Introduction
Euphemia Pembroke
It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my inquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world.
Appearance
Notable Features
✒ The single S at the end of 'she has freckles' feels like an understatement.✒ Eyes the kind of hazel that is more brown than green, but they shift from amber to gold in certain lighting.
✒ Dark chocolate curls that reach the small of her back when they're not pinned into coils (that were definitely neat at the start of her day but which often resemble a haphazard mess by the end of it).
✒ A build so slight of frame, she looks like she could be carried away by a particularly strong gust of wind were it not for the weight of her bustle and petticoats.
Personal Style
Effie's style is one of understated elegance. She does not lean toward showy colors or have an obsession with wrapping herself in the latest styles. Nevertheless, her bespoke garments are of the highest quality her family can afford; they fit her exceptionally well, accentuating her petite figure, and have been afforded an attention to detail, such as elaborate embroidery, that many more expensive gowns might overlook in favor of flashier aesthetics. She keeps herself polished, curls wound into coiled chignons, jewelry chosen with a keen eye not to draw too much attention but just enough. Other accessories are chosen with equal care, and she is continuously proper from head to ankles. So much so that she would look entirely out of place in a surgical theater, yet that is where she most thrives.Circumstances
Currently
As of late autumn/early winter 1887;Effie works as a research assistant under her father, Dr. Algernon Pembroke, Professor of Surgery at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Within the past term, she has also begun giving lectures part-time in medical physiology and anatomy. With four degrees in her arsenal, she yearns for the chance to actually practice medicine and use her vast collection of skills in the field.
Outside of that, the highlight of her personal life is when Scotland Yard comes to call on her father for his expertise on a case, and she gets to catch a glimpse of something of the real world again before being shuttered away into textbooks and microscopes and journals.
Health & Capabilities
Effie can bruise easily and struggles with fatigue and other mild symptoms; she is a "carrier" for hemophilia through her mother's line, although the disorder itself is not well understood and there is no formal diagnosis. She works hard to hide her condition from people, but it is a key driving force behind her obsession with unraveling medical puzzles, hers included.Socioeconomics
The upper middle class has lots of perks. There were (and are) an abundance of obstacles for a woman in her position, but her father's influence and wealth have allowed her to explore a learned career in medicine, even if she can't quite practice it independently yet. Beyond that, she has everything she could possibly want or need provided for her so long as she remains unmarried and living at home and so long as her father does not lose his position at the hospital. She longs for the ability to live independently, but barring that being a viable option for her, she tries to use her position in the world to do something good in it: charitable organizations, outreach, education. She knows she doesn't have it all, and she knows many have less.Skills & Talents
✒ Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) with a focus on pathology from LSMW, making her a doctor of medicine even if she cannot actually find employment as one✒ Bachelor of Science in Physiology (BSc) from the University of Zurich, making her one of the few female experts on the human body
✒ Bachelor of Science in Medical Chemistry (BSc) from the University of Edinburgh Medical College in a "modern" and cutting-edge program that granted her a better understanding of chemicals in the body, pharmacology, and biochemistry
✒ Skillful passion for the piano, which she picked up during her time in Zurich
✒ Anatomical sketching and painting, with a real eye for accuracy, each line drawn with grace
✒ Fluent in French, German, and Latin; proficient in Greek
Present Relationships
Father - Dr. Algernon Pembroke, Professor of Surgery at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, alive. Her father is a brilliant if stoic man and is far better at relating the details of his latest surgical conquests than peeling back the layers of his more vulnerable sides. All the same, he considers himself a progressive and does what he can to support his children equally. At least as much as he can within the constraints that society would place upon them (namely Effie), even if that sometimes looks to him like capitulating to the demands of society in order to protect his delicate only daughter.Mother - Lady Isabeau Pembroke, married woman, alive. A vibrant and sociable force within upper middle-class circles, Effie's mother has a great love for the arts and humanities, relying upon the professor's income and influence to sponsor charitable events. While less indulgent than her husband when it comes to their children, Lady Isabeau nevertheless finds her ways of doting upon them, and Effie cherishes their relationship greatly. Effie is also somewhat intimidated by the radiance her mother emanates, thinking she could never be as comfortable in the presence of large groups, thriving in the attention.
Brother - Tobias Pembroke, apothecary, alive. Of Effie's family, Tobias is the one with whom she is closest, although this has had mixed effects over the years. Toby has taken it upon himself to act as guardian and protector of his little sister and blames himself for some of the accidents of their youth (most of which had not actually endangered Effie, but the memories from a young boy are complicated). Forgoing a more advanced medical career in order to support Effie's dreams, he went into an apprenticeship as an apothecary and, as an adult, works on remedies to help alleviate Effie's fatigue and other minor ailments. Unmarried, he has never really allowed himself the time to court anyone, a fact that greatly troubles his mother, but within which his father cannot find fault.
Identity
Hobbies
✒ Reading Medical Journals; Immerses herself in journals like The Lancet and British Medical Journal, staying updated on the latest research and medical advancements.✒ Writing; Has been submitting articles and letters to the British Medical Journal and local broadsheets for years under the pseudonym V. Manet, roping in Tobias to help maintain her alter ego.
✒ Reading in general; A voracious reader, and there is never not a medical volume or racy novella within reach. She can and will lose herself for hours in any room full of books.
✒ Scientific Sketching; Meticulously sketches anatomical structures and pathological specimens, blending her artistic skills with her scientific knowledge.
✒ Playing Piano; Enjoys playing pieces by composers like Chopin, Schumann, and Mendelssohn on the Bechstein Model III that her father purchased upon her return from Zurich. Although she would consider herself a novice, Effie's passion and determination ensure that her regular playing will eventually speak for itself.
✒ Research Assistance; Works as a research assistant under her father at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, assisting in experiments and recording data.
✒ Photography; Uses the dry plate process to capture scenes from medical studies and her explorations through the city, developing the plates in her small darkroom.
✒ Gardening; Tends to medicinal herbs such as lavender, chamomile, and foxglove, documenting their growth and properties in one of many leather-bound journals.
✒ Travel; Has traveled to renowned hospitals and universities in cities like Paris, Vienna, and Berlin, always accompanied by her father or brother, and meticulously documents these experiences in her diaries.
✒ Collecting Natural Specimens; She collects and preserves specimens like pressed flowers, insects, and shells, cataloged in albums.
✒ Book Club; Participates in a book club that discusses works by various authors, including Charles Darwin, Mary Shelley, and Thomas Hardy.
✒ Watercolor Painting; Enjoys creating scientifically accurate illustrations of the plants and specimens she studies.
✒ Chess; Greatly enjoys playing chess, although her father has ceased to engage with her, and only Tobias will allow her to humiliate him so consistently.
Habits & Routines
Dreadfully, adorably anxious, she is probably full of a million small habits and rituals and routines, many of which she's unaware she's even doing.Of the habits she is aware, these include self-driven piano lessons, visiting and volunteering at various philanthropic ventures, and various tactile fixations (e.g., fidgeting with the hem of her bodice, the cuffs of her sleeves, picking at her fingertips, etc.).
Personality
Effie Pembroke is a beacon of intellect and curiosity, navigating a world that often feels too small for her expansive mind. Her relentless drive to understand the intricacies of the human body and the natural world is matched only by her insatiable appetite for knowledge. From an early age, her home has been filled with books, her days spent in study under the watchful eyes of her father and a cadre of private tutors.Effie is not just academically gifted; she possesses a rare combination of analytical prowess and creative flair. Her sketches of anatomical structures are meticulous, each line drawn with the precision of a scientist and the grace of an artist. She approaches every challenge with the same fervor, whether it's deciphering a complex medical case or tending to her garden of medicinal herbs. However, her fastidious nature often leads to frustration and stress when things don't meet her high standards.
Meanwhile, her family, particularly her father and brother, are her closest allies. They offer a protective cocoon, both out of concern for her health and societal expectations. This cocoon, while often stifling, allows Effie the freedom to dive deeply into her passions, unhindered by the distractions of the outside world. Nevertheless, her over-reliance on their support often hinders her agency, creating a loop of co-dependence.
Speaking of, Effie's mother is another significant influence in her life, with her elegance and intellect providing a strong foundation in the arts and humanities, instilling in Effie a love for literature and classical studies.
Despite her mother's preference that her daughter would follow in her more sociable footsteps, interpersonal interactions are a whole other matter for Effie, often feeling out of step with those around her, overwhelmed by conversations filled with unspoken rules and subtle cues that she struggles to navigate. This has deepened her sense of isolation, despite her best efforts to connect; however, she finds solace in her work, where the clarity of data and the precision of scientific inquiry provide a refuge from the perplexing intricacies of social norms. Her intense focus on academic and professional pursuits, coupled with her inclination toward periods of self-isolation, has ultimately resulted in a lack of close, meaningful relationships outside of her family and professional circle.
While Effie endeavors to hide her health issues from most people, they ultimately drive her obsession with medical puzzles, her own included, and despite her social awkwardness, she can be very animated and engaging when discussing her interests; her enthusiasm is infectious, her knowledge profound, and her perspectives unique, often surprising those around her with the depth and breadth of her understanding, even if her conversations meander or leap unpredictably from one topic to another.
Background
History
21 December 1859Born in London as the youngest child of two and the only daughter of Dr. Algernon Pembroke and his wife, Lady Isabeau.
1859 - Autumn 1866
Tutored by her father, mother, and a series of private instructors, excelling in French, Latin, and natural sciences.
Autumn 1866 - Summer 1873 (Age 6 through 14)
Attended the North London Collegiate School, where she was introduced to a more formal education, excelling in subjects such as literature, classics, and mathematics. While she wasn't permitted to study more scientific subjects, her father's influence paired with her growing intellect made it possible for her to audit a few courses on biology and anatomy.
Summer 1873 - Summer 1877 (Age 14 through 17)
Her father continued to privately tutor her, arranging for her to observe lectures and demonstrations at St. Bart's and other medical facilities in the UK and Europe.
Autumn 1877 - Summer 1882 (Age 17 through 22)
At just a few months shy of her eighteenth birthday, she was permitted to enroll at the newer London School of Medicine for Women (LSMW). After a 5-year program, she acquired a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB), and with her clinical studies performed concurrently at the Royal Free Hospital, this education provided her all the qualifications to be a doctor of medicine. Despite this, the General Medical Council refused to recognize her as one or allow any appeals on the matter.
Summer 1882 - Summer 1883 (Age 22 through 23)
Without the option to practice medicine independently, Effie, age 23, began to work as a medical assistant under her father at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. However, her role was chiefly regarded as "informal," and her responsibilities were limited. Students and colleagues saw her as "the professor's daughter" rather than a medical practitioner in her own right.
Autumn 1884 - Summer 1886 (Age 24 through 26)
After a complicated argument with her father, Effie, 24, traveled to the Swiss Confederation under the guardianship of her elder brother and enrolled in the progressive University of Zurich. While there, she completed a 2-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) program with a focus on physiology, allowing her to explore more in-depth the human biology, anatomy, and the functioning of living organisms. She also picked up an unexpected passion for playing the piano, which she has carried with her since.
Summer 1886 - Summer 1887 (Age 26 through 27)
Returned with Tobias to the United Kingdom, then enrolled in the University of Edinburgh, which allowed her to complete a 1-year BSc course on Medical Chemistry — her fourth and final degree.
Autumn 1887 (Age 27)
Finally returned to London, working under her father again as a medical research assistant; their relationship is still tense after the last time they worked together, but he has made small strides in advocating for her and allowing her to advocate for herself.
With her father's influence in the hospital, Effie has also begun teaching part-time under his supervision, offering lectures and demonstrations on medical physiology and anatomy to younger students.
Plotting
Romance
Effie has never had any romantic entanglements apart from a few passing and guileless flirtations with peers and colleagues. One or two of them have even made the effort to call on her properly, although a few withering looks from her father and the nearby lurking of her brother undoubtedly deterred them. If Effie were to be honest about it, she would admit she was relieved her family had made no strong efforts to marry her off. Now that she is back in London, however ...That is not to say she has not explored less romantic entanglements, for indeed she has approached the idea of sex with an analytical mind and lured in an eager young Scottish man to 'play doctor' with while she was attending studies in Edinburgh. Her notebooks are filled with her findings, and she looks forward to further research.
Friends
Effie's heart is as big as the British Empire, and while perpetually failing at creating meaningful connections to her mother's expectations, she does have a habit of collecting into her fold those with whom she can relate: the outcasts, the people who might be immersed yet feel on the fringes, the lost souls for whom there are no places in the world — yet. If Effie has her way, she will make a space for everyone.Would also love for her to eventually find friendship in other medical professionals outside of sterile environments, forcing her out from behind the apron and masks (metaphorically speaking).
Antagonism
Effie has not held back in pointing out errors to the editors of her favored medical journals and newspapers; while she does so under her chosen pseudonym (V. Manet), this may not protect her forever.Also open to other antagonistic plots regarding school rivals, other members of society who wish her to remain 'in her place' (e.g., out of the hospital and surgical theaters, etc.), or those who are vying for recognition within the same focuses (pathology, anatomy, diseases, etc.).
Other Plot Requests
While hardly royalty, the Pembroke house employs several members of staff to maintain smooth running of the household around the frequent comings and goings of its members. Let's plot together if your character is looking for employment in an upper middle-class household.Anything to do with charitable work, soup kitchens, philanthropic work, etc., super down for that. Effie is a whole lotta bleedin' heart.
All other medical and wannabe-medical people.
