Felicity Staunton
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| Portrayed by Lucy Griffiths | |
| Full Name | Felicity Staunton |
|---|---|
| Associated Noble House(s) | Irish Viscountcy of Louisburgh |
| Date of Birth | October 1st, 1792 |
| Father | Adam Staunton |
| Father's Rank | Viscount |
| Mother | Narcissa Staunton (nee Earnshaw) |
| Mother's Rank | Viscountess |
| Town Residence | 1 Cavendish Square |
| Year of Debut | 1810 |
| Dowry | none to speak of |
Felicity is the eldest child of an Irish viscount and his second wife. While she is very pretty and is moderately accomplished, Felicity has no fortune to speak of, and of course has the misfortune to be born in the wilds of Ireland. She is very bright, with a sharp wit, but is known to be a bit headstrong, and is determined to not only make a wise match, but a good match, and to do so this season. Felicity is played by Betsy.
Family
Father: Adam Staunton, Viscount Louisburgh, b. 1764 age 55
Mother: Narcissa (Earnshaw) Staunton, Viscountess Louisburgh, b. 1772, age 39
Half-Brother: Linus Staunton, Baron Bunowen, b. 1787, age 24
Sister: Constance Staunton, b. 1795, age 16
Brother: Thomas Staunton, b. 1796, d. 1796
Sister: Belinda Staunton, b. 1798 age 13
Sister: Leanora Staunton, b. 1800 age 11
Sister: Catherine Staunton, b. 1801, d. 1805
Sister: Elspeth Staunton, b. 1802 age 9
Brother: Oliver Staunton, b. 1805, age 6
Great Aunt: Mrs. Demelza Quartermaine (or, according the Felicity, “The Old Battleaxe”, among other pet names)
Background
Felicity was born the second child and eldest daughter of Adam and Narcissa Staunton, the Viscount and Viscountess of Louisburgh in the wilds of western Ireland. Her father was the very energetic heir to the title when he met Miss Narcissa Earnshaw in her first London season. She, a romantic and quite pretty young girl, was swept away by the dashing young man, who had just recently become a widower with an infant son. The two quickly formed an attachment and were soon engaged. There was only a bit of hemming and hawing on the part of Narcissa’s family – after all, he was a viscount, although it was quite unfortunate that he had to be from Ireland. At least he wasn’t Catholic.
The couple quickly settled down in marital bliss, and once the old Viscount passed away, returned to Ireland and the vast estate of Louisburgh Close. The house seemed to erupt in children, and was always full of life and merriment. The parents heartily approved of games and parties – perhaps a bit too much. Both parents indulged the children and allowed them as much freedom as possible, while hiring suitable tutors and insisting that the children spend at least a little time learning useful applications, in between games and pranks on governesses. Felicity, as eldest daughter, was often the leader of games and escapades, but also found herself responsible for her many siblings’ care and education, in the wake of her absent-minded parents. Nevertheless, her childhood passed very happily. She excelled in her studies, proving to be a very bright and witty child, with a stubborn streak and quick tongue. As in most things in her childhood, Felicity was indulged, and her witticisms and sarcastic comments were often met with laughter and delight, rather than censure.
The family grew in size, and the Viscount’s coffers shrank. He was a generous man, and a spendthrift, who loved to throw lavish dinners and invite parties of friends for hunting. His father had never been particularly given to saving either, and so the family inheritance dwindled, as did his daughters’ dowries. Still, he was never a man given to worry, not even when he started to go into debt.
Felicity spent her first season in London last year with her mother, who hoped she might attract a well-heeled husband; title wasn’t even really that important, for the Viscount and his circle were never one to stand on haughty ceremony. Most of all, the Viscountess hoped to find someone who would overlook her daughter’s meager dowry and inheritance for her agreeable manner. Felicity, however, was much more interested in simply enjoying her first season, and though she was admired, did not attract any serious attachments. This year, her mother is recovering from a bout of pneumonia, and has sent Felicity with a companion to London. She will stay with her Great Aunt Demelza, who has been given strict instructions to find a good match before the end of the season.
Physical Description
Felicity is of average height, at 5’0; her figure is not slender, but neither is she too large. Rather, she has womanly curves. She has dark brown hair, almost black, and fair skin that freckles far too easily for her liking. Her eyes are blue-grey. Her face has the round shape that is so prevalent in the Staunton family, and which her aunts lament is too Gaelic in its look. She has a serious look about her, and is often admonished by her mother not too look so cross, even if she does not intend to look stern. She dresses fashionably but without affectation, preferring lighter colors, and is thankful that her coloring allows her to wear a variety of colors without looking ill.
Personality
Despite being from such a carefree family, Felicity is perhaps unnaturally serious. This mostly seems to be nature rather than circumstance, as she has very little care for her father’s finance. Her role as “the sensible one” while growing up may have fostered this – she may have felt the need to fulfill a prescribed role. Still, it is an ingrained part of her character at this point in time.
However, she is not a stick in the mud. Felicity enjoys pleasant company, balls, games and visits just as much as the next young lady. She has several close friends with whom she maintains correspondence, and enjoys visiting friends in town. She is friendly and is generally of an outgoing personality, quite at ease both in company and on her own.
On the other hand, she is in possession of a biting wit and sarcastic humor that often finds its target among her acquaintances and some may find disagreeable. With her family, she is often of a long-suffering attitude (not in that she actually suffers, but feels as if she is), and their ridiculous manners and behavior are often the subject of dry criticisms.
Felicity is stubborn with an independent streak; she is the type who refuses to do something that is best for her simply because someone else insists upon it. This of course leads to foolish choices and unfortunate consequences, though she is usually wise enough to turn back before any irreparable harm comes to pass. As one might expect, she has a temper, but she takes good care to keep it under check, especially in public. Very few people have actually seen evidence of her hot blood; it usually comes out in temper tantrums, for which she retires to her private rooms. It has always been thus, since she was a child, as she is “the sensible one”.
She is convinced that being sent to spend the Season with her Aunt Demelza is some sort of secret sadistic punishment on the part of her mother. She cannot stand the dry old bag who acts as if the world is indebted to her self-righteous opinion. However, Felicity perhaps takes after her great aunt more than she would care to admit.
Felicity is very bright and a great reader. She restricts her discussion of literature to those proper for a young lady – stories, poetry and the like – but has been known to read some philosophy, history, and so forth. She is not a bluestocking by any mean – she is simply curious by nature and enjoys gaining new knowledge. She also enjoys going on walks, and can play the piano tolerably, though she isn't truly accomplished in it.
As to her marriage, Felicity is certain that a good match will show up one of these days – a good match being someone who doesn’t mind her meager inheritance, a sensible and good kind of man without any ostentatious taste or affectation. She is very careful that her mother will not be the one to push her into a marriage, and is secretly glad that her mother will not be around – now, if only she can thwart Auntie D….
Connections to Played Characters
Demelza Quartermaine: Felicity's great-aunt (mother's father's sister) who is chaperoning Felicity through the Season. Felicity respects her aunt, though she cannot help but be annoyed with the old battleaxe. Felicity lives with Admiral and Mrs. Quartermaine at 1 Cavendish Square. Played by Vikki.
Linus Staunton, Lord Bunowen: Felicity's brother and heir to the family estate. Felicity has not spent much time with Linus lately, and does not know about his vices. Played by Sara
Rosalind Fairmont: One of Felicity's closest friends. Played by Alex.
Georgiana Haworth: One of Felicity's closest friends. Played by Vikki.
Thomas Sterne: Met Felicity when she was younger, while he was stationed in her hometown. Felicity is attracted to him, but is slowly becoming aware of his true character. Played by Aida.
Mark Fotherington: Felicity met him last year, and just recently renewed their acquaintance on Easter. She tripped and fell while dancing with him at the Emerson Ball, and took him down with her. It was highly embarrassing. Played by Shar.
Hugo Fotherington: Mark's brother, whom Felicity met at church on Easter. She appreciates his sense of humor. Played by Vikki
Viola Fitzgerald: Felicity met Lady Viola at a picnic in Hyde Park. Played by Rose
Olivia Fitzgerald: Viola's younger sister, whom Felicity met at Mrs. Greystone's musical soiree. Felicity is inclined to approve of both sisters. Played by Rose.
Algernon Culpepper: Felicity's foremost suitor. He is rich, and heir to his father's barony, and Felicity's parents approve of the match. Felicity, however, does not, and has great distaste for Mr. Culpepper's foppish dress and affected manners; however, he may be her best chance of an exceedingly good match. Played by Liz.
Marcus Fairmont: A childhood friend of Felicity's and brother to her good friend, Rosalind. Marcus caught Felicity in a compromising situation at the Emerson Ball. He enjoys teasing her. Played by Alex.
William Gosling: Was caught in a secluded alcove with Felicity at the Emerson ball when she ducked in to remove a pebble from her shoe, not knowing he was within. Felicity dislikes him very much. Played by Alex.
Hamond Poore: Felicity's stalker. He's a creeper. Played (brilliantly) by Katherine.
Julia Hissop:Is the patroness of one of Felicity's favorite poets, Evander Whinging. Played by Lidell
David Alford:An acquaintance of her aunt's, Felicity danced with Lord Auckland at the Emerson Ball and, despite his initially off-putting behavior, found his conversation enlightening. Played by Francesca.
Acquaintances
This section is for those who are known to Felicity, but have no established relationship at the moment.
Jane Middleton
Helena Wriothesley