Born last of three brothers, Daniel never expected–or wanted–to inherit the family title. He identified himself as a musician first, as the son of a peer at a distant second. Tragedy, however, has a way of adjusting all sorts of perspectives, and Daniel has recently become the fourth Viscount Briarewe, with a manor estate and a London townhouse and a pair of siblings more inclined to view him as an entertaining uncle than an appropriate guardian. As if matters weren’t grave enough, he’s also gradually and inevitably losing his eyesight, and everything hinges on his ability to keep that fact a secret for as long as possible.
Erastus Radclyffe III
Erastus is a young man brimming with jest, optimism, and a seemingly endless supply of irritating ideas. As his father’s only son, all expectations and prospects rest squarely on his shoulders. Yet, rarely does Rast meet these obligations without adding his own twist—always according to his own will and often to his own benefit. For do not be deceived by his good humor; beneath it lies a sharper mind than he lets on, one that is both keen and perceptive.
Maximilian von Habsburg-Lorraine
The irrepressible second son to Austro-Hungary’s ruling family, Max has long dodged the worst of his family and government’s machinations and expectations purely by the good luck of [i]not[/i] being his (crown prince) brother. As archduke he still has expectations aplenty, and he has more or less met those expectations. He has no intentions of ever ruling himself, and has made no secret of it, though he has never abdicated his position. The many previous efforts to arrange a dynastic marriage have all been flat-out denied, which has resulted in his most recent trip to London – ostensibly in the hope of finding a vaguely suitable wife, but realistically to put a few thousand miles between himself and his suffocating familial expectations.
Emma Edevane
The Edevane Family is one full of secrets, turmoil and, quite ironically, love. Not from the father, nay, but a caring mother and insufferable siblings. And Emma, our dear Emma, is child number three, a lady that in the eyes of society is everything she is supposed to be. That is, until you meet what lies underneath a well-secured wall. Being raised with two older brothers, and no girls around to play, Emma has become quite the tomboy and, unfortunately, the always desired friend, and never a marriage prospect. However, even though her eyes might get caught in beauty, her heart is never easily won.
Ciel Fitzroy
A lot has changed from Ciel’s position as a Dowager Baroness in London earlier this year. Married to the Duke of Grafton, whom she was always so very close with, Ciel emerges into the new year as a new image of herself. If only marriage could make her so happy, and if only the decision had not been made in the hope of saving herself from a threat to her life! Though one must wonder why such a prestigious man would take her as a second wife at all.
Archibald Seymour
Archibald Seymour, the Duke of Somerset, is a dark and dangerous man to all who oppose him. Whether it be the men who dare to risk the chances of Archibald’s racing horse or the ones who chase the girl he, himself, was after – you should run. Dressed as a man who should know better, Archibald’s techniques range from rumour to bruised knuckles. You can find him in the Theater, or perhaps in those hedonistic haunts of a time gone by. Or maybe, just maybe, you’ll find him at the commons listening in on laws that his late father would’ve once opposed.
Luc Wynn
Youngest son of a Welsh baron, Luc was always destined to be one of three things: A military man, an academic, or a priest. With his compassionate nature and personal desire to see all wrongs righted, and a true devotion to the words of Christ, there was only one real option for him. Having spent the last five years as an ordained curate in the East End, his newest promotion to assistant to the Bishop of London has given him a bit of culture shock. Back among the well-to-do of the city, cognizant of his status as protégé to an important man, Luc is doing his best to serve his family, the Church, and God.
Rhett Fitzroy
The Duke of Grafton is the best friend and worst enemy one could ever have. He is married to the love of his life, but that does not prevent him from considering other options within reason. He is a precocious man who loves roses, politics, and fencing. The Duke is willing to offer his expertise in all three, often picking and choosing his battles on the last two without provocation.
Peter Scrymgeour
The famed concert pianist and unidentical “twin” brother of the Earl of Dundee. Always roving for creative peers, musical students, enemies, and lovers. None of these are mutually exclusive.
Adella Sturridge
The Countess of Ripon is a fast friend of anyone who will suffer her company and an annoyance of those of the in-crowd who would rather she keep to herself.