FLORENCE PENBROOKE.

DOSSIER.

BIOGRAPHY.

Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, Death, Grief, Childbirth 

Florence Jane Penbrooke was born on a beautiful spring day. The first child of Jane and Charles Penbrooke. A couple of years later, she was joined by her younger brother, Andrew Penbrooke, and the family was complete. She grew up a curious child, a very precocious one. And rather not inclined to obey authority figures just for the sake of it. Her parents quite despaired of her, especially once she entered the marriage mart and showed no interest. 

Until one day, she did. Her parents kept raising her dowry in the hopes that she would find a good match with a man. But Florence had a secret. She has no romantic interest in men. Instead, she fell in love with another debutante, Elizabeth Featherton. The two of them would sneak around together. Stolen moments and kisses whenever they could. 

Eventually, though, Florence got scared. She broke things off with Elizabeth. And in despair, the other woman found a man willing to marry her and did so. Eventually, when Florence heard the news, she regretted her actions. But it was too late. Elizabeth didn't want to get back together, and told Florence to move on. But she couldn't. 

Eventually, Elizabeth got pregnant, and Florence was distraught. She put on a brave face in public, but when she was alone, she broke down. She missed Elizabeth. And this grief only intensified when Elizabeth died in childbirth. Florence could not publicly mourn her, of course. But she did take to wearing a black necklace in memory of her lost love. 

Her parents still despair of her. And without Elizabeth, Florence doubts she will ever be brave enough to tell the truth. (end of v1.) 

Eventually, Penelope Featherington is revealed to the ton as Lady Whistledown. And this act of bravery inspires another one. Florence finally tells her parents and brother of her feelings for Elizabeth, and women in general. That she shows no interest in marrying a man for a reason. Her parents are not entirely happy but they do decide not to force their daughter to marry, at least for now. And her younger brother is entirely supportive, vowing to do whatever he can to support his older sister. (v2) 

Florence is still mourning Elizabeth. But she's glad she eventually found the bravery necessary to tell the truth to her family. The ton at large still doesn't know. But she's happy enough. She wants love, eventually. Who doesn't? But for now, she is happy enough. And that is what matters to Florence. 

STORIES.