Charlotte Tolson
This one time, in India...
Charlotte Katherine Tolson, born Miss Charlotte Tolson, is the only daughter of Thomas Tolson and Katherine Tolson, Baron and Baroness of Middleton. She is played by Izzie.
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| Portrayed by Megan Fox | |
| Full Name | Charlotte Katherine Tolson |
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| Associated Noble House(s) | Baronry of Middleton |
| Date of Birth | May 12, 1789 |
| Father | Thomas Tolson |
| Father's Rank | Baron |
| Mother | Katherine Tolson (nee Burstow) |
| Mother's Rank | Baroness |
| Town Residence | 17 Curzon Street |
| Year of Debut | 1807 (India), 1811 (England) |
| Dowry | £15,000 |
Family
Charlotte's immediate family is quite small, though her extended family is much larger.
The Tolsons
Thomas Tolson, Baron of Middleton - Father
Katherine Tolson, Baroness of Middleton - Mother
Edward Tolson - Brother
The Landons
Edmond Landon, Marquess of Beningborough - Uncle
Marion Landon, Marchioness of Beningborough - Maternal Aunt
Richard Landon, Earl of Seyton - Cousin
Elizabeth "Ella" Landon, Countess of Seyton - Cousin-in-law
Elizabeth Landon - Cousin
Juliet Landon - Cousin
Frederick Landon - Cousin
Amelia "Amy" Landon - Cousin
The Burstows
Samuel Burstow, Baron Roth - Maternal Uncle
Angela Burstow (nee Waldegrave), Baroness Roth - Maternal Aunt (1776 -1791)
Gerard Burstow - Cousin
Lucy Burstow - Cousin
Childhood (1789-1807)
Much of Charlotte's childhood was spent following her brother, Edward Tolson, around their Bengali home. Despite her mother's attentions, the young Charlotte could not help but notice the displeasure that she seemed to cause her father, even at an early age. Katherine Tolson was often preoccupied with society gatherings, so it was left to their Indian nanny Anika to raise the children. Although Edward was five years older than Charlotte, they found that they were quite well suited in temperment, though Edward did enjoy pulling the occasional prank on his younger sister. Charlotte was more than happy to oblige him with retaliation on her part. While Edward was rather bookish, he was known to cause some trouble, including the famous elephant riding expedition that he had coerced Charlotte into doing with him. Edward was tutored at home with a group of other English boys from the colony, while Charlotte was tutored by Anika and her mother. She formed a close friendship with three other girls in Bengal: Laura Somerville, Clare Meyrick and Julia Kitteridge. The four were inseparable, becoming Charlotte's best friends (aside from Edward, who instinctively seemed to know exactly what Charlotte needed when she was upset). In contrast to these happy memories, Charlotte also experienced first hand the pain of war and bloodshed on her door step. As the Mahraja's of India fought against the East India Company, the young Charlotte often found herself amid violence, something which her mother could not keep her from. To this day, she still has nightmares regarding the battles.
Debut (1807)
Charlotte made her debut to the small amount of Bengali society in 1807, and was proclaimed to be the Incomparable for her year. (Though as Charlotte points out, she was only one of five other ladies debuting that year, and thus she did not exactly have much competition). She received three proposals during her debut year, all of which she turned down, much to her father's displeasure. While the Tolson family had prospered in India, Thomas was still well aware of how much a Season cost, and he was not amused to have to pay for another Season, simply because Charlotte refused to marry any of the boys that she had grown up with.
Bengali Society (1807-1810)
Charlotte spent another three years in society, and watched happily as her friends married. While she did feel left out, Charlotte knew that she could never marry the boys that she had grown up with, an idea that she was highly uncomfortable with. Things would change, however, in 1809, when Charlotte found herself in a scandal with a soldier.
The Thomas Leith scandal (1809)
C'mon, you didn't think that it would be that easy, did you?
Overview
Charlotte met Lieutenant Thomas Leith, second son of a Viscount, one evening at a ball. Over the course of a few months, the two began courting in secret, as her family disapproved of him greatly. They planned to elope, but Charlotte left him at the altar, choosing her family over him.
For more information, please see Charlotte's fanfiction section.
Summons to England & Arrival in London (1811)
Following the Thomas Leith scandal, Charlotte kept herself mostly hidden away in the Tolson home, afraid to face the gossip that surrounded her and her family. A blessed relief came in the form of a letter from England, which summoned the Tolson family home. While Charlotte initially was relieved, she soon saw the summons as a curse. She was being forced to leave the only home she had ever known, her friends and even her godchildren. A strong bout of depression plagued her as they traveled from India to England, and she took an instant disliking to the island.
Now, as she begins her final Season (the last her father will pay for), Charlotte finds herself lost among the bustle of London. She feels quite alone, and therefore is a lot quieter and shy, a stark contrast to the popularity and outgoing personality that radiated from her in India. Her launch into society will be held at the Tolson Dinner Party.
Residences
The Tolson family has two primary residences in England.
Middleton Hall (connected to the Baronry of Middleton)
17 Curzon Street (their London residence)
Friendships
Juliet Landon, daughter of the Marquess of Beningborough - Cousin to Charlotte, whom she has just met. Juliet brings out more of Charlotte's true nature, and the two get along quite well.
Rosalind Fairmont, sister to the Marquess of Foxford - One of Charlotte's new favourite people in London. She greatly enjoys spending time with the lady, who is also helping her learn how to ride a horse. Charlotte feels close to the Fairmont's, as they are also from outside of England, like herself.
Marcus Fairmont, Marquess of Foxford - after a chance meeting at Almack's, Charlotte found a fast friend in Marcus. He makes her feel safe and happy, two things that she desperately needs in England. She feels like she is beginning to develop a crush on him, although she'll deny it to anyone until the end of time.
Acquaintances
Mr. Charlie Devenish - Charlotte is greatly amused by Mr. Devenish, she loves how welcoming he was to her. While his questions about India can become tiresome, she will never ask him to stop questioning her. She would feel bad in doing so!
Edouard Loring, Earl of Denholme - The hated Earl of Denholme, Charlotte does not enjoy Edouard's presence at all. She finds him insulting and slightly repulsive, and therefore will stay out of his way as much as she can in the future.
Daniel Rossington, brother of the Duke of Welby - Only meeting him briefly, she doesn't have much of an opinion of Lord Rossington, other than he seems to be a serial charmer, and Marcus doesn't exactly seem to appreciate his presence around herself or Rosalind...
Patrick Grove, Lord Stanwood - A dance partner of hers from the Emerson Ball, she immediately liked him, and would happily dance with him again.
Mr. Benedict DeLancey - Unsure of this partner of hers, Charlotte is trying to be as gracious as she can towards him, but still feels that she knows little about him.
Captain Thomas Sterne - A chance meeting on the terrace lead to Charlotte coming face to face with the infamous Captain, and while she likes his company, she feels that their next meeting should be in a crowded room.
Captain Isaac Reeves - Another chance meeting with another Captain. Charlotte and Edward meet the Captain and his sister in Hyde Park. Charlotte very much likes his sister, but finds the Captain to be very shy - something she can relate with.
Penelope Grove, daughter of the Marquess of Pendleston - Charlotte met Lady Penelope whilst shopping on Bond Street, and was pleased to learn that the lady has been invited to the Tolson Dinner, along with her brother.
Elizabeth Dunford, sister of the Duke of Claitonborough - Introduced through Juliet, Charlotte has taken a liking to Lady Elizabeth, and finds her quite funny.
Elise Hampton, ward of the Marchioness of Emerson - Also met while shopping, Charlotte thoroughly enjoys the company of Miss Hampton, and appreciates the quietness that the two seems share.
Charity Pritchard, cousin of the Marchioness of Emerson - Charity seems to have taken an instant liking to Charlotte, capturing her in the whirlwind energy that Charity seems to always exude.
Henry Layton, Earl of Parry - met whilst shopping, and finds the man quite odd.
Threads History
April 10, 1811
Charlotte makes her London debut at Almack's
Moving Into Society - Charlotte Tolson, Christiana Buckingham, Edward Tolson (NPC), Katherine Tolson (NPC). Almack's Assembly Rooms, evening.
The Tolson family arrives at their first society event in London.
New Introduction: Between the 3rd and 4th Dances - Charlie Devenish, Charlotte Tolson, Marcus Fairmont, Lady Rose (NPC). Almack's Assembly Rooms, evening.
Charlotte is originally introduced to Charlie Devenish as a way of getting to know people in England. The two set up a dance, and then Marcus Fairmont enters the scene. He and Charlotte form a fast friendship, and she begins to develop a slight crush on him. Marcus discovers Charlotte never learned to ride a horse, and she tells him stories of her childhood in India - including the infamous Elephant Story.
Two Newcomers: The 4th Dance - Charlotte Tolson and Edouard Loring. Almack's Assembly Rooms, evening.
Set up by one of the patronesses, Lady Rose, Charlotte and Edouard are pushed together for a dance in the hope that "the girl from India" and "the gentleman from France" would hit it off. An already moody Charlotte, combined with a reluctant Edouard sets the scene for a snippy dance, Charlotte believing that Edouard is insulting India. After the dance, she takes off in a huff, cursing the Earl of Denholme.
Yon Town - The 6th Dance - Charlotte Tolson and Charlie Devenish. Almack's Assembly Rooms, evening.
What starts off as a slightly awkward conversation, Charlotte and Charlie spend their dance speaking of Charlotte's time in India. Charlie suggest Lady Rosalind as a riding instructor, as Charlotte reveals that she has never learned to ride a horse.
Standing up for the Seventh - Rosalind Fairmont, Marcus Fairmont, Daniel Rossington and Charlotte Tolson. Almack's Assembly Rooms, evening.
After flirting with Rosalind, Neil asks to dance with her. Meanwhile, Marcus finds Charlotte and drags her into the fracas (as they had already been scheduled to dance), in order to perhaps keep Rossington in line. Instead, he becomes distracted by Miss Tolson and her conversation, while Neil and Rosalind flirt away under her brother's nose.
April 11, 1811
Charlotte attends Lady Rosalind's picnic.
Morning Calls - Charlotte Tolson, Marcus Fairmont, Rosalind Fairmont, Edward Tolson. 17 Curzon Street, 11 am.
Marcus and Rosalind Fairmont pay a call on Charlotte, after she had a particularly rough night that was filled with nightmares. The three talk of India, Ireland, and Charlotte's upcoming riding lessons, while Marcus decimates the biscuits placed out with the tea. Charlotte finds herself liking the Marquess' presence more and more, and also gets along quite well with the bubbly Lady Rosalind.
Chance Meetings on Bond Street - Charlotte Tolson, Juliet Landon, Rosalind Fairmont. Bond Street, 1 pm.
Charlotte and Juliet embark on their shopping trip, when they meet Lady Rosalind, who invites both girls to her picnic occurring that afternoon.
Picnic Party in the Park - Juliet Landon, Charlotte Tolson, Rosalind Fairmont, most of the board. Kensington Park, 4 pm.
Juliet and Charlotte head to Kensington Park to Lady Rosalind's picnic. She and Marcus head off to speak alone before returning to the rest of the picnic for some stories of Indian mythology.
A Picnic Lunch with Dougal - Marcus Fairmont, Charlotte Tolson, Dougal. Kensington Park, 4:30 pm.
Charlotte and Marcus embark on their first real time together since meeting at Almack's, chaperoned by Marcus's dog, Dougal. The two talk of many things, and grow closer together. Charlotte also promises to come up with a nickname for Marcus.
April 14, 1811
Easter Sunday/Emerson Ball
Easter Sunday - Board wide thread. St. George's Hanover Square, morning.
After sitting through the seemingly long winded church service, the Tolson's try to exit the church quickly, only to be stuck in the crush towards the door. By sheer accident, Edward and Charlotte meet with Miss Vaughan, and Edward and Edith have a somewhat blasphemous conversation regarding religion while still in the church.
Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Mothers - Charlotte Tolson, Edward Tolson, Rosalind Fairmont, Marcus Fairmont, Camilla Fairmont (NPC), Thomas Tolson (NPC), Katherine Tolson (NPC), Georgiana Haworth, Felicity Staunton. Hyde Park, afternoon.
The Tolson and Fairmont families finally meet, resulting in a very confusing thread. Everyone speak to everyone, and common topics include: India, Charlotte's debut and the British Museum. Charlotte and Thomas start a disagreement which then carries over into the afternoon, which then carries on into the evening at the Emerson Ball...
A Night To Remember - Board wide arrival thread. Emerson House, evening.
Arriving to the ball in a foul mood, Charlotte and Edward spend a good deal of time snipping at each other, before finding an empty corner to sulk in. The sight of the Fairmont's makes Charlotte even angrier. This is, of course, because the Marquess failed to ask her for a dance - though she doesn't know that is the reason for her anger.
Standing and Chatting - Valeri Christiakov, Charlotte Tolson, Edward Tolson, Marcus Fairmont. Emerson House, evening.
In an attempt to curb her foul mood, Charlotte and Edward make a new acquaintance with a Russian man. All goes well until Marcus interrupts.
Moral Indignation is Jealousy with a Halo - Penelope Grove, Daniel Rossington, Victor Kincaide, Patrick Grove, Edward Tolson, Charlotte Tolson. Emerson House, evening.
Charlotte sets out to find her first dance partner of the evening, Lord Patrick Grove.
Caledonian Laddie - Charlotte Tolson, Patrick Grove. Emerson House, evening.
The first dance of the evening, and Charlotte is paired with the friendly Patrick Grove, a gentleman whom she takes a great liking to, very quickly. He pulls her out of her sodden mood, and by the end, she is back to her normal, happy self.
Walking in a Flower Garden - Charlotte Tolson, Benedict DeLancey. Emerson Ball, evening.
Unfortunately, Charlotte's good mood does not last forever, and it is left to Mr. DeLancey to fix it, though Charlotte spends the majority of the dance comparing him to Lord Patrick and grumbling in the general direction of Lord Foxford.
A Puff or Two on the Terrace - Charlotte Tolson, Thomas Sterne. Emerson Ball, evening.
Escaping from the oppressiveness of the ballroom, Charlotte finds herself on the terrace, where she encounters the infamous rake, Thomas Sterne. Worrying that her brother will see her with the Captain, Charlotte endeavors her best to keep his advances at bay, but finds herself susceptible to his charms nonetheless.
The Tenth Dance: Making Amends - Charlotte Tolson, Edward Tolson, Marcus Fairmont. Emerson Ball, evening.
With the penultimate dance ready to begin, Charlotte begins to doubt her plan, and almost leave the ball early. Edward steps in, and brings Marcus to her. Charlotte makes her amends to Marcus, and the two dance happily, sending Charlotte into a soaring mood.
April 16, 1811
Charlotte goes shopping on Bond Street, and attends Lady Viola's Musicale.
Boots & Boys - Charlotte Tolson, Edward Tolson, Isaac Reeves, Louisa Reeves (NPC) and Gareth Reeves (NPC). Hyde Park, morning.
Dragging her brother out of the house for a morning walk, the Tolson siblings encounter a Captain Reeves, his son and his sister in the park after the boy collides with Charlotte. The two strike up a conversation, and find they have much in common, and schedule to attend a play together.
An Afternoon of Trinket Shopping - Charlotte Tolson, Juliet Landon, Daniel Rossington, Charity Pritchard, Elise Hampton, Damien Relmsey, Patrick Grove, Penelope Grove, Elizabeth Dunford, Henry Layton. Bond Street, afternoon.
A very large shopping party heads out to Bond Street in search of accessories and gossip, bumping into Lord Daniel and Lords Stanwood and Parry along the way.
May I Introduce You? - Charlotte Tolson, Marcus Fairmont, Thomas Sterne, Edward Tolson. Cavisham House, evening.
Upon Charlotte and Edward's arrival to Cavisham House for the musicale, they find themselves momentarily separated, and she runs into Captain Sterne and Marcus. The Captain makes some elusions to their previous meeting, and Charlotte hurries to try to make that meeting less scandalous than it sounds.
April 19, 1811
The Beningborough Dinner Party is held, welcoming the Tolson's to London.
Going Native - Charlotte Tolson, Anthony Dunford. Beningborough House, evening.
Charlotte engages in conversation with her dinner partner, the Duke of Claitonborough.
Lost and Found - Charlotte Tolson, Marcus Fairmont. Beningborough House, evening.
Charlotte loses her favourite necklace during the dinner party, and bumps into Marcus, who is still loitering in the dining room.
April 20, 1811
Voulez-vous venir à Vauxhall? - Charlotte Tolson, Edward Tolson, Marcus Fairmont, Rosalind Fairmont. Vauxhall Gardens, evening.
Lord Foxford escorts the Tolson siblings to their first visit to Vauxhall Gardens.
April 27, 1811
Charlotte attends the Pendleston Masquerade.
And We Will Masquerade - Board wide arrival thread. Pendleston House, evening.
The Tolson's arrive at Pendleston House.
Paper faces on Parade - Charlotte Tolson, Marcus Fairmont. Pendleston House, evening.
Charlotte and Marcus (disguised as a fairy queen and a shepherd) dance a set together at the Pendleston Masquerade.
May 1, 1811
The Tolson's attend Lord Wyck's rout at Vauxhall.
A moment of virtue in a time of vice - Charlotte Tolson, Edward Tolson, Marcus Fairmont. Vauxhall Gardens, evening.
Charlotte and Edward encounter Lord Foxford, and eat a selection of food with him. Charlotte and Marcus flirt, and when they part ways, Edward tracks down Foxford to seek out his true feelings towards his sister.
May 3, 1811
A night at the theatre - Edward Tolson, Charlotte Tolson, Matilda Grenfell. Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, evening.
Accompanying their mother as guests to the theatre with Lord and Lady Stalwood, the Tolson siblings are introduced to a recent American arrival to London, the Baroness de Grave.
May 4, 1811
Dress to Impress - Charlotte Tolson, Emma Vickery. Madame Lambert, Bond Street, afternoon.
Charlotte makes a new acquaintance while shopping for fabric for a new dress.
Fanfiction
The Secret Anniversary of the Heart - A slightly AU fiction of Charlotte's 22nd birthday in London.
Some Enchanted Evening - Challenge issued by Alex. A flashback scene to July 1809 in Bengal, India, where Charlotte begins to notice a budding romance between her brother and best friend Laura Somerville. She also meets Thomas Leith for the first time.
My Lady Greensleeves - Christmas writing challenge 2009. The Tolson siblings celebrate Christmas 1811 in Kent.
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not - Flashback scene starting April 14, 1811 to August 1809 in Bengal, India. Charlotte and Leith meet in secret, and Edward intervenes.
Closet
An overview of some of Charlotte's dresses, and where and when she has worn them.
Day Dresses
A grey and creme striped dress with an empire waist and grey trim.
Lavender and off-white striped dress with an empire waist and lavender trim.
Dark green embroidered dress with cream trim.
Taupe dress with silver embroidered dots, and white trim.
Lavender flower printed day dress.
A light yellow dress with a mint green pelisse, and mint green trim.
A green and white striped dress with matching green trim.
A charcoal day dress with a broad cream coloured sash.
Evening Dresses
A white embroidered evening dress with a bright blue sash, and beaded trim. - Worn for her Almack's Debut, April 10, 1811
Ruby red evening dress, with an empire waist and puffed sleeves, accented with a black onyx necklace. - Worn for Lady Viola's Musicale, April 16, 1811.
Emerald green dress with black beaded trim - Worn to Lord Wyck's Rout at Vauxhall, May 1, 1811.
Cornflower blue silk evening dress, with an empire waist and puffed sleeves.
A white dress with organza overlay, and a burgundy overcoat with a diamond clasp.
An emerald green bodice and overskirt, with a creme underskirt.
Costumes/Event-Centric
Saffron Dress - A light purple silk evening dress, with a dark purple organza overlay. A gold beaded trim accents the dress. She wears a silk saffron flower in her hair. - Worn to the Emerson Ball, April 14, 1811.
Debut Dress - A brilliant sapphire blue dress with a squared neckline. The gold trim follows the hem of the dress, with dots of gold thread falling down the skirt. (Similar to this dress.) She wears a delicate flower necklace (that she has worn since her debut in India) with the dress. - Worn to the Tolson Dinner Party at Beningborough House, April 19, 1811.
Fairy Queen Costume - Worn for the Pendleston Masquerade, April 27, 1811.