Robert Vickery
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| Portrayed by Kevin Zegers | |
| Full Name | Robert William Vickery |
|---|---|
| Title | The Honourable Robert Vickery |
| Associated Noble House(s) | Viscountcy of Saltash |
| Date of Birth | 20th October 1782 |
| Father | James Vickery |
| Father's Rank | Viscount Saltash |
| Mother | Charlotte Vickery (nee von Alfeld) |
| Mother's Rank | Viscountess Saltash |
| Town Residence | {{{residence}}} |
| Income | |
| School | Winchester |
| University | Cambridge (Gonville and Caius College) |
Robert Vickery is the eldest son, and the heir, to James and Charlotte Vickery, the Viscount and Viscountess Saltash. His younger brother John is currently serving in Lord Wellington's army in Spain as a Captain in the 60th Rifles. Robert is played by Sharpie
Family
Father: James Vickery, third Viscount Saltash (b. 1756, acceded to the title in 1783. Fought in America.)
Mother: Charlotte Vickery (nee von Alfeld) (b. 1763)
Brother, John (b. 1785) (currently serving in the Army in Spain with the 60th Rifles)
Sister, Emma (b. 1790)
Sister, Laura, (b 1787, d 1788)
Sister, Elizabeth (b 1793, d 1795)
Uncles: Edward (b. 1744, d. 1781), George
Cousins: Georgiana (b. 1793), William (b. 1795), Laura (b. 1797), Miranda (b. 1800), Edward (b 1803)
Appearance and Personality
Robert stands a stately five feet nine inches tall, and has grey eyes and dark brown hair, which he wears perhaps a shade longer than is strictly fashionable, although not remarkably so. He dresses neatly but not showily, preferring to show his wealth and status in the fabric and cut of his clothing. In common with other gentlemen of the period, he wears tastefully (but not gaudily) patterned waistcoats in silk or satin.
He is more of an outdoors type than a stay-at-home scholar, but does not have the adventurous streak his younger brother has which led to John's taking a commission in the Army. He is, however, a keen rider and hunter, but prefers fishing to shooting. He is far too much enamoured of the comforts of life to willingly give them up. Robert is good-humoured and easy-going, preferring to look on the bright side of things. He is polite and tactful – or tries to be, although sometimes he can be a little brash. He is confident in his position in society, a little demanding at times because of his upbringing, but not to the point of being rude. While neither staid nor dull, he is nevertheless more serious than either of his younger siblings, in part because he is the heir and feels the responsibility of his position, and in part because it is a natural part of his character. When he shows a flash of wit, it tends to the drier side of humour, and it is possible to mistake a joke for a serious comment as he keeps a straight face during the delivery of such flashes of inspiration.
Schooldays
Robert went to school at Winchester, where he boarded despite the school's relative proximity to the family home. He was not a particularly distinguished scholar, although he was not a complete dunce. Despite this, he went to Cambridge University where he attained his degree in Classics at Gonville and Caius College.
While at school, he made friends with Leander Grenfell and Henry Layton, the latter of whom also went up to Cambridge (albeit to King's College rather than Caius).
Attempted Grand Tour 1802-03
In 1802, three things happened that would change Robert's life: His brother John joined the Army as an Ensign in the 45th Foot; his sister Emma went away to school in Bath, and peace was declared between Britain and France. With the advent of peace (the first time Britain had not been at war since Robert's childhood), Robert determined to go on a Grand Tour of Europe as his father had. Taking a tutor, and with the advantage of his fluency in German, his planned route lay through Hanover, Prussia, Saxony, then into Austria and on into Italy. Traditionally, a gentleman would go on his Grand Tour after completing his degree, but Lord Saltash did not expect the peace to last and persuaded Robert to take his tour earlier.
Lord Saltash was proved right before Robert and his tutor had reached Saxony, and they were forced to retrace their step northwards, heading for the coast to try to find a vessel willing to take them back to England. It was during this period of travelling through what was rapidly becoming enemy territory that Robert discovered he had no real taste for adventure and was quite willing to leave all that sort of excitement to his younger brother.
University Years
Despite not being the most studious of young men, Robert went up to Gonville and Caius College (more commonly known as Caius College), Cambridge, where he studied Classics, graduating in 1806
Present Day
Robert has settled down to become a gentleman of leisure and a man about Town, having not much more to recommend him other than his degree and being the heir to the Saltash title and the Hampshire estate. He is hoping to marry this season, and to marry well. Or rather, he doesn't much mind if he marries this year, but feels he ought to make the effort to look for a suitable bride because it will get his mother off his back.
On Saturday 11th May, he was driving in the vicinity when Mr and Miss Hutchinson were unfortunate enough to take a tumble into the Serpentine in Hyde Park. He then conveyed them home in his curricle.
At the ridotto in Vauxhall, he and his sister came upon Elise Hampton who had just concluded a conversation with the Duke of Leighton. Robert and Elise talked together and the conversation culminated in a proposal of marriage, although Elise asked for a week's grace in which to consider her reply.
Odds and Ends
He is a member of Boodle's (as are his father and brother).
His gelding is named Phrixus.
He is a keen hunter and angler.
There are rumours he once challenged a man to a duel.
Currently has a regular bit-on-the-side called Valeria Raworth, an opera dancer.
Drinks tea and coffee with milk/cream but without sugar.
He sings baritone.
Friends, Enemies and Other Acquaintances
Friends
Henry Layton, Earl Parry
Other Acquaintances
Captain Benjamin Blackwood
Miss Sybilla Grenfell
George Hackett, Lord Selwyn
Miss Elise Hampton
Lord Gabriel Pritchard
Miss Katherine Winter
Miss Caroline Gardiner
Blake Pritchard, Lord Emerson
Threads
Monday 6th May
Hyde Park Horseplay Riding in Hyde Park, Robert and Emma meet Matilda and Sybilla Grenfell
Riding in Rotten Row Robert and Emma meet Henry Layton and his sister Catherine McAvoy
Monday Morning You Sure Look Fine Calling on the Cranes
To Call Upon a Friend Robert, Emma and Lady Saltash call on the Grenfells
Tuesday 7th May
A Delivery of Flowers to de Grave House Robert sends flowers to Sybilla after their meeting in Hyde Park
An idea of good company Robert and Emma call on Elise Hampton
Wednesday 8th May
We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once First dance at Almack's, with Elise Hampton
To Dance by Candlelight Robert dances with Katie Winter at Almack's
Custom Has Made Dancing Sometimes Necessary for a Young Man Robert dances with Caroline Gardner at Almack's
Thursday 9th May
An Afternoon Call A friend of Captain Vickery's, Captain Blackwood, comes to call
Billiards for Two After Blackwood's call, Robert heads to his club where he meets George Hackett, newly returned to Town
Friday 10th May
And Without Thorn, the Rose Robert calls on Elise Hampton
Saturday 11th May
All Your Ducks in a Row Robert rescues the Hutchinsons from the depths of the Serpentine and gives them a lift home
Monday 13th May
Just Another Manic Monday Robert calls on the Hutchinsons after their ordeal on Saturday
Fripperies and Further Fun While out in Bond Street, Robert meets Lady Olivia Fitzgerald and her mother Lady Rotherham
Once Upon a Time in Fair London Town The receiving line for Emma's birthday ball
And Now I'm Shining Bright First dance, with Elise Hampton
Shall We Dance? Second dance of the evening, with Sybilla Grenfell
Our Moonlight Revels Third dance, with Henrietta Freye
Tuesday 14th May
Sing a Song of Sixpence, A Pocket Full of Rye Elise talks with Nicholas Gosling the Duke of Leighton; Robert and Emma come across them
Four and Twenty Blackbirds A chat with Elise and a surprise proposal
Wednesday 15th May
Sweet Treats for Three Trip to Gunter's with Elise, Emma and Drusilla Mortemain
People Fall in Love in Mysterious Ways Courting continues at Almack's
Thursday 16th May
- Six impossible things before breakfast Robert has a conversation with Drusilla Mortemain
- Counting the Steps to the Door of Your Heart Robert takes Elise for a walk in Hyde Park
- My Happiness Hangs in This Balance Robert's interview with Lord Emerson and Gabriel Pritchard
- I vow to make you happy now and forever Robert and Elise break the news to Robert's family