Dunford, Anthony, Duke of Claitonborough

[Anthony Dunford [Liz]]

Your Name: Liz
Age: 20
Where'd You Find Us: I made the board.
____________________
Name: Anthony Simon William Dunford
Nickname: Tony, among friends and family; used interchangeably with Anthony.
Age: 26
Date of Birth: August 17, 1784
Title: 12th Duke of Claitonborough

FAMILY
Geoffrey Simon George Dunford, 10th Duke of Claitonborough (father, born 1751, died September 1809)
Jane Elizabeth Dunford (neé Agnew), Duchess of Claitonborough (mother, born 1759)
George "Pangbourne" Geoffrey Paul Dunford, 11th Duke of Claitonborough (brother, born 1782, died October 1809)
Lady Elizabeth Clarice Dunford (sister, born 1793)

Alice Agnew, Marchioness of Abingdon (maternal aunt)
Louis Agnew, Marquess of Abingdon (cousin)
Lady Phillipa Agnew (cousin)

BACKGROUND
Tony never expected to be a duke. His father and older brother were strong, healthy men of good character. Neither drank beyond their limits, gambled with money they didn't have, nor dallied with women they shouldn't. In short, Tony had no cause to believe that he would be anything more than Lord Anthony Dunford, second son.

Though some more cynical members of Society would have referred to George and Anthony as 'the heir and the spare', the duke and duchess never gave the boys any reason to think that they were both well loved and respected inside the family. True, they might have been a bit more strict with Pangbourne (as the future duke was known), allowing Tony to get away with more as a boy, but both accepted it as perfectly reasonable. After all, Pangbourne, as his named suggested, was, since the time he was born, the Marquess of Pangbourne and was to become the next duke, while Tony was to be...Tony.

The Dunford boys spent a delightful childhood at Claitonborough Hall and could often be found playing in the ruins of a Gothic abbey that lay on the property. With the arrival of younger sister, Elizabeth, Pangbourne and Tony easily adapted to the role of protective older brother, though Tony more so as he and Lizzie were kindred spirits.

Both boys attended Eton, and upon graduation, Pangbourne attended Oxford in preparation of his future role. Tony, however, who had never been particularly attentive to his studies, elected to join the navy at age 18. Rising quickly through the ranks to captain of HMS Adratta, he spent the last five years patrolling the waters near Jamaica, gaining experience. He had a verbal promise from his superior to eventual promotion to post-captain, which would have put him on the track to the admiralty in a few decades. Tony enjoyed his life in the West Indies and likely would have remained there for the rest of his days, buying a house, taking a colonial wife, and starting a family, had that terrible missive not arrived from his family's solicitors.

In December of 1809, Tony was summoned by his superior. When he arrived, he was greeted by a somber man dressed in black. To Anthony's horror, he was informed that there had been a terrible carriage accident that had taken the life of his father three months prior, in September. When the solicitor had set sail, Tony's older brother was in grave condition, but he had no information beyond that. Anthony requested, and promptly received, permission to return to England. Upon his arrival in March of 1810, he discovered that not only had his father died, but Pangbourne had succumbed to his injuries nearly six weeks after their father's death. A letter had been sent, but because of the rapidness of Tony's departure, the ship with the letter had missed the ship carrying Tony. Thus in the period of six months, Lord Anthony Dunford, consummate second son, found himself bereft of a father and a brother and had become Anthony, Duke of Claitonborough. Though he has adapted, though not very well, to this role, he would give it up in a heartbeat to have his father and brother back.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Standing about 5'11" and weighing about 160 lbs, Tony has his experience as captain of his ship in His Majesty's navy to thank for his well-muscled arms and legs. Should he allow his dirty blond curls to grow to an unfashionable length, he might take on the appearance of a mysterious pirate, but his laughing brown eyes and easy smile offset any misgivings one might have.

PERSONALITY
As mentioned, Tony was raised as the consummate second son of a powerful noble family - expectations were high for him, but not as high as those of his brother. Therefore, Tony learned very quickly that he didn't have to try very hard to still manage to succeed. This sentiment has carried on into adulthood, and Anthony is loathe to engage in anything that requires too much mental effort. He is not stupid, but rather he just prefers not to exert himself. He has found that even without too much effort, things simply come easily, be it food, wealth, friends or women.

Anthony is easygoing with very little temper. He is generally genial and affable, making him very popular with men and women alike. Not prone to drunken brawls in pubs or foolish wagers at White's, Tony is more than likely not on anyone's enemy list. He has the gift of gab and can talk his way out of most any sticky situation. People are drawn to his outgoing personality and in return, Anthony can be a good friend to many.

On the rare occasion someone has a reason to dislike Anthony, it is most likely because of his flirtation nature. Old and young, wealthy and poor, it matters not to Anthony. As long as the lady has a pretty face, Tony will flirt with it. He's never dallied with an eligible young lady, if only to avoid the possible consequence of marriage. Tony has always been an honorable man, a characteristic strengthened by his understanding of the importance of his position as the duke of Claitonborough. If he fathered a child on a lady of good breeding, he would marry her. However, he is quite certain he is not ready for marriage and takes extensive pains to avoid it. If that means limiting the relief of his baser needs to London's courtesans, so be it. Tony generally keeps a mistress and has one now, though he remains discreet about it.

Tony was always a daring child, always willing to leap headfirst into a pond, to try to mount an unbroken colt, or to join the navy. The deaths of his father and brother, however, have made him daring almost to the point of recklessness, something his mother and sister worry about it. Though his temper is practically nonexistent, it does exist nonetheless. When his ire is raised, he can be quite ruthless and his abilities with both a pistol and a sword have come in handy in the past, given the situations into which his foolhardiness have led him.

OTHER NOTES

• Though Tony is not particularly involved in politics, if pressed, he would identify himself as a Tory (Pittite).
• Tony's Timeline:
  1784 - Born.
  1793 - Younger sister born.
  1802 - Joins navy.
  1809 - October, Brother & Father die.
  1810 - March, returned to England.
  1810 - December, no longer 'in mourning'.
  1811 - First Society Season.
• The courtesy title for the heirs of the Dukes of Claitonborough is the Marquess of Pangbourne.

[Anthony Dunford [Liz]]

RELATIONSHIPS
Family
DUNFORD, Lizzie (Liz): His younger sister, Tony and Lizzie are like two peas in a pod. They are quite humorous together, much to her mother's chagrin. He's happy to be able to be here for her for her debut, but he worries sometimes that he is not as good a father figure as he should be. He worries about her, more than he would care to admit, though he is inclined to be more lenient and indulgent with her than the duchess.

DUNFORD, Jane (NPC): His mother. The duchess is very demanding and wishes Tony were more serious, which he knows. Of course, she also understands that he is doing the best he can in a job he never expected nor wanted. She is hard on him, but Tony knows she does it out of love for him and the Dunford legacy. He is aware of her desire to marry this season, but he is unlikely to take a bride simply to placate his mother.

Friends
DALRYMPLE, Arthur (Vikki): Friends from Eton, though Tony wouldn't exactly share the secrets of his soul with him. Good for a drink or lunch at White's.

Acquaintances
CLARE, Eleanor (Rose): Met April 9th, at St. George's. Does not yet know her name, but he thinks she will be quite beautiful in a few years and admires her politeness. He knows that she too mourns the loss of her mother and father and can empathize.

CLARE, Selina (Rose): Introduced April 10th, at Almack's in the company of Imogen and Lizzie. She is beautiful, polite, and a good dancer. However, he is not interested in marrying her, and he senses that she would not be open to any other sort of relationship, so he is resigned to chatting with her at soirees.

HAWORTH, Clarence (Shar): Familiar with one another, yet they do not have much in common. Still, they deal well together and would certainly be friendly at a party.

RATHBONE, Imogen (Vikki): Introduced April 10th, at Almack's in the company of Selina and Lizzie. Finds her very clever and if she wasn't ill, Tony would likely consider pursuing her. In the meantime, he is mostly concerned about Lizzie forming a friendship that is doomed to end tragically.

Loves
KIMBLE, Dahlia (NPC): Anthony's mistress. A raven haired beauty with piercing blue eyes, Dahlia is twenty-four and the daughter of an unspecified English nobleman and his own mistress. Her father, out of love for her mother, provided for her education, and she is more well read and well spoken than most other women in her position. She was formerly the mistress of one of Tony's friends. When he married and decided to let her go, he recommended she contact Tony, who was more than willing to take up her support. They deal well together, as Tony feels that he can truly let down his guard around her and share with her all his worries. For her part, Dahlia is slowly falling in love with Tony but is aware that while he cares for her and her feelings, he does not reciprocate her deeper emotions.

Rivals



Please don't post any plotting here. If you have any questions/comments/concerns, please PM me.

Last updated: March 29, 2009.

[Anthony Dunford [Liz]]

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
April 6, 1811
Boodle's

Tony lunches with Clarence Haworth. They are not terribly familiar, but they lunch together, discussing news, fashion, and family. They part on good terms.

April 7, 1811
Sunday Services

Tony arrives late and hungover to church and promptly falls asleep during services. The duchess is not amused.

Morning Calls

Much to his dismay, Tony is present for callers after Sunday services, where he greets Lady Beatrice Howard, Miss Pritchard, and Miss Hampton.

April 8, 1811
Fancy Bumping into You Here!

Tony gets fitted for some evening attire at James Lake & Co and then strolls along Bond Street, meeting Miss Fforde along the way.

April 9, 1811
Church (Early Morning)

Tony, feeling a bit morose, finds his way to St. George's to light a candle for his father and brother. While there, he bumps into Miss Clare, though he does not learn her name. They have a brief conversation, and he thinks she is very sweet, but also very young.

April 10, 1811
When A Debutante Is Not A Debutante

After misplacing his dress shoes, the Dunford family finally arrives late to Almack's. He wanders away before returning to Lizzie's side and meeting Lady Imogen Rathbone and Mrs. Clare. He notes Lady Imogen's pallor but remains unaware of her illness. He then invites Mrs. Clare to dance.

First Dance - Public Opinions

Tony dances a very enjoyable set with Mrs. Clare. He briefly contemplates pursuing her for an affaire, but when he discovers she is in London seeking a second husband and has a young stepchild, he abandons that idea. He remains unaware that he met said step daughter at St. George's the day before. He also invites Mrs. Clare and her daughter to join the Dunfords in their pew at church on Sunday and perhaps to Drury Lane that afternoon.

Tony also dances with Lady Jennifer Delmar (2nd dance), Miss Hampton (3rd dance), Katharine, Countess of Carrington, (4th dance), Miss Pritchard (5th dance), his sister (7th dance), Lady Julianne Grafton (8th dance), Lady Louth (9th dance), and Lady Cassandra Edgeworth (11th dance).

April 14, 1811
St. George's, Hanover Square: Easter Sunday

Tony attends church with his mother and sister and is joined by Mrs. Clare and her stepdaughter, who he is shocked to discover is the young lady from the church. He is intrigued and decides to continue his acquaintance with Mrs. Clare in hopes of discovering more about Miss Clare. He invites them to join his family at the Easter celebrations in Hyde Park.

After the Service

Just after Tony invites Mrs. Clare to join his family in Hyde Park, the group is joined by Lord Avening and his sister, Lady Gwendolyn Moncrieff. Tony discovers that Lord Avening is actually Miss Clare's guardian.

Emerson Ball: Caledonian Laddie (1st dance)

Tony practices flirting with the daughter of the Earl of Saxton. He finds her entertaining and hopes that she ended the dance with a favorable impression of him.

Last updated: November 21, 2009.