Catherine Rossiter
Name: Catherine RossiterGender: Female
Age: 26
Height: 56
Weight: 130
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Blue
Hobbies: Music; musing; solving mysteries
Likes: Her own company; country walks; intelligent conversation; the Romantics
Dislikes: Philanderers; poseurs; peas porridge
Love Interest: Once upon a long ago time there was one whom Catherine loved with all her heart, yet she wishes never to set her eyes upon him again.
Appearance:
Beneath the simple and subdued countenance which she presents Catherine hides a passionate and sensual nature. To the discerning eye she is more than ordinarily lovely. Perfectly comfortable in spinsters sober dress, no matter that Catherine is twenty-six and well-educated, she seemingly has no interest in catching an eligible mans eye. Indeed, one might say that Catherine prefers to blend into the background while she keeps her secrets.
Personality:
Catherine is intelligent and witty, well-spoken, and her manner can be playful. She does possess a degree of impertinence, but the mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner makes it difficult for her to offend even those whom she dislikes. Yet, for all her warmth and gracious amiability there is also an aura of mystery about Catherine and certain fragility; and from time to time a nameless sorrow clouds the light in her eyes. Restrained, Catherine keeps her deep feelings below the surface. She is fiercely independent and occasionally impulsive. There is within Catherine a wry sense of irony, a streak of stubbornness, and a kind and generous heart.
History:
Far from the madding crowd and the stifled scandal that drove her from London six years earlier; on a rural estate in Hertfordshire some small distance from St. Albans and Allton, well away from high society ton, Catherine Rossiter serves as governess and companion to sixteen year old Marianne and five year old Robert. A high-born lady by birth and breeding but forced by unfortunate circumstances to seek employment as a governess, Catherine has tasted the delights of suitors and parties in a former existence in London, but now wishes only to be left alone and unobserved. In peaceful Hertfordshire nothing unexpected ever happens. Hidden and safe, Catherine cares for her charges; her employers treat her as a member of the family; and she maintains the pretense of a somewhat happy life keeping secret the shadows of her past which haunt her.
Timeline:
September, 1787 -- Catherine is born.
June, 1807 -- Catherine is disowned due to unfortunate circumstances.
January, 1808 -- Catherine is established as governess and ladys companion for Marianne and Robert Markham.
September, 1813 -- Catherine takes up residence in the home of Sir John Marke, the children's uncle and guardian.
As the Story Unfolds: A Letter to Catherine
My Dear,
I have entreated on your behalf but he continues to be intractable, forbidding your name upon my lips. Yet although he denies you I have come upon him in quiet contemplation with your portrait his only company. Perhaps all is not lost. There is little more that I can tell you save to declare that although estranged you are beloved. Please be reassured that I continue to safeguard your secret. I hope that you shall find comfort in knowing that all continues to be well. I understand the terrible dishonor that you have suffered and I recognize the hurt that you endure. Continue bravely and do not be dismayed.
Devotedly,
H.
I have entreated on your behalf but he continues to be intractable, forbidding your name upon my lips. Yet although he denies you I have come upon him in quiet contemplation with your portrait his only company. Perhaps all is not lost. There is little more that I can tell you save to declare that although estranged you are beloved. Please be reassured that I continue to safeguard your secret. I hope that you shall find comfort in knowing that all continues to be well. I understand the terrible dishonor that you have suffered and I recognize the hurt that you endure. Continue bravely and do not be dismayed.
Devotedly,
H.
The letter had been delivered by a proper stranger who had insisted upon placing the missive directly into Catherines hand. Catherine had recognized the embossed seal at once, and immediately she had tucked the letter away to be read in private. This departure from the ordinary had necessitated a disruption of the status quo which in turn had set the households tongues to wagging, which was the very sort of notice that Catherine had sought to avoid. But any speculation that the letter aroused was quickly dissipated by the hubbub and confusion that was ongoing as preparations were made for the familys departure. Now, even as the coach that would deliver Catherine and her young charges bumped and jostled down the long and winding country lane, Catherine absently gazed at the dappled green leaves that formed a lofty lace canopy above her. She was distracted for the bold script burned in her minds eye, and she wondered what awaited her at the end of the road.