Frances Liddell
From Age of Intrigue Wiki
This character is retired.
Frances is an earnest young woman with an interest in science and learning. She has a talent for languages and music. She is a lady-in-waiting to Lady Mignonette de la Rovere.
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Short Stats
- Character Name: Frances Liddell
- Title: Mistress
- Estate Name: Ravensworth Castle
- Nationality: English
- Age: 18 (21 April, 1657)
- Gender: Female
- Eye Colour: Grey-Green
- Hair Colour: Auburn
Physical Attributes
At 5’7” and noticeably slender, Frances is a striking figure, attracting looks of admiration from some, and distasteful frowns from others. Add to her stature a confident and upright carriage, and to some, she is downright imposing, certainly no classic beauty. She is always meticulously groomed, though never overtly styled, preferring to wear earthy colors and simple, elegant fashions. Her tempestuous auburn curls are artfully and carefully arranged atop her crown, with a few errant wisps framing her heart-shaped face. The gaze from her grey-green orbs is critical, but not unfriendly. She boasts a creamy complexion, with a natural blush across her cheeks, and a pair of carnelian kissers.
Her Character
As previously mentioned, Frances is indeed an earnest person, and is practical and level-headed in her approach to life. She is thoughtful and deliberate with her words, and at times, may seem cool and distant due to her analytical nature and strong sense of reason and logic. But beneath her guarded façade, lies a wellspring of warmth and a cheery demeanor, if a person will take the time to know her. She has a very reserved and proper manner, though she is neither a prude nor a naive innocent. She is not easily ruffled, but should someone manage to get underneath her skin, she will quickly become defensive and angry. All of her actions are carefully weighed and considered, and nothing she does is frivolous or without purpose. The only thing Frances loves simply for the sake of it is learning. She considers herself something of an amateur scholar, with a particular affinity for science and the classics. She also has a love of music, and is accomplished on the harpsichord and lute.
Background
Frances is the daughter of Sir Thomas Liddell, second baronet of Ravensworth Castle, and Anne Vane, daughter of the Right Honorable Sir Henry Vane of Raby Castle. She has one older brother (b. 1651), Henry Liddell, who is a great delight to her and dearly loved. Her grandfather, also Thomas Liddell, was a wealthy merchant of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and a staunch supporter of Charles I, who was rewarded with the baronetcy in 1642. Her maternal grandfather supported the Commonwealth during the Civil War, and following the Restoration was tried and executed for high treason. Her brother Henry previously served in the Royal Navy, but was dishonorably discharged and disowned by their father. Through her friend Ophelia Doolittle, Frances was able to remain in contact with him as he fled to the Continent. Sir Thomas has sent his daughter to London to secure a suitable marriage proposal that will strengthen his ties to the Crown.
She is cousin to Christopher Vane.
Fudge information: In actuality, the first baronet of Ravensworth Castle was Frances' great-grandfather. Her grandfather (yet another Thomas Liddell) was rather short-lived, and never inherited the title. Thus, her father was indeed the second baronet. For the purposes of this game, a generation has been skipped, for simplicity's sake.
Game History
Season II: September 1675
Frances arrived in London on 21 September, 1675, where she was hosted by Cedric Doolittle, a family friend, in Grosvenor Square. She quickly renewed her friendship with the Doolittle sisters, particularly Ophelia, with whom she shares many similarities. Later that evening, Frances learned that her brother has been out of contact since May, and has presumably gone to fight as a mercenary in Spain.
Frances soon made her first appearance at Whitehall, where she made her first acquaintances in the Conservatory. She was immediately intrigued by one gentleman, Henry Grey, and looked forward to the theatrical outing he proposed for the group, which also included Julia FitzRichard, Rudolf von Stellenbach, and Mignonette de la Rovere. There was some awkwardness during the encounter, but over all, it was a pleasant diversion. Later, Frances found herself in the Royal Library, where she was accosted by the most unpleasant Sabrina Richmond. She found the woman to be insulting, condescending, and evasive, and Frances was determined to avoid her in the future.
She also participated in the impromptu rescue of Her Majesty, Queen Catherine, who remained mentally and emotionally distraught by the loss of her latest child. Frances was aided by Mignonette de la Rovere, whom she had met earlier, and despite the unfortunate circumstances, they initiated a friendship. This encounter also led to an introduction to the King, who gifted her with a spaniel puppy that she named Herakles.
In an effort to dispel sad tidings, Frances orchestrated a picnic for herself and two of the Doolittle girls. During the excursion, she met Isabeau de Vere, who invited her to a recital that evening, and also encouraged her to host an event during the holiday season. They were also joined by Henry Grey, who proved pleasant company, despite his inability to escort her that evening. The recital itself was an enjoyable affair, and Frances was pleased to meet Agnes Kyteler, who proposed the creation of a music society when the Court reconvened.
Frances also met Adam MacGregor, Sabrina Rowle, and Charles Whitehurst in the garden, though the circumstances regrettable, owing to the Scotsman’s recent loss. The somber mood combined with the sight of Charles in his new uniform reminded Frances of her brother, leading to a bout of melancholy. However, the young Major was able to distract her with pleasant conversation, and they even made plans for a few future encounters.
See also: September Season
Recess II: Fall 1675
Having only just arrived in London, Frances was content to spend the recess there, despite the dwindling activity at Court. She remained in the Doolittle residence, and spent a great deal of time with Ophelia. The girls exchanged books and often took walks while the weather remained temperate. Frances also attended a few lectures given by members of the Royal Society, including Sirs Isaac Newton and Christopher Wren. She maintained her acquaintance with Mignonette de la Rovere and Henry Grey, practicing language with the former, and exchanging letters with the latter. She also wrote often to her father, apprising him of her activities. Thus it was that the autumn passed quietly for Frances, and she was excited to learn that the Court would be reassembling at Windsor for the Christmas Season. She was feeling decidedly more confident in her role as courtier, and felt better equipped to navigate the murky waters during the new season.
Season III: Christmas 1675
The winter of 1675 was an extremely eventful season for Frances Liddell. The Christmas holiday begins with the Christmas Eve Ball, where she renews acquaintances and makes several new ones. The excitement of the evening proves too much, when Frances, and two other ladies, experience fainting fits. After recovering, she comes to the aid of Claudia van Leyden, and with the assistance of Agnes Kyteler and Doctor Benjamin Keene, saves the hapless girl from the ill intentions of Alexander Merriweather.
During a very turbulent Christmas morning, Frances tells Henry Grey about her brother, but receives little comfort in his brusque reaction. After attending Mass, she visits the Frost Fair, where she meets the rather enchanting Alexander Everhart. At the Christmas Banquette that night, she auditions for Merry Wives, and though her bold decision to use the King’s ring earns some disdain, she is given a female role.
The 27th marks a very important turning point in the season. The holiday atmosphere takes a dark, depressing turn when the Queen’s sudden death is announced. Frances is distressed by Her Majesty’s passing, but is encouraged to carry on with her caroling party that night, and the event is a welcome distraction and a success.
On this day, Frances also meets with Robert Drummond, and is relieved to learn that her long lost brother, Henry, is alive and working for the Spanish. With some reluctance, but with immense gratitude, she accepts the Earl’s offer to help clear Henry’s name. The first signs of chemistry between the pair appear during this meeting, and continue to develop over subsequent encounters, eventually culminating in a marriage proposal from Robert. Frances accepts his suit, but is uncertain whether or not her father will accept a prominent Whig as a son-in-law.
Frances begins work on her brother’s behalf immediately, engaging the Royal Librarian to retrieve records from London pertaining to his service and discharge. She also investigates some letters she discovered while rescuing Lady Anglesey’s canary, and subsequently returns them to Anne Hawksworth, daughter of the late, infamous Earl of Strafford, earning that lady’s gratitude.
In the days leading up to and immediately following the New Year, Frances spends time strengthening existing friendships and pursuing new ones, including those with Charles Whitehurst, Julia FitzRichard, Lady Anglesey, Agnes Kyteler, Ophelia Doolittle, Mignonette de la Rovere, Margery Pendarves, and Catherine Harrington. She is escorted to the Howards’ New Years’ Masque by Robert, though is quite disappointed when he disappears for most of the evening.
Just after the New Year, Frances is asked by the King to become a lady-in-waiting to Noni, an honor which she accepts with great happiness and excitement. January also sees Frances hosting a dinner party to showcase the amateur water clock she has constructed. This is the last notable event of a season filled with ups & downs and several major developments. Frances enters the recess knowing that she is no longer a Court debutante, and that there is much to plan for the spring.
See also: Christmas Season
Recess III: January & February 1676
Upon learning of Robert’s imminent departure for Tangiers, Frances commissions a pair of miniature portraits of herself. When the Earl returns from visiting her father, she shyly gifts him with one, and also entrusts the second to his care, along with a letter, to be delivered to her brother should he succeed in arranging a meeting.
As Noni’s attendant, Frances is obliged to participate in Royal Mourning, and as such, spends most of the recess in subdued clothing and sporting a black taffeta armband. She is, however, required to spend some time updating her wardrobe for the new season and her new duties. She returns to London with the royal retinue and attends Her Majesty’s funeral, grateful that she is able to support her friend through a very difficult time. Catherine Harrington is also present, and the three women (and their dogs) spend several lovely afternoons together.
During the recess, Frances keeps up regular correspondence with her dear friends Ophelia Doolittle and Agnes Kyteler, as well as a few newer acquaintances, including Margery Pendarves and Lady Anglesey. The friendly letters are a welcome distraction as she anxiously waits for word from Robert or her brother. She continues her language lessons with Noni in earnest, eventually becoming quite fluent in Italian. She also pursues her interest in science, keeping up with the latest publications from the Royal Society, and working to develop her experimental skills.
Frances and Noni work closely with Lady Winchilsea to plan a fundraiser for the Queen’s Memorial Garden, tentatively scheduled for the second week of the new season. Though invitations have yet to be distributed, word begins to circulate amongst the members of Proper Society. The ladies also send letters to their fellow courtiers, asking for contributions in the form of materials and features to be included in the garden.
Julia’s farewell letter arrives at Ravensworth in early February. It is promptly forwarded to London and received a week later, shortly after Frances arrives there from Windsor. Frances is extremely distraught at the news of her friend’s death, and is quite inconsolable for several days, unable to leave her room even to attend Noni. Sadly, she is given little reprieve…
A couple weeks later, Frances receives word from home that her mother is gravely ill with the flu, and her father fears she may not recover. With Noni’s blessing, Frances leaves hastily for Ravensworth, traveling day and night, though it is painfully slow-going on the flooded roads. Once arrived, she keeps a tireless vigil at Lady Anne’s bedside, despairing that her mother might not live to see her son’s honor restored. Yet in this dark hour, there is cause for thanks, for Agnes arrives to lend her help and comfort. The Irishwoman still grieves over Julia’s death, and so the girls are able to draw strength from one another. Finally, Lady Anne’s fever breaks after several sleepless nights. Exhausted but grateful, Frances vows to redouble her efforts on Henry’s behalf upon her return to Court.
While at Ravensworth, Frances has little chance to discuss Robert’s suit with her father. Briefly, the baronet questions his daughter about her knowledge of the Earl and his politics, but does not yet reveal whether he will agree to the match. Still, the young woman expects to receive word of his decision sometime after her return to Court.
With the new season fast approaching, Frances returns with Agnes to London, physically and emotionally worn, but with new determination and a great many plans.
Residence
While in Windsor, Frances resides in the Visitor Apartments. When in London, she resides at Whitehall.
