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 | {{{residence}}} |
| 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 Tolson's
Thomas Tolson, Baron of Middleton - Father
Katherine Tolson, Baroness of Middleton - Mother
Edward Tolson - Brother
The Landon's
Augusta Landon, Dowager Marchioness of Beningborough - Great-Aunt
Edmond Landon, Marquess of Beningborough - Uncle
Marion Landon, Marchioness of Beningborough - 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 Burstow's
Samuel Burstow, Baron of Roth - Maternal Uncle
Angela Burstow (nee Waldegrave), Baroness of 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:
Some Enchanted Evening: http://z9.invisionfree.com/thelondonlife/index.php?showtopic=1350
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not: http://z9.invisionfree.com/thelondonlife/index.php?showtopic=1887
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.
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.