Althea Dawes
From Age of Intrigue Wiki
While Althea Dawes is a plain woman with a reputation for being a flirt, she is also a gifted dancer and a known wit.
Contents |
Short Stats
- Character Name: Althea Dawes nee Munday
- Title: Mrs
- Estate Name: Dansfeld
- Nationality: English
- Age: 16 (14th April 1659)
- Gender: Female
- Eye Colour: Hazel
- Hair Colour: Dark Blonde
Physical Attributes
In repose, Althea is not a lady who is generally quickly noticed. Neither her eyes, complexion or hair cause her to stand out, the first being of the usual sort, the second prone, on occasion, to blemishes, and the last, while plentiful, of the blandest of hues. This is not to say, however, that she is ever anything less than exacting about her appearance; she always presents a neat, composed face to society, but it is an unremarkable one. She is neither tall nor short, standing at 5'3", her figure inclined to the healthily plump.
Despite being generally so very unremarkable, intelligence brightens her eyes, and if she is moved to animation her features gain a little brilliancy, though she could still never be called pretty. She has a tendency towards smiling, her only saving grace being that her teeth are tolerable.
First Impressions
Althea exudes confidence, despite her few years, and could never be mistaken for a shy girl. She has a well developed sense of fun that frequently leads her to tease. Not easily dragged into poor spirits, she can be flirtatious to a fault. Her outgoing nature is her greatest boon, for her indifferent looks make wit her only means of drawing attention to herself
Background
Early Years
Althea is the firstborn of William Munday, the 9th Baron of Bury in county Lancashire, and his wife Constance Munday. While the family is a minor one in the grand scheme of things, it is yet the premier family of their own small piece of the English countryside. As such, Althea grew up comfortably, with a sure knowledge of her place as one of the superiors of her own society.
As her parents’ only child for 9 years, she was pampered and prepared for great things, their belief growing that she would be their sole issue, and therefore receptacle of all hopes for the future. The birth of her brother, William, was the first herald of change, and with her sister, Anna, arriving 2 years later, by the time she reached puberty Althea had well and truly ceased to be the chosen child. She had comfort in her mentor, however, a local gentlewoman by name of Catherine Holloway who took charge of her education.
Blessed with a sharp mind, Althea took well to her education, but her main interests remained with the more active pursuits of dance, music and horse riding. So she spent many happy years under the attentions of Catherine, until, just after her 16th birthday, her father agreed to present her to court.
First Season
Althea’s first season at court was one devoted to finding her place. While she made no great splash, she found her own little niche as a rising wit, challenging with words and mind where her looks could not give her an avenue for advancement. She found ample means, finding conversation her avenue, Drawing Attention to herself with Thomas Hamilton early on, soon after garnering the notice of Louis Killington at The Estate Auction, avoiding Lord Rochester's advances at the Queen & King of May Ball, and telling stories at The Ernle Supper Party.
With the arrival of her beloved mentor ‘’Catherine Holloway’’ in the second week of her stay at court, Althea’s course changed slightly. Catherine, as ever, came with purpose – and her purpose was to ensure Althea would find herself an appropriate husband. The husband of Catherine’s choice was John Ernle. Althea, ever trusting of Catherine’s advice, and discovering Sir John to be a pleasant enough man, if old enough to be her father, began to pursue the widower, forming a friendship with his daughter, Alice Ernle, along the way. By the close of the season, her course with Sir John seemed quite confirmed, and she attended the 29th Restoration Masquerade upon his arm.
Along the way, she made many acquaintances, and a few friends. Louis Killington, despite his wicked exterior – or perhaps because of it – became a firm favourite, enticing her to a midnight meeting, though the pair never became more than friends. Thomas Hamilton remained agreeable, and in Catherine Erskine-Fox and Anne Palmer, she found female friends.
Not all, however, was rosey. She found herself disliking the vibrant Darlene Chesterford, after meeting her on a morning boating, and George Churchill, after charming her at their initial meeting, spoiled it by despicable behaviour at the White Ball. While his threat was received with a slap, the damage was done.
