Imogen Rathbone

Imogen Rathbone

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Portrayed by Emilia Fox (former character)
Full Name	Imogen Rathbone
Associated Noble House(s)	Earldom of Huntingdon
Date of Birth	31 March 1789
Father	Benjamin Rathbone
Father's Rank	Earl of Huntingdon
Mother	Lucinda Rathbone
Mother's Rank	Countess of Huntingdon
Town Residence	Huntingdon House
Year of Debut	1807
Dowry

Imogen Rathbone is the consumptive daughter of the Earl and Countess of Huntingdon. She is a former character played by Vix

Family

• Father: Benjamin Rathbone, Earl of Huntingdon b.1757
• Mother: Lucinda Rathbone, née Worthing, Countess of Huntingdon b.1771
• Sister: Lady Amelia Markham, née Rathbone. b.1791

Background

Imogen is the eldest daughter of the Rathbones, Earl and Countess of Huntingdon. Born into wealth, privilege and rank, her early life should have been happy and carefree, culminating in a successful marriage. Sadly, this was not to be. At age 6, she contracted bronchitis which, though she recovered, left her weakened. From that moment on, her parents became overprotective. The Rathbones were immensely grateful that their child had recovered, and did not want to take the risk of her falling prey to another illness. As a result, Imogen was cosseted and spoiled in some ways, but not allowed to do anything that might endanger her frail health. Her younger sister Amelia - completely unaffected by the illness that had struck Imogen - was raised with greater freedom. Despite times when she was jealous of any preferential treatment (as any child would be) or flaunted her freedom as an act of revenge over some disagreement, the sisters were reasonably close. Amelia, though younger, takes a protective role. Their closeness also means that Imogen is liable to use her sister for support when she particularly wants something - knowing that Amelia will usually take her part, she has an ally in tackling her parents.

Imogen was always considered too sickly to be able to withstand the rigours of the London season (not, I hasten to add, her own opinion) and so had to content herself with a quiet non-launch into more restrained society. Since turning 18, she has spent time at spa towns taking the waters (and indulging in what little entertainment can be had), at the coast for the air, and at her family home in the countryside. Her parents are not draconian - they were quite happy to invite friends to stay, and provide Imogen with company and fun in an environment which could be adapted to her needs. Of course this was not enough for Imogen, and it was with great envy that she saw her sister head for London two years ago. Experiencing the debut vicariously through her sister was not enough for Imogen, and even before Amelia's marriage, she had been determinedly working to persuade her parents to let her have a season in town.

Of late, Imogen's health has taken a down-turn. She is consumptive, and doctors are not optimistic. It is perhaps this fact more than any other that has enabled her to convince her parents - since there is little more they can do to protect her, she explained, they might as well allow her some fun before she dies. And so Imogen has arrived in London, accompanied by her parents and anyone else they feel necessary to make her life comfortable.

Imogen is not yet a complete invalid. She is still able to attend a variety of functions, particularly those which involve a lot of sitting. Dances are possible, though she will likely pay for them the next day, and would certainly have to rest between sets. Routs would be quite impossible. However, insofar as she is able to enjoy the delights of the city, she is determined to do so. She has promised her parents (a condition of their agreement) that should she become excessively exhausted by the season, she will retire to the country or for a spell at the coast.