Theresa Fairfax
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| Portrayed by | |
| Full Name | Theresa Jessamine Fairfax |
|---|---|
| Associated Noble House(s) | Barony of Courtenay |
| Date of Birth | April 17, 1790 |
| Father | Ranford Maxwell Barstowe |
| Father's Rank | Baron Dartford |
| Mother | Paulina Jane Barstowe |
| Mother's Rank | Baroness Dartford |
| Town Residence | {{{residence}}} |
| Year of Debut | 1807 |
| Dowry | |
| Year of Marriage | 1807 |
| Spouse | Carew Alexander Fairfax |
| Spouse's Rank | Baron Courtenay |
| Issue | Alexander James Fairfax (3); Henry Maxwell Fairfax (1) |
Theresa Jessamine Fairfax (nee Barstowe) is one of five children from the Barstowe family. She debuted in Bath in 1807 and married swiftly to the much older Baron Courtenay. She is an unhappy wife but a very happy mother of two.
She is a former character played by Tina.
Contents
Family
Fairfax
Carew Alexander Fairfax - Baron Courtenay - Husband (57)
Alexander James Fairfax - Son (3)
Henry Maxwell Fairfax - Son (1)
Barstowe
Ranford Maxwell Barstowe - Baron Dartford - Father (Dec.)
Paulina Jane Barstowe (nee MacDonald) - Baroness Dartford - Mother (54)
Rowena Clare Barstowe - Sister (26)
Pierce Thomas Barstowe - Brother (23)
Roberts
Garreth Daniel Roberts - Baron Wallon - Brother In Law (32)
Theodora Millicent Roberts (nee Barstowe) - Baroness Wallon - Sister (32)
Caroline Theresa Roberts - Neice (9)
Norland
Frederick David Norland - Brother In Law (35)
Madeline April Norland (nee Barstowe) - Sister (30)
Childhood
Family Life
Tess was the last child born into an already thriving family, tacked on to the fabric of her rich ancestry after her three sisters and her brother. Whilst far from ridiculously wealthy Baron Dartford provided more than adequately for his wife and children and they wanted for very little. The girls were educated at home as it was less expensive than sending them away to a seminary, but their educations were well rounded. Pierce was sent to Eton and then on to Cambridge, where he is currently finishing his studies.
For the most part, Theresa's childhood passed in a succession of unremarkable but happy days. A vivacious lover of the outdoors she was always to be noticed as absent, wandering hither and thither around the country estate, riding or joining a hunting party against her mother's wishes. Her father encouraged her in her less ladylike pursuits and Tess mollified her mother by putting in the extra effort with her drawing, though landscapes were undoubtedly her favourite subject.
Adulthood
Debut and Courtship
Theresa debuted in 1807 at the age of 17 in Bath like her sisters had done before her. At her very first society ball she met Baron Courtenay, a much older but distinctly charming gentleman and fancied herself to have taken his eye. Such a thought was true and before long Tess had caused rumours of the Baron's imminent offer to her; he was renowned for being a notorious womaniser. Lively and full of good humor, Tess was not predisposed to leading him along the garden path, and the Baron could not have been in doubt as to Tess' interest in him. The Baron was not singular in his attentions at first, and seemed to very much enjoy the company of several young ladies amongst her acquaintance. Towards the end of her first season after a disjointed but very exciting courtship Tess accepted the Baron's hand and they were married that Christmas.
Birth of Alexander Fairfax
Being young and healthy and the Baron exceptionally willing, Tess fell pregnant soon after the wedding date. Their son, Alexander, was born and is the apple of his parents' eyes. Carew was attentive to her during her confinement and even more so after the birth, obviously pleased to have a son and heir and inclined to boast to any who would stand still long enough to listen. The romance between the pair was in no way diminished by Alexander's arrival, and Tess was soon with child again.
Birth of Henry Fairfax
From the outset, Carew seemed to loose interest in Tess as soon as he learned she was with child. He inquired after her health only sparingly and took two long trips abroad on business. Tess had a difficult pregnancy and spent much time resting which did nothing for her restlessness. She was left in low spirits throughout her confinement.
Break-Down of Marriage
The first and last time she sought comfort from her husband during her taxing second pregnancy – whom she had long expected to be dallying elsewhere – his guilt forced him to confess in not so many words that this was, actually, the truth. Theresa was not surprised and cares very little what her husband does behind closed doors as long as it does not reflect badly upon her or their children. Their relationship has been strained ever since, but she is determined to make the most of her life and if enjoyment should come in the form of one or two discreet affairs of her own then her husband has said it would be her own business. She is grateful for the comfort of her life, and is pleased that her husband rarely bothers himself with her affairs unless a social gathering demands they both are present. For their sons' sakes they maintain the semblance of loving one another.
