T.J. Laverne

The eldest son of retired Admiral Ignatius Turpin, and older brother of Erol Turpin. At 27, Edwin has quickly ascended to the rank of Commander in the Royal Navy, due to his natural grace and good humor, and a passion that never allows him to attack any situation at hand, whatever it be, half-heartedly. He instantly attracts attention wherever he goes with his youthful features, satiny red hair, fair skin, and honest, clear blue eyes; and he generally maintains that attention with his uncommon openness and debonair smile. He displays a boyish innocence that is often overly trusting and naïve, and is very quick to love.

The youngest son of retired Admiral Ignatius Turpin, and younger brother of Edwin Turpin. At 24, he has made it to the rank of Lieutenant despite his natural talent for testing the limits of other people’s patience. Aloof and uninterested in conversation, he is exceedingly intelligent and enjoys the company of books more than people. Similar to his brother, he is slender and fair skinned, with clear blue eyes and youthful features; yet Erol’s appearance is significantly darkened by deep brown hair, a brooding, calculating leer in his eye, and a permanent furrow to his brow, which makes him appear both cleverer and less approachable.

Grew up in a modest household mostly alone with her mother and sister. Her father, the Lieutenant, was out at sea a large majority of her life, and her elder brother, Roman, joined the Royal Navy and was frequently away. Independent and stubborn, she does not venture out into society very often, despises her role as a woman, and is always found with her nose in a book. Her sharp, almond-shaped brown eyes are both purposeful and dauntless, and give the impression that she sees and knows everything, far beyond her years. Her jaw is strong; her lips, full and serious; and her long, mousy brown hair is often distinctly mussed.

Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, good friend of Edwin, and handsome, sandy-haired elder brother of Zoe and Kate Smollett. Frequently away from home throughout his childhood, he regrets that he is a near stranger to both his sisters, and increasingly tries to set aside as much time as possible to spend with them. He subsequently jumps at the opportunity to invite them along to Edwin’s manor when he receives the invitation, and is pleased when Zoë accepts. He admires Zoë above all, though he is sometimes intimidated by her.

Exceptionally pretty, young daughter of the wealthy widower, Captain Abbott. She has the golden curls, periwinkle eyes, and creamy skin of a china doll, and the same innocent, childlike smile that is often found upon Edwin’s face. Her youthful openness and romantic zest make her a favorite of Edwin’s.

Younger sister of Louisa Colt, and cousin of the Turpin brothers. She possesses a certain natural beauty and grace with her strawberry blond hair and dainty features. Zoë thinks that in her pale frailness she looks almost sickly, but Roman thinks otherwise. She is said to be an old flame from Erol’s past, but nothing ever came of it. She has little to say, is often grumpy, and is rarely seen with a smile.

Youngest sister to Roman and Zoë Smollett, whom Zoe often refers to as a “silly girl.” She despises anything intellectual, instead requiring the company of at least a dozen males around her at all times. Her features are similar to Zoe’s, only softer and more refined. Her hair is not such a dull shade of brown, but rather silky and dark, hanging in neat, springy curls around her face.