How to address Violet on a letter:
The Lady Violet Blankeney-Coventry
Carnelian House
Mayfair, London
Greeting:
Violet is quite friendly and rather informal, and likely will not be offended by however you address her. On a first letter, she'd probably expect My Dear Lady or Lady Violet, but will likely not be offended by just Violet (unless the letter itself is somehow wildly incongruous with that!).
If you'd like to plot out connections with Lady Violet, please do so here!
Lady Violet is the younger daughter of Lords Blankeney and Coventry, who were the surprise match of the season the year of Lord Blankeney's debut. Lord William Coventry, Earl of Coventry, was a confirmed bachelor and notoriously dour, and it was whispered that he would rather let the Coventry line die out than have to endure time in society, or God forbid, a formal courtship. However, he accompanied a friend to Almack's as a favour one evening and locked eyes with Lord John Blankeney, the youngest of the Blankeney siblings. John had just come out and was generally considered to be an amiable young man, but with no inheritance, two elder sisters, and a very modest dowry, no one expected him to make a particularly brilliant match. The two men walked toward one another as if in a dream, scandalously danced every remaining dance that evening with total disregard for their dance cards, and were married by special license a week later. Society was quite divided as to whether this was the most romantic thing anyone had ever seen, or utter foolishness.
In any case, the Lords Coventry had two children, first Edward, and then Violet several years later. Tragically, they were both lost in a disaster at sea when Edward was at Oxford and Violet was only seven. Edward was left to manage the Coventry estate at a very young age, and Violet was primarily raised by their grandmother, Amelia Blankeney, in her home in Mayfair. She spent many summers in Bath with her cousins on the Blankeney side, Eleanor and James, and Christmases with Edward at his estate, Croome Court, in Upton-upon-Severn in south Worcestershire. Edward married their charming neighbour Katherine, and they now have several children, of whom Violet is very fond.
Violet's grandmother house backed onto an Anglican churchyard, and Violet spent a great deal of time reading novels there as a child until she was caught by the son of the minister, Theo. They became fast friends, and eventually went down to Oxford together. At Oxford, she met Lady Theo Monroe, and they became the closest of friends, causing general bemusement when the three went around together.
Lady Violet is now embarking on her very first season at 21, after reading French Literature at Oxford. She is considered one of the great beauties of the season and is quite a fashion-plate (and often wears things that are mildly shocking or over-the-top, and sometimes seem suspiciously French). However, while she is charming and funny, she generally comes across as far too sweet and guileless to be considered a true wit by any but her close friends. She can, however, be very impatient with people when she feels they are acting unkindly. She wishes to marry for true love, as did her fathers, and has been raised on stories of their marriage. (Lady Violet is bi.) She has never been in love, but she's hoping that will change for her! However, despite her beauty and charm, she hasn't the slightest idea how to flirt, which may cause her some difficulties.
Lady Vi is very involved with charitable endeavours, under the influence of Lady Theo, and also plays piano and frequents the theatre. She absolutely love every animal she sees, no matter how odd. She'll strike up a conversation with anyone of any social class at the slightest provocation. Fortunately, no one can ever believe she's being even the slightest bit flirtatious, so she's avoided scandal from this practice thus far.
Existing Connections:
She is close to her older brother, Edward, the Earl of Coventry, and childhood friends with her neighbour, Theo, who went down to Oxford with her. Ironically, her other dearest friend from Oxford @Countess Theodora "Theo" Monroe (Tessa) also goes by Theo, which I'm sure has never caused any confusion...
She is close to her beloved cousins, @Eleanor Savery (Hilary) and @ Duke James Richmond and often spends summers with them in Bath.
Wanted Connections:
-additional friends from Oxford
-possible connections to the current Lord Coventry's wife
-possible love interests (although probably more so once we're in-game; she strongly believes in love at first sight due to her parents, but who knows?)
-scholars/friends with connections to France
-fashion connections
-Violet doesn't have idea who her birth mother is. She doesn't particularly care, but wouldn't be adverse to finding out.
P.S. Lady Violet may have some additional secrets, but I won't reveal them here just yet.
We went over our connections in other threads but to update it here... We both studied Literature at Oxford and you graciously allowed me to accompany you and your cousins to @Lady/Marquess Emmeline Petty-Fitzmaurice (Robin)'s party.
I think it would be funny if Violet tried to fix Hazel up despite Hazel socially mentoring Violet
Incidentally, two other connection options:
-Despite having not the slightest idea of how to flirt, Vi is surprisingly crafty when it comes to getting other people fixed up, so if you want her support in a scheme, drop me a line!
-Vi does a lot of charity works in poor neighbourhoods and with prostitutes etc. It's all perfectly respectable, but perhaps she ran into you in one of these places when you were engaged in something...not quite so respectable, and she is keeping your secret?
Additional Vi evening gown absurdity, in a more English style:
I've updated this to give a bit more of Vi's story!
Also, here's a typically ridiculous Violet outfit, which, given that it's French and a year too late, she really has no business wearing...
Lady Violet seems like a very amiable and kind person, which Charlotte would definitely gravitate towards! Charlotte would also love Violet's romantic outlook and would be a FANTASTIC wing-girl, should she ever have need of one. :D I imagine these two have linked arms for a turn about the room on quite a few occasions. 💙
Specifically, if anyone with strong political convictions might like to plot out a love-at-first sight story that may have some entertainingly awkward twists down the road, do let me know!