I had a great deal of fun writing this character description, for the only role-playing game I ever participated in, and I think one day I just might write a story about Lady Bekins, so here is her letter of introduction, so that you will know her later.
25 August 1871
Dear Sirs (or perhaps Madams),
I have been asked to forward a letter of introduction. As I have no one to provide one for me, I must take the liberty of composing one myself. I am Lady Melina Sylvia Bekins; Lady Bekins to strangers, Lady Melina to acquaintances, and Mel to bosom-friends. My Father was the Baron Joseph Bekins, and my Mother is the Baroness Elizabeth Bekins, of Oxfordshire, England.
Since our introduction is on parchment, I find myself in the uncomfortable position of describing my own features and appearance. The stastica vitale are : Sex (obvious); Height: 5 feet 4 inches; Age: 23 on May 1871, Coiffure: ordinary brown, regular length, which I wear in two plaits wound round my head, to stay neat and tidy; Eyes: hazel, obscured by unfashionable but essential spectacles, without which I am virtually blind. I tend to dress in a conservative and practical style, with an eye for quality and durability in my garments, rather than lace and other such feminine fripperies. Because of my style of dress, I am often mistaken as of a lower social stature, which I often find works in my favor. On the rare occasion when I go to a social affair, I have a preference for rich fabrics in earth or jewel tones, rather than wearing loads of ruffles and jewels. I am simply not interested in attracting much attention; I prefer to blend into the background.
My childhood was spent in Oxfordshire, as the only child of loving parents. Father's great passion was the new Science of Archaeology. He was something of a recluse, traveling abroad constantly, bringing back bizarre artifacts, too busy to "allow himself to be distracted by the Idiocy of Society." Mother took on the role of performing the social duties for both of them, rarely joining Father in his travels and studies, but quite capable and interested when she did. In her free time (after running the Household, paying social calls, looking after me, and assisting Father) her greatest joys are Charity and Fundraisers for Worthy Causes. Now that Father is gone, she is even busier, and even has Social Events at the estate, occasionally.
To get the subject over with as quickly as possible, no doubt you have heard of the Mysterious Disappearance of Lord Bekins. Seven years ago, June 9th, 1864, he left his hotel in Istanbul and was never seen again. No note, no clues of any kind were discovered either by his traveling companions or the investigator we hired. No ransom note ever came, nothing was missing from the hotel but one suit of clothes presumed to be on his back, his wedding ring, and wallet, which could have held no more than a few pounds. Mother and I have of course grieved deeply for him, and we presume that he will not be coming back to us in any way. Society was scandalized, and tends to treat Mother and I with some delicacy, which is alternately appreciated and irritating.
Because of Father's great interest in Archaeology, and the nearness of Oxford University, I received an unusually high level of Education. I am learned in Literature, History, Philosophy, Geography, and the French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Greek and Latin languages. I was never particularly interested in, and know little about Science or Technology or Engineering. Thanks to one Tutor with a penchant for medicinal potions and cure-alls, I have some knowledge in that area. My Mathematical knowledge is really limited to the management of my Personal Finances. I confess to great difficulties in keeping foreign currency straight; why can they not be as simple as the British Monetary System?
My relationship with Father was rather closer than with Mother. I shared his interests in the Past and Travels, and he always conversed with me as a peer. He made sure I had the best Tutors and learned as much as I was inclined, in any subject in which I showed interest. As an older child, he taught me to Fence with him, as a means of exercise, and he seemed to take some pride in my skill with the rapier. Mother taught me the Social Graces and tried to encourage me in the Womanly Arts, but alas, I am horrid at Drawing and Music and Embroidery. I can sew on a button and dance rather well (Fencing taught me Grace), but otherwise I am lacking in most of the things a Proper Young Lady is expected to waste her time upon, and am perceived as a bit too much of a Bluestocking. Mother did get me involved with Charitable Work, though, and that is the object to which I have dedicated my life so far…
To that end, three years ago I moved to the Great City of London, where I reside at 226 Baker Street, with my manservant, Mister Alexander Cadieux and one housekeeper/cook, currently one Miss Jenna Towle. Mister Alex has been in the service of my family for many years; Miss Jenna for just three months. I do find it difficult to keep that position filled. I live modestly on my allowance, saving what few crowns I have surplus at the end of each month in case of the unexpected; usually holidays abroad and my Charitable Works. I have enjoyed living as an Independent Lady, doing my Work, pursuing my Studies, and taking the occasional Exotic Journey.
My Work, as I think of it, lies with those who have need of me: Unfortunate Women who find themselves struggling with the Harshness of Life in this Masculine World. The Ladies and Women of this era often find themselves in need of a Champion, as we Women work to Overcome the Biases of the Past. Women must be Educated, must be allowed to follow their Natural Inclinations as Fully Sensible Creatures, rather than as lace-covered Poppets kept in pretty houses with nothing better to do than succumb to Attacks of the Vapors! But I digress, and I do apologize. The subject is so near my heart, I find myself frequently overcome by both Indignation and Enthusiasm for the Future. I know that others find such lectures repellant, so I beg you to forgive my outburst.
As I was saying, I assist those Creatures who come to me for help, directed by many of the Churches and Organizations of London. Of course there are many women who have Fallen So Far that I cannot do much, but anyone who wishes to follow a Sensible and Moral Path can rely upon my assistance, no matter her past. Only those too low that they do not seek to assist themselves are beneath my consideration. Someday, my Sisters, I hope you too will realize that you may determine your own Destiny! I provide some Basic Education for the women, help them find Lodgings and Employment, make sure they are Properly Attired for Respectable Work, and help them make Connections with other supporters throughout the City. In short, I help them up, brush them off, and set them on their way to making a better life for themselves. Often their needs are simply a sympathetic ear, someone to listen to their story without judging them, and point them in the right direction. I am deeply proud of my Work, and hope to continue it.
I am afraid I may have overstepped the boundaries of politesse, but I hope that you will forgive me my Idealism and Enthusiasm.
I do so look forward to making your Acquaintance in person on Monday next,
Yours,
Lady Melina Bekins