History

Wynter was born to Alfred and Marion Thorington, the Baron and Baroness of Lynsley after four years of unsuccessful attempts for an heir. Of course her father would conclude that even her birth was not a success as it gave him a daughter instead of the longed for son to take over the entailed title. Marion was thrilled, however, as not only did it prove they could have a child, it meant they should be able to have another, and perhaps that one would be the desired male her husband wanted so desperately.

For the first five years of her life, things were tolerable. Although her father was still anxious for his son, and while Wynter could sense the frustration in her parents marriage, she did feel her mother’s love for her and her father was, well, at least present. Unfortunately during her second pregnancy, things went sideways and Marion lost her life trying to produce the required heir. The baby, which ironically, was a boy, did not long survive the mother.
It was certainly dark days and the Baron withdrew from everyone, except Viola Fischer - a ‘good’ friend of Marion’s.

It was no surprise to anyone, therefore, when as soon as the mourning period for the late Baroness was over, Viola became the new Baroness Lynsley. Now at the tender age of six, Wynter was faced with the fact that her new step-mother had little desire to tend to another woman’s child and her father hardly even acknowledged her existence. She spent more time with her governess and tutors than anyone. Soon the newly weds produced a child, a girl, only this time her father seemed to be rather happy about it, which was confusing for her as he had never been as attentive to her as he was to his new daughter.

Two years later, the Baron finally had his son and all was well with his world. Wynter became a mere afterthought, at most. The family ‘proper’ would often go on outings, without her of course. There was always reason or another of why Wynter was not included in these outings - there was not enough room in the carriage, they did not think she would enjoy the outing, she was too old for the things the children wanted to do. And so it went, feeling more and more a stranger in her own home, she stopped trying to be part of the ‘family’ that clearly had no want of her.

No one balked when, at 15, she decided to move to the east wing of the manor. It had not been in much use over the years and, in fact, had become somewhat worn down. Using her own funds she made necessary repairs to make the wing livable, paid for her own staff and provided for herself. This became her life - she stayed in her wing, they in theirs and hardly the twain ever met, save for the needed occasions or by accident when crossing paths in other part of the manor. Things began to change, for the worse, two years ago, when the heir, the much cherished son, died at the age of 8. This threw the manor into mourning. Within a year the Baron followed his son to the grave, seemingly from despair.

In short order Egbert, Albert’s younger brother, was now the new Baron of Lynsley, much to his delight. While Albert had been a rather uncomplicated man, very studious and eager to do the right thing for his title and duty, Egbert was a man whose sole existence lay in excess and pleasure. An ignorant man who felt he deserved more than anyone else and was better than anyone else, including his elder brother. Now that he has the title and estate, he has indulged himself as much as possible, all while ignoring the more administrative and important side of his role.

He has ‘kindly’ allowed the women to remain in residence and is currently letting her step-mother retain charge of the household as if she were still the Baroness as opposed to the dowager and Portia is still the princess. Between the three, they have brought the Baronetcy near to ruin.

Wynter quickly realized her circumstances were precarious - knowing that appearances are everything. She knew she could not afford to let her family look impoverished, therefore, the need to lend some aid to her so called family became a necessity. However, what has willingly been provided to aid them is becoming insufficient to their needs and her Uncle is eyeing her assets more and more, particularly when his gambling debts began to rack up placing them in an even worse financial state. They have begun to hound her for more funds, which she is unwilling to provide seeing as they have squandered their own. Unfortunately she is still under her Uncle’s guardianship, which he is beginning to realize he can use to his advantage, one she is certain will do nothing for her and everything for him.

Using the situation to her advantage she has convinced her uncle that it is time she debut. The offer - she would foot the bill with her own funds, but of course make it seem as if he were doing so. They would all stay in her London home and she would outfit them all in the goal of securing a good match that will aid them in more ways than mere money. It would also allow her Step-mother the chance to mingle and possibly find a new husband, and though Portia was still too young at only 12, it would give her a glimpse into the Season and the ton to help prepare her for her own future debut.

Of course the offer was accepted, especially when she agreed to allowing them all a bit of pocket money to complete the ‘show’ and make her look even better. To this she mentally rolled her eyes, knowing it was just their greed and had nothing to do with her, it was also a sideways insult that she could not garner attention on her own merits and needed the show of cash and the Baron’s influence to make her a desirable match.

She needs to find a way out of this mess before he kills her as she suspects he did her half-brother and then her father. But how will she manage before Egbert makes some disastrous match for her or worse?