Hermione Longstaffe
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| Portrayed by Daniela Denby-Ashe | |
| Full Name | Hermione Longstaffe |
|---|---|
| Associated Noble House(s) | No connections |
| Date of Birth | 24th January 1784 |
| Father | Adam Longstaffe |
| Father's Rank | Squire (Gentry) |
| Mother | Emma Longstaffe (deceased) |
| Mother's Rank | Gentry |
| Town Residence | {{{residence}}} |
| Year of Debut | No debut |
| Dowry | Nothing to speak of |
Hermione Longstaffe is the eldest daughter of a country squire who owns a small estate in Cheshire, Stavelow Manor. Hermione is twenty-seven years old and has been mistress of her father's home since 1809 when her mother died. She has never received a proposal of marriage.
Family
Adam Longstaffe - father
Emma Longstaffe - mother (deceased)
Lieutenant Frederick Longstaffe - brother
Pamela Longstaffe - sister
Agatha Merton - sister
John Merton - brother-in-law
Background
Early Years
Hermione was the eldest child of a large family of whom only three others survived infancy, Hermione's younger siblings Frederick, Agatha and Pamela. Four children on a moderate income (£1300 p.a.) is never easy but the Longstaffes were able to be brought up in a genteel but modest fashion. A governess was thought an unnecessary expense as Mrs. Longstaffe was able to teach the girls sewing, piano playing and a little French.
The Longstaffes never had enough money to give their daughters seasons in Bath or London. Hermione was a shy, awkward, and plain child and adolescent who received no proposals of marriage from any of the young men in the area, despite falling in love with each of them in turn with depressing and futile regularity.
Seeing that her future did not lie in romance, Hermione flung herself into making her mark in the world as a practically useful person. Her attempts to overcome her shyness often led to overcompensation and a rather hearty and occasionally forward manner. She is still like this with strangers, but has settled into her role in the village and feels comfortable there and secure of her own role as a leading lady in the town's social life.
With her sister Agatha married to the vicar, Hermione is often to be found in the church, arranging flowers, organising the hymnals, attending ladies' committee meetings and generally treading the line between helpfulness and officiousness. She has carved a niche for herself in taking on jobs and roles that nobody else wants. Hermione has nursed sick relatives (including her own mother before her death), helped to deliver babies, organised her sister's wedding among other social events and resolved disputes between farmers, shop-keepers and townsmen.
Mrs. Longstaffe's death
The death of Hermione's mother affected her very much, and left her father desperately in need of support. She became the mistress of Stavelow and took on those attendant responsibilities, being a very dedicated hostess and housekeeper. She has a natural skill for administration, organisation and arithmetic. Obviously this has been limited by her education to mere practicalities, but she excels at keeping records of expenses, keeping a track of the servants and generally knowing everybody else's business. She is resigned to the fact that she will be the child to remain at home and take care of her father until his death.
The Legacy
In July 2010, Hermione's aunt Lady Crumpshaw died childless and left £1000 to each of her nieces and nephews. Combining Hermione's and Pamela's legacies, Mr. Longstaffe decided to send the girls to London for a season in order to marry Pamela off. Being the prettiest of the lot they feel that there is a possibility that she might make a decent match. Hermione has taken lodgings in Cavendish Square for the 1811 season and will be acting as her sister's chaperone, even though her experience of society is just as small as her younger sister's.
The Current Season
Hermione has thrown herself into town life with enthusiasm and has already formed some valuable and aristocratic acquaintances, including Lord Foxford (whom she believes married), Lord Hawksley, Sir Phillip Vaudrey and Miss DeLancey. She has moreover become involved in community work and intends to help out at a charity event on Sunday 28th April 1811 organised by Lady Jane Middleton.
Relationships
Family
Pamela Longstaffe: Hermione has a very protective relationship towards her slightly silly and volatile younger sister. She is always keeping a watch out for any impropriety in Pamela's behaviour and takes finding her a good husband very seriously. Despite frequent differences of opinion, she loves her dearly.
Friends
Helena Wriothesley: Helena's estate of Delamere lies very close to Stavelow and the families have had some interaction. Pamela considers Miss Wriothesley to be a great friend.
Lady Jane Middleton: Hermione met Lady Jane when calling upon Miss Wriothesley. Hermione likes her and thinks her very sensible.
Emma DeLancey: Miss DeLancey is a distant relation of Hermione's late aunt. They met for tea and got on very well.
Acquaintances
Marcus Fairmont, Lord Foxford: Hermione met Lord Foxford and his dog Dougal one morning in the park. She believes him to be married with a couple of small daughters, and hopes his wife might assist her in society.
Sir Phillip Vaudrey: Hermione and Pamela met Sir Phillip in church. She liked him very much but is afraid she rather embarrassed herself by her ignorance of town customs.
Lord Hawksley: Lord Hawksley seems to be interested in Pamela and so far Hermione has seen nothing in him to be wary of.
Hermione is played by Rose.