Theresa Fairfax

Theresa Jessamine Fairfax (nee Barstowe) is one of five children from the Barstowe family. She debuted in Bath in 1807 and married swiftly to the much older Baron Courtenay. She is an unhappy wife but a very happy mother of two. She is played by Tina.

Family

Fairfax

Carew Alexander Fairfax - Baron Courtenay - Husband (57)

Alexander James Fairfax - Son (3)

Henry Maxwell Fairfax - Son (1)

Barstowe

Ranford Maxwell Barstowe - Baron Dartford - Father (Dec.)

Paulina Jane Barstowe (nee MacDonald) - Baroness Dartford - Mother (54)

Rowena Clare Barstowe - Sister (26)

Pierce Thomas Barstowe - Brother (23)

Roberts

Garreth Daniel Roberts - Baron Wallon - Brother In Law (32)

Theodora Millicent Roberts (nee Barstowe) - Baroness Wallon - Sister (32)

Caroline Theresa Roberts - Neice (9)

Norland

Frederick David Norland - Brother In Law (35)

Madeline April Norland (nee Barstowe) - Sister (30)

Childhood (1790-1808)

Tess was the last child born into an already thriving family, tacked on to the fabric of her rich ancestry after her three sisters and her brother. Whilst far from ridiculously wealthy Baron Dartford provided more than adequately for his wife and children and they wanted for very little. The girls were educated at home as it was less expensive than sending them away to a seminary, but their educations were well rounded. Pierce was sent to Eton and then on to Cambridge, where he is currently finishing his studies.

For the most part, Theresa's childhood passed in a succession of unremarkable but happy days. A vivacious lover of the outdoors she was always to be noticed as absent, wandering hither and thither around the country estate, riding or joining a hunting party against her mother's wishes. Her father encouraged her in her less ladylike pursuits and Tess mollified her mother by putting in the extra effort with her drawing, though landscapes were undoubtedly her favourite subject.