Justine Blansfield
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| Portrayed by Placeholder; Former character | |
| Full Name | Justine Alexandra Blansfield |
|---|---|
| Associated Noble House(s) | Dukedom Fitzwilliam |
| Date of Birth | 2 April, 1793 |
| Father | Jasper Blansfield |
| Father's Rank | Duke |
| Mother | Louisa Blansfield |
| Mother's Rank | Duchess |
| Town Residence | ? |
| Year of Debut | 1811 |
| Dowry | ? |
Justine Blansfield is a former character, created by Katie
Family
- Father: Jasper Michael Edward, 10th Duke Fitzwilliam, (b.1757, age 54)
- Mother: Louisa, Duchess Fitzwilliam, (B.1763,age 48)
- Brother: Lord Edward, 7th Marquess of Wollsey, (b.1782, age 29) married in 1801 Lady Sara Lassiter, Sister to Devlin Lassiter, Duke of Bridgewater.
- Niece: Lady Honoria, (born 1803)
- Nephew: Lord Christopher, (born 1806)
Background
Justine was the “blessing” that arrived after ten years of heartbreak and ill health for the Duchess. Lady Louisa had ‘done her duty’ right out of the gate and had her son Edward, so providing further children seemed effortless. But Fate had other plans and baby after baby was lost until the Doctors, all united, warned the Duke to stop – another pregnancy would kill her. She was advised and so banned her husband from her bed, much to their sorrow, until that night of the last Summer Ball and the Duke, much taken with his wife’s costume and loveliness of appearance, came to her. The morning brought little memory for him, but she hugged the secret to herself and prayed daily for this last chance. God must have heard, for soon she could not keep silent and the news that another child was soon to come spread about the county and all held their collective breaths as the Duchess was brought to bed.
Justine was born on a spring morn as the sun rose in golden splendor and she was perfect. No baby had ever been so well received or applauded – its mother however, was not so fortunate. Having done her best, the Duchess was exhausted and barely conscience and for a day and night the Duke kept vigil by her side, refusing to eat or sleep. When she at last opened her eyes and called his name in a mere whisper he was overjoyed. Her recovery was slow and the Doctors had said that having the child had weakened her already fragile heart so warned that her lifestyle must now be severely curtailed.
So the baby grew and the years passed. Much loved and perhaps overly spoiled was the young girl, and soon she was being educated as befitted one of her rank and station. Thanks to the patience of many Governesses, Justine acquired all the skills and talents that her Mother deemed necessary. She was presented at Court with her Aunt, Lady Sagmore, as sponsor, and attracted the attention of not a few Gentlemen present. Of course, the fact that she will have a very large settlement did not figure into it all!
