecified) |
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Matlock was Lady Denville's lover for an unspecified period of time, when the twins were children, during a time of great unhappiness in her marriage. This affair, which became known to her husband and his brother, is one of the factors that makes it unwise to approach Lord Brumby to help her out of her current embarrassments.
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Ned |
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See: ASKHAM, Edward |
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Newbiggin |
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Newbiggin is the head gardener at Ravenshurst. He is responsible for the layout and upkeep of all the gardens at the estate. He is especially proud of the beautiful rose garden, and Kit tells Cressy she will gain his favour for life if she compliments it. Although Lady Denville claims chief credit for the rose-garden, it is really Newbiggin’s accomplishment.
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Newlyn |
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See: STREATLEY, Sir John |
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Newlyn is yet another of the middle-aged gallants. |
Norton, Mr. |
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Wife: Norton, Mrs. |
Mr. Norton is the new butler at Ravenshurst. He was hired when it became too much for the Fancot's elderly town butler, Brigg, to be always traveling between the London townhouse and Ravenshurst. This is a lucky circumstance for Kit; it is very unlikely that Mr. Norton or his wife, the Ravenhurst housekeeper, will question his identity, for they have only served Evelyn for a short time, and he has not been frequently in residence at Ravenshurst.
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Norton, Mrs. |
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Husband: Norton, Mr. |
Mrs. Norton is the housekeeper at Ravenshurst. When Kit visits Ravenshurst, masquerading as Evelyn, she is surprised, but very happy, her eyes kindling with housewifely fervour. Evelyn has evidently not spent much time at Ravenshurst, giving Mrs. Norton little scope for her talent. Later, when Lady Denville arrives, Mrs. Norton’s sensibilities were seriously ruffled, because Lady Denville has brought all kinds of housekeeping supplies and ideas with her which conflict with Mrs. Norton’s own. Mrs. Norton prides herself on her competence and foresight, and wonders what she will do with all that Spermaceti Oil, not to mention two Westphalian hams; several pounds of Hyson tea, Superfine Vanilla, and Treble-refined Sugar…; a large quantity of wafers from Gunter’s and several pieces of furniture.
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Nurse |
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Nurse is mentioned in passing; she is the nurse to the younger Askham children, and one of the persons who chaperones Patience during her conversations with Evelyn.
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Oakenshaw, General |
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a.k.a.: Spidershanks |
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General Oakenshaw is a neighbour of the Denvilles near Ravenshurst. He is an admirer of Lady Denville, and is contemptuous of her other devoted cicisbeo, Sir Bonamy Ripple. Sir Bonamy refers to General Oakenshaw as that old spidershanks, and the General stigmatizes Sir Bonamy as a chawbacon, a bag-pudding, a ludicrously fat Bartholomew baby, and a contemptible barber's block. Their name-calling and rivalry amuse only Sir Bonamy, and old Lady Stavely.
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Old Spidershanks |
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See: OAKENSHAW, General |
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Pinner, Mrs |
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Nickname: Pinny |
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Mrs. Pinner is Kit and Evelyn’s old nurse, who is now retired, and lives in the cottage by the west gates at Ravenshurst. She is the only one of the Ravenshurst staff who is likely to see through Kit’s impersonation of Evelyn, so Kit therefore does not try to conceal it from her. She is surprised, but sympathetic, assuming Evelyn will reappear and get out of whatever scrape he is in before it is too late.
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Pinny |
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See: PINNER, Mrs. |
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Rimpton, Miss |
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Miss Rimpton is Lady Denville’s top-lofty but highly skilled dresser. Despite being a paid servant, she bore all the appearance of a dowager of high estate. Lady Denville urges Cressy to not allow Rimpton to put on airs to be interesting, and wonders sometimes why she bears with her, but she is a wonderful dresser! and odious, but a positive genius!
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Ripple, Sir Bonamy |
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Sir Bonamy is an extremely wealthy friend of Lady Denville. He was a suitor for her hand when they were young, but the Earl of Baverstock, her father, instead chose the Earl of Denville for his higher title. Although disappointed, Sir Bonamy managed to recover, and has lived a very comfortable life as a wealthy bachelor. He has had several high-flyers under his protection over the years; lives in the height of luxury, maintaining in addition to his mansion in Grosvenor Square, establishments in Brighton, Newmarket, York and Bath…; stabling teams of prime cattle on no fewer than five of the main post-roads; and gaming for preposterous stakes at either Watier’s, or at Oatlands, the residence of his extremely expensive crony, the Duke of York. He has also enjoyed large quantities of food and drink over the years, and his figure now resembles nothing so much as an overripe pear. He has been a steadfast friend to Lady Denville over the years, and has run tame about her home, despite ridicule from her sons. He professes everlasting love for Amabel, but in truth does not wish to change his hedonistic existence.
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Sandhayes (title unspecified) |
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Wife: Sandhayes, Augusta |
Mentioned in passing--see description under his wife, Mrs. Sandhayes. |
Sandhayes, Augusta |
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See: SANDHAYES, Mrs. |
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Sandhayes, Mrs. (Augusta) |
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Husband: Sandhayes |
Mrs. Sandhayes, an acquaintance of Lady Denville, is mentioned in passing as the unfortunate wife of Sandhayes, who lost a great deal of money on 'Change. The Sandhayeses were forced to remove to Upper Grosvenor Place, which is miles and miles from anywhere, and to hold household, which presumably meant living in a much quieter style with far fewer servants.
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Silverdale, Lord |
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Lord Silverdale is the gentleman to whom Lady Denville loses a brooch at the gambling table. She stakes it after he refuses to accept her vowels, or IOUs. Because she later recalls that she sold the original brooch years ago, and had the brooch copied, Evelyn decides to follow Lord Silverdale immediately to Brighton to redeem the brooch. Lady Denville considers this a waste of good money, and that Lord Silverdale deserves the valueless brooch for having been so quizzy and disobliging… Sir Bonamy describes Lord Silverdale as a shocking loose-screw…. with a damn nasty tongue in his head.
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Staveley, the Honourable Elizabeth (married name, style unknown) |
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Familial nickname: Eliza |
Mother: Stavely, Lady (Cornelia) Brother: Stavely, Lord (George) Brother: Stavely, the Honourable Charles Sister: Stavely, the Honourable Clara Sister: Ebchester, Lady (née the Honourable Augusta Stavely) Sister: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Caroline Nephew: Stavely, the Honourable Edward John Francis Nephew: Henry (son of Caroline) Niece: Stavely, the Honourable Cressida Distant Cousin: Stavely, Maria Distant Ancestor: Gentleman Dick |
Elizabeth is another of Lord Stavely’s sisters. She is married, with several children, but the names of her husband and children are not mentioned. She is the kindest creature imaginable, which is demonstrated when she invites her spinster sister, Clara, to spend a summer holiday with her. She also tries to talk Clara out of leaving her and rushing to attend their other sister, Caroline, and her demanding children, but is unsuccessful. |
Stavely, Albinia |
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See: STAVELY, Lady |
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Stavely, Baron |
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See: STAVELY, Lord |
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Stavely, Cornelia |
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See: STAVELY, Dowager Lady |
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Stavely, Dowager Lady (Cornelia) |
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Son: Stavely, Lord (George) Son: Stavely, the Honourable Charles Daughter: Ebchester, Lady (née Miss Augusta Stavely) Daughter: Stavely, Miss Clara Daughter: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Elizabeth Daughter: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Caroline Daughter-in-law: Stavely, Lady (unnamed; deceased mother of Cressida) Daughter-in-law: Stavely, Lady (Albinia) Grandson: Henry (son of Caroline) Grandson: Stavely, the Honourable Edward John Francis Granddaughter: Stavely, the Honourable Cressida Distant Cousin: Stavely, Maria Distant Ancestor: Gentleman Dick |
Dowager Lady Stavely is the matriarch of the Stavely family, mother of Baron Stavely and doting grandmother of Miss Cressida Stavely. She is a plain-speaking, somewhat cantankerous old lady who has come to London to check that Cressida’s proposed alliance with the Earl of Denville meets with her approval. Lady Stavely has high standards, and is odiously starched up. Since her son, Cressida’s father, stands in the most absurd awe of her, permission for the marriage lies with Dowager Lady Stavely. Lady Stavely also has a substantial fortune to bestow when she dies, and her son is frightened that she will leave it away from him if he crosses her. Physically, Lady Stavely is small, and spare, with a straight nose and a flat bosom. Her thin fingers are twisted by gout. Although afflicted with various age-related ailments, she is sharp as nails and misses very little that goes on around her. |
Stavely, George |
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See: STAVELY, Lord |
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Stavely, Lady (Albinia) (née Albinia Gillifoot) |
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Husband: Stavely, Lord (George) Son: Stavely, the Honourable Edward John Francis Stepdaughter: Stavely, the Honourable Cressida Mother-in-law: Stavely, Lady (Cornelia) Brother-in-law: Stavely, the Honourable Charles Sister-in-law: Ebchester, Lady (née the Honourable Augusta Stavely) Sister-in-law: Stavely, the Honourable Clara Sister-in-law: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Elizabeth Sister-in-law: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Caroline Nephew: Henry (son of Caroline) |
Albinia is the second wife of Lord Stavely. She has fair hair, and a rather sharp-featured but undeniably pretty face. She marries the much older Lord Stavely after coming perilously close to being on the shelf. She is insecure and self-conscious, and does not endear herself to her husband’s long-time servants, who prefer his daughter as mistress of the house. When Kit visits the Stavely mansion, she was overacting the part of Society hostess; she had been for too long the daughter who had failed to catch a husband to slip easily into her new position. She is also in the family way, and uses this as another excuse to lord it over Cressida. Both she and Cressida wish to be parted as soon as possible. |
Stavely, Lady (deceased) |
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Husband: Stavely, Lord (George) Daughter: Stavely, the Honourable Cressida Mother-in-law: Stavely, Lady (Cornelia) Brother-in-law: Stavely, the Honourable Charles Sister-in-law: Ebchester, Lady (née the Honourable Augusta Stavely) Sister-in-law: Stavely, the Honourable Clara Sister-in-law: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Elizabeth Sister-in-law: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Caroline Nephew: Henry (son of Caroline) Distant Cousin: Stavely, Maria Distant Ancestor: Gentleman Dick |
The first wife of George, Lord Stavely, was also mother to his only child and daughter, Cressida. Not much information is given about her, but she was aware that her husband was not faithful to her. She died when Cressida was sixteen years old. |
Stavely, Lord (George) (Baron Stavely) |
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1st Wife: Stavely, Lady (unnamed) 2nd Wife: Stavely, Lady (Albinia, née Albinia Gillifoot) Son: Stavely, the Honourable Edward John Francis Daughter: Stavely, the Honourable Cressida Mother: Stavely, Lady (Cornelia) Brother: Stavely, the Honourable Charles Sister: Ebchester, Lady (née the Honourable Augusta Stavely) Sister: Stavely, the Honourable Clara Sister: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Elizabeth Sister: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Caroline Nephew: Henry (son of Caroline) Distant Cousin: Stavely, Maria Distant Ancestor: Gentleman Dick |
Lord Stavely is the father of Cressida, and therefore Evelyn’s proposed father-in-law. Cressida, his twenty-year-old daughter, is his only living child, and his first wife is dead. Over the years, both before and after his wife died, he kept many mistresses, and is quite a man of the town. Despite this, he has also maintained a close and loving relationship with Cressida. He recently remarried a woman who is not much older than his daughter. Lady Denville has no very high opinion of him. When he was younger and she was first out, he had also formed a passion for her, and behaved like a perfect moonling. However, he has now been caught by Albinia Gillifoot, who keeps him dancing attendance on her. He is therefore more than willing to consent to Cressida’s marriage to Evelyn, because his new wife is jealous of his daughter. However, he will not agree to the marriage until his mother gives her blessing. His mother has a fortune to leave, and he does not want to offend her and risk the chance that she will leave her fortune to his brother. |
Stavely, Maria (style unknown) |
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Relations: distantly related to the Stavely family, but exact connection unknown, beyond being some sort of cousin. |
Maria is the comical deaf cousin who causes much amusement/embarrasment when Kit, masquerading as Evelyn, is presented for the first time to much of the Stavely family. She is an elderly spinster, who says, in the over-loud voice of the deaf, that Kit is Very handsome! That I must own!. When the ladies have withdrawn after dinner, and the gentleman join them again presently, she repeats words to that effect just as Kit walks in to the room. He shares his amusement with Cressida when their eyes meet, which is one of the things that makes Cressida wonder if she was wrong to have started doubting her engagement to Evelyn.
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Stavely, the Honourable Augusta |
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See: EBCHESTER, Lady |
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Stavely, the Honourable Caroline (married name, style unknown) |
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Son: Henry (surname, style unknown) Mother: Stavely, Lady (Cornelia) Brother: Stavely, Lord (George) Brother: Stavely, the Honourable Charles Sister: Stavely, the Honourable Clara Sister: Ebchester, Lady (née the Honourable Augusta Stavely) Sister: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Elizabeth Nephew: Stavely, the Honourable Edward John Francis Niece: Stavely, the Honourable Cressida Distant Cousin: Stavely, Maria Distant Ancestor: Gentleman Dick |
Aunt Caroline is one of the numerous Stavely family members, aunt to Cressida. The main thing noted about her is her tendency to use her spinster sister, Clara, as a drudge, to fetch and carry for her children when Clara is supposed to be on a holiday. Caroline has at least two children, one named Henry, and possibly more. Her husband’s name and title are not mentioned. |
Stavely, the Honourable Charles |
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Mother: Stavely, Lady (Cornelia) Brother: Stavely, Lord (George) Sister: Stavely, the Honourable Clara Sister: Ebchester, Lady (née the Honourable Augusta Stavely) Sister: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Elizabeth Sister: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Caroline Nephew: Stavely, the Honourable Edward John Francis Nephew: Henry (son of Caroline) Niece: Stavely, the Honourable Cressida Distant Cousin: Stavely, Maria Distant Ancestor: Gentleman Dick |
Charles Stavely is Lord Stavely’s younger brother, and a casual acquaintance of Lord Denville. They are not the same age, as Charles is in his late forties, but they do belong to the same club. Kit, masquerading as Evelyn, is surprised to realize there is another Stavely he is expected to recognize, but gets through the moment well.
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Stavely, the Honourable Clara |
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Mother: Stavely, Lady (Cornelia) Brother: Stavely, Lord (George) Brother: Stavely, the Honourable Charles Sister: Ebchester, Lady (née the Honourable Augusta Stavely) Sister: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Elizabeth Sister: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Caroline Nephew: Stavely, the Honourable Edward John Francis Nephew: Henry (son of Caroline) Niece: Stavely, the Honourable Cressida Distant Cousin: Stavely, Maria Distant Ancestor: Gentleman Dick |
Clara is the spinster sister of Lord Stavely, Cressida’s father. She is a faded lady of uncertain age and a harassed demeanour, who is painted as the family drudge. Her main duty is attending upon Dowager Lady Stavely, but she takes a holiday during the summer, when she travels to her sister Caroline, to fetch and carry for her family. Although the kinder members of the Stavely family have offered to relieve her of these duties from time to time, Clara is not happy unless she is being of help to someone. |
Stavely, the Honourable Cressida |
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Familial nickname: Cressy |
Father: Stavely, Lord (George) Mother: Stavely, Lady (unnamed) Stepmother: Stavely, Lady (Albinia) Half-brother: Stavely, the Honourable Edward John Francis Uncle: Stavely, the Honourable Charles Aunt: Ebchester, Lady (née Miss Augusta Stavely) Aunt: Stavely, the Honourable Clara Aunt: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Elizabeth Aunt: (married name unknown) Stavely, the Honourable Caroline Nephew: Henry (son of Caroline) Grandmother: Stavely, Lady (Cornelia) Distant Cousin: Stavely, Maria Distant Ancestor: Gentleman Dick |
The Honourable Cressida is the daughter of Lord Stavely and the late Lady Stavely. She is not a beauty, but a goodlooking girl, gray-eyed and brown-haired, with a shapely figure. She is twenty years old, and has turned down several offers of marriage to remain with her father, which she considered her duty after her mother died when Cressida was sixteen. However, her father has now remarried, to a female not much older than herself, and Cressida finds herself at constant outs with her new stepmother. Also, she is very used to being independent, and running her father’s household, which she has done for the last four years. She now realizes that when one has held the reins…., as I did here, and at Stavely, it is the most difficult thing in the world to become a mere young lady, obedient to the decrees of her elders. Cressida is therefore considering a marriage of convenience with Evelyn Fancot, the Earl of Denville. She has no delusions that either of them is in love with the other, but finds him likable, adores his mother (who is her own godmother), and is willing to accept a marriage without love to escape her present situation. However, since her last meeting with Evelyn, and his subsequent disappearance (of which she has no knowledge), she has started to doubt her decision. When she meets Kit, masquerading as Evelyn, she likes him more than she thought, and is thus thrown again into confusion. She requests that they become better acquainted, which causes Kit to devoutly hope that Evelyn will return soon. |
Stavely, the Honourable Edward John Francis |
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Baby Edward is the first son of Lord Stavely, born to his second wife Albinia after his first wife has died and his only other living child, Cressida, is already an adult. His birth takes place while Lord Stavely's mother, Dowager Lady Stavely, and Cressida are visiting the Fancots at Ravenshurst. He is a bouncing boy, sound in wind and limb, and weighing almost nine pounds, although the labor is said to have been difficult. His birth makes it even more imperative that Cressy marry, or find an establishment of her own, in order to avoid run-ins with her triumphant stepmother, of whom no-one but Lord Stavely is fond.
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Streatley, Sir John |
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Sir John Streatley is another of the middle-aged gallants found in attendance upon Lady Denville when Kit returns from the Stavely party, masquerading as Evelyn. He participates in the gentle ribbing of Evelyn for his non-appearance at Ascot, and seems to have no idea that he is not speaking to Evelyn, despite having been acquainted with (Kit & Evelyn) since (they) were in short coats!
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Thatcham, Anne |
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Father: Thatcham, Sir John Mother: Thatcham, Lady Brother: Thatcham, Edward |
Anne is the eldest daughter of the local Squire in the neighbourhood of Ravenshurst. She is a lively girl, who has gratified her well-wishers by retiring from her first modest Season with a very respectable parti to her credit. She attends the evening party at Ravenshurst with her parents, and the next day attends a picnic with various members of the Ravenshurst party and other local gentry.
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Thatcham, Edward |
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Father: Thatcham, Sir John Mother: Thatcham, Lady Sister: Thatcham, Anne |
Edward is the eldest son of the local Squire, living seven miles from Ravenshurst. He is just down from his second year at Cambridge. He enjoys his visit with the Denvilles, calling it the jolliest evening, and greatly admires his hostess, Lady Denville.
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Thatcham, Lady (first name not given) |
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Husband: Thatcham, Sir John Son: Thatcham, Edward Daughter: Thatcham, Anne |
Lady Thatcham visits Ravenshurst with her husband and two eldest children. She plays whist in a foursome with her husband, Sir Bonamy, and Dowager Lady Stavely, who compliments Lady Thatcham: you play your cards very tolerably--very tolerably indeed! Later, Lady Thatcham is charmed by Sir Bonamy, and starts to doubt her husband's condemnation of the Prince Regent's set.
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Thatcham, Sir John |
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Wife: Thatcham, Lady Son: Thatcham, Edward Daughter: Thatcham, Anne |
Sir John Thatcham is the local squire in the neighbourhood of Ravenshurst. He and his family are invited to Ravenshurst to enliven the house party there, which Lady Denville herself has stigmatized as the dreariest party! He is very fond of whist, and critical of the members of the Prince of Regent's set, such as Sir Bonamy, who is too much the idle man of fashion to meet with Sir John's approval. Because Sir John is of the untitled local gentry, Dowager Lady Stavely is prepared to rudely snub him and his wife, but relents when she sees their skill at whist.
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Tugby |
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Tugby is the gatekeeper for Ravenshurst, and lives in the lodge at the gates. He is a long-time employee, having known the twins since they were children. He reminds Kit how odd it feels to not have both of the twins in residence at Ravenshurst.
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Willey, Mr. |
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Mr. Willey is the Earl of Denville’s new gamekeeper, in service at Ravenshurst. He is given the thankless task of trying to teach Mr. Ambrose Cliffe how to shoot. Mr. Willey tries, but confides to Kit that if he succeeded in teaching Mr. Ambrose to hit a barn-door at a range of twelve yards it would be more than he bargained for.
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William |
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William is Dowager Lady Stavely’s footman. He accompanies her to Ravenshurst, and aids her in such arduous tasks as alighting from the carriage, and walking downstairs to dinner.
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Woodbury, Mrs. |
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Mrs. Woodbury is Lady Denville's social secretary, who serves at her townhouse in London. Lady Denville wonders why she did not bring Mrs. Woodbury with her to Ravenshurst, since she is an excellent person, and writes all the invitations, and answers letters for me, and never forgets to remind me of the things I've arranged to do! Unfortunately, Mrs. Woodbury would not quite fit in at Ravenshurst, as she is a step above a house-servant, but not an invited guest either.
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Yate, Miss |
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Miss Yate was Cressida's governess, who continued to care for her after Cressy's mother died. This was arranged by Cressy's father, Lord Stavely, because he loved his daughter and wanted her to continue in his house, rather than go to one of her aunts. Cressy also approved of it, and refers to Miss Yate as the dearest creature.
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