Annabelle Beacham
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| Portrayed by Eleanor Tomlinson | |
| Full Name | Annabelle Beacham |
|---|---|
| Associated Noble House(s) | Duchy of Beaumont, Earldom of Griffith, Earldom of Prestwood, Earldom of Auckland |
| Date of Birth | September 1st, 1793 |
| Father | Sir Rowland Beacham |
| Father's Rank | Knight of the Bath |
| Mother | Lady Meridel Beacham (nee Relmsey) |
| Mother's Rank | None |
| Town Residence | Prestwood House, 48 Upper Grosvenor Street |
| Year of Debut | 1811 |
| Dowry | £18,000, heiress to her father's estate. |
Annabelle "Belle" Beacham is the only daughter of a former Navy Admiral who has since been knighted and settled into a wealthy estate. Her bouncy, lively personality and fresh good looks give her away as a "country cousin", but with good connections, it is hoped she will make a good match in Town this year. She is played by Betsy.
Family
Father: Sir Rowland Beacham, KB, b. 1757
Mother: Lady Meridel Beacham (nee Relmsey), b. 1769 d. 1793
Cousin: Daphne Werlington, Duchess of Beaumont (mother’s brother’s daughter).
Cousin: Damien Relmsey, Viscount Torrington (mother's brother's son)
Uncle: Arthur Beacham, Earl of Prestwood, b. 1754
Aunt: Charlotte Beacham (nee Grey), Countess of Prestwood, b. 1761
Background
Annabelle is the daughter of Sir Rowland Beacham and Lady Marianne Relmsey Beacham. Sir Rowland was the younger son of an earl, an admiral in the navy, elevated to knighthood as a Knight Companion of the Bath for his service. Lady Beacham suffered several miscarriages before giving birth to Annabelle – but paid with her life. Sir Rowland was heartbroken, and moved himself and his daughter to the countryside, where he set up an estate and became slightly reclusive. He shunned the fast society of London and vowed to treasure the one bit of his wife he had left.
And so Annabelle lived a happy, quiet childhood in the country. She grew up free from want, remarkably indulged by her father. The two of them took care of each other. Rather than being sent away to a seminary, she was taught by a series of governesses and masters in all the accomplishments of a young lady. As she grew, she became accomplished in painting, horseback riding, and dancing, as well as possessing a tolerably good singing voice and being able to speak French and Italian.
Annabelle has never been to London before. Upon her seventeeth birthday, her relatives finally prevailed upon her father to allow Annabelle to spend the season in London, for there was no chance of her finding a good match in their backwards corner. He agreed to send her to her cousin, Daphne, in London. Best of all, she is rumored to have a healthy dowry, as Sir Rowland has done quite well for himself.
Physical Description
Miss Beacham is stately, standing about 5’4. With blonde hair and blue eyes, she has the fresh look that one often sees in country girls. She has a ready, sweet smile, such as a young lady ought to have. Her figure is slender, not quite womanly yet, but she is beginning to show more maturity in her curves.
Personality
Annabelle’s secluded childhood has led to a number of personality traits. She is a sweet and good-tempered young lady, rarely cross and never mean, at least not on purpose. She has a very lively constitution. Given much attention but little excitement as a child, she is starved for a few thrills in London, and hopes there will be some exhilarating experiences. Her secluded upbringing has left her naïve and innocent to the dangers of the world. She would easily fall in with the wrong crowd if she did not have a capable relative to take care of her associations – not out of malicious intent, but simply because she believes the best in everyone. Some may find her country manners a bit rustic, and though her etiquette is all that one would expect of a young lady, she may execute a few faux pas – again, not from wantonness, but simply from innocence and naivete. Some may find her a breath of fresh air, while others would consider her a laughable bumpkin. In either case, Annabelle is always inclined to look on the bright side of life, and to see the best in others.
She was remarkably indulged as a child, and never knew any want, and so she can be a bit self-centered at times. She enjoys the arts, particularly painting, and dancing, which is a great forte of hers. As with all things, she was indulged in these respects and pursues them with a passion. She is also an avid horsewoman, and is quite excited at the prospect of a trot on Rotten Row. Some would not approve of her unconcealed emotion – Annabelle has no poker face, as it were.
In all things, she is passionate and generally of a cheerful disposition. This may gain her many friends – or make her the laughingstock of the Ton.
Residence in Town
Annabelle took up residence with her cousin and sponsor, the Duchess of Beaumont, on the 11th of April, 1811, in the Beaumont townhouse on Park Street. On April 26th, the Duchess and her family were called back to the country due to the poor health of the Duchess's father and Annabelle's maternal uncle, the Earl of Griffith. At that time, Belle took up residence with her uncle and aunt, the Earl and Countess of Prestwood, in their house at 48 Upper Grosvenor Street.
