Harriet Fforde
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| Portrayed by placeholder | |
| Full Name | Harriet Diana Fforde |
|---|---|
| Associated Noble House(s) | None |
| Date of Birth | 1788 |
| Father | William Fforde |
| Father's Rank | Knight |
| Mother | Louisa, Lady Fforde |
| Mother's Rank | Lady |
| Town Residence | ? |
| Year of Debut | 1805 |
| Dowry | |
Harriet Fforde is a former character played by Shar
Family
- Father: Sir William Fforde (b. 1748)
- Mother: Louisa, Lady Fforde (b. 1758)
- Brother: Lieutenant Adrian Fforde (b. 1782)
- Sister: Mrs. Lillian Farraday (b. 1785)
Background
Harriet Fforde is of no particular family; there was someone of note somewhere in the family tree, but not near enough to make the Ffordes truly notable. Their money has slowly dissipated over the last century or so, and the current generation of the family seemed destined to anonymity--until Harriet was born. Blessed with both uncommon beauty and striking grace from childhood, she only became more fascinating as she grew up. Considering her background, it is not surprising that Harriet did not become engaged her first few seasons out. There were a few men who might have been interested, but none so much so as to overlook her lack of connections. At last, last season she was seen frequently in the company of the likeable and extremely eligible Arthur Dalrymple, who had more than enough fortune and connections for two. Her friends rejoiced for her, and were even more delighted when an engagement was announced.
For reasons unknown to Society, the viscount ended their engagement before the season was over. Harriet has steadfastly and charitably declined to explain what happened, though the occasional flash of sadness on her face makes it clear that his actions still pain her. She has also been noted to keep a very great distance from his friends, whom she clearly holds responsible for the disaster. Some say the viscount simply came to his senses and realized he couldn't waste himself by marrying a nobody; others wonder if there is something about the outwardly charming woman that no one else is privy to. The phrase 'social climber' may have been uttered once or twice, but the speakers were always people of less beauty and charm than Miss Fforde herself. Jealousy is a terrible thing.
Personality
Despite her family and her monetary situation, Harriet is a practised conversationalist, and will listen wide-eyed to others and contribute her own part of the conversation with a disarming openness. There are times when she has such excellent conversations with people she has only recently expressed a distaste for, but surely this can be excused in a woman so dependent upon the good will of others. She has a reputation for being brilliant, sweet, and a desirable friend, though her friendship is valuable only for her own charm and friendliness; she can contribute nothing else. Most of her friends, if not all of them, are of much greater importance to Society than she is. She is so far beyond other girls of her station in life that she is rarely found to associate with them; she has much more in common with higher class people.
Harriet is an accomplished pianist and has had some singing lessons; when requested to, she will perform, but she will not impose on anyone by volunteering to play or sing. She gave piano lessons, as an impoverished gentlewoman might do to help her family, until her engagement, and now must begin to do so again.
Single once more, Harriet is again hoping to make a good match, and praying that her broken engagement has not marred her reputation so much that her cause is hopeless. If she does not marry well, she will live out her life in obscurity as soon as the beauty and charm of her youth have passed.
Since her engagement, Harriet has become slightly quieter and less constant in her good cheer. It is clear that her circumstances weigh on her, but when she is in the presence of interesting people of good family she shines once again.