Devlin Lassiter
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| Portrayed by Placeholder, former character | |
| Full Name | Devlin Edward William Lassiter |
|---|---|
| Title | Duke of Bridgewater |
| Associated Noble House(s) | Dukedom of Bridgewater, Marquessate of Beale, Earldom of Foxleigh, Barony of Holloway |
| Date of Birth | 15 April 1777 |
| Father | Sebastian Edward |
| Father's Rank | Duke of Bridgewater |
| Mother | Lavinia Parish |
| Mother's Rank | Duchess of Bridgewater |
| Town Residence | ? |
| Income | |
| School | |
| University | |
| Year Attained Title | 1805 |
| Year of Marriage | 1805 |
| Spouse | Delphine Lassiter |
| Spouse's Rank | Duke's daughter |
| Spouse's Death | 1807 |
| Issue | None |
Devlin Lassiter is a former character created by Katie
Family
- Father: Sebastian Edward, 11th Duke of Bridgewater, born 1741 died 1805
- Mother: Lavinia Parish, Duchess of Bridgewater, born 1747 died 1803
- Sister: Lady Sara, born 1781. She was married in 1801 to Lord Edward Blansfield, 7th Marquess of Wollsey. They have two children: Lady Honoria, born 1803, and Lord Christopher, born 1806.
Martial Status: Widower. His wife Delphine died in June of 1807 from complications of appendicitis. They had not known that she was also three months pregnant.
Background
He had known from the time that he was seven that there would not be any more siblings born after his sister Sara. So did everyone else. As a result, his life took a much more drastic turn and he was isolated more and more as he was educated first at home, then set away to University where he was given a truly classical education that befitted one of his rank and station in life. Nothing was left to chance. Every aspect of his training and schooling made it clear that his future was Bridgewater, no matter the cost.
Seen primarily as entertainment as a child, Devlin was duly trotted out and displayed on those occasions that his father felt called for it. He grew up in a household mostly devoid of happiness. A father who was cold, unreachable, and not given to displays of affection or emotion; a mother who had done her “duty” twice and even then found the whole thing utterly disgusting and never really forgave her husband for it. She too was emotional distant, focused upon the role of Duchess of Bridgewater, and all that it brought to her socially to pay him any mind. She did however begin to play an active part in her daughter Sara’s life once she reached the age of twelve, and began to hunt about for suitable candidates.
Devlin and his sister have an unbreakable bond between them. The warmth, affection, and caring that was totally lacking in their parents was abundant between the two of them. Each would do anything possible for the other and can be over-protective.
At university, he was exposed to those of his own sort and gradually allowed a select few into his circle where they remain today. He had known that he was to marry – and that she was his equal in status. They had met only six times before: as children, at weddings and funerals and at her coming out at St. James. He had thought her lovely and they seemed to fit. It was marked and noted and in due course an engagement announced. What he had failed to notice was what lay underneath all that loveliness and charm. By the time he did, it was too late. He had tried to love her, overlooking the small things that only grew larger as the years went by. He had thought that she would think as he and that together they would form a family bound together with love.
He had been taken in by her look of innocence - all blue eyes and pink rosebud mouth. Her very 'shyness' was a refreshing change for him and he felt very much the 'protector.'
Yet Delphine was quite accomplished. Oh, not in the true sense of that word, for she was quite untouched. She had spent many hours before her mirror learning how best her features could be displayed and how to look up through her lashes for the desired effect. She aimed high that year of her coming-out, and when Lord Devlin was put before her, she saw those strawberry leaves and aimed for the kill. Playing it as if born to the part, Delphine had him wound round her finger and down upon bended knee afore the next Season.
It all went wrong, of course, on the wedding night. She had not been told anything, and as a result was totally traumatized and looked at her new husband in horror and was unable to imagine that he would want to "DO" such a thing to her! She rebuffed him and never repeated that bedroom scene until a few years later - only it was not with her husband.
Later, when he had gone to her and tried to speak, she rebuffed him, calling him a monster and other things that truly shocked him. After that, their lives became separate yet still joined. None knew save for his sister Sara of his heartache. The public pretense was very well accomplished and Lady Delphine was the toast of London. She even managed to make herself not flinch at his touch, yet if one looked close enough, there was now something else that was hidden in those baby blue eyes of hers. The years passed with no scandal or children. He heard rumors of his wife from time to time – of her passion for cards, for wine, and for soldiers in uniform. He knew that he could have pushed for information, securing his release from her, but he did not. He grew more distant and sharp and those that called him ‘friend’ worried and waited for the boiling point to be reached.
Delphine, meanwhile, had taken up with a fast set and was acquiring a reputation for it. She met the man whom she betrayed her husband with at a private House Party in London. Devlin, as usual, was gone to his estate in the countryside and she was free to amuse herself. That night, too much wine and a drug slipped to her unawares, unleashed in her all the things that had been pent up inside . She became a different person, changed from girl to woman in a matter of a few hours. Once tasted, this forbidden fruit proved too addictive and she began to crave it more and more.
He had known that she was in the company of an officer and her public behavior was now being discussed and his name was the talk of the clubs. It was time to act. He sought out the man in question, through his agents, a financial arrangement agreed upon, and a boat passage booked for Italy. He now confined her to their London house where she was watched. Predictably, she became furious. Several family treasures were causalities of her rage and then she fell ill. The source could not be discovered as she refused a doctor until the day she could not be awakened by her maid. The Doctor arrived, made the diagnosis and said that without surgery to remove the poisons she would likely die. But it was too late. Delphine died early the next morning, and the news that she had been with child shook him to his core. He knew that it could not have been his.
Devlin, hearing that she had also been with child, was shocked to his core. None knew of the babe and so he buried his wife. Buried too his want and need for a family. Now, four years later and still not re-married, he has hardened as well. He has had several mistresses over the years but currently entertains just one, Mrs. Judith Derrick, a widow that he has established in one of the nicer neighborhoods in London. She is kept totally separate from his daily public life and it is the nights with her that saves him.
