The Virginian Lineage
Where the blood runs blue, the courtships run long, and the emotions run entirely unspoken.
These gentlemen arrive faintly scented of tobacco, cloaked in perfect principle—until, of course, they fall in love.
Then principles are abandoned in favor of long stares, unreadable letters, and sudden departures on horseback.
They are famed for their manners, their family names, and their singular ability to ruin an otherwise pleasant evening with one well-timed sermon—be it on propriety, honor, or some other virtue no one asked to hear about.
Listening not optional.
Mr. Charles Taylor
of Cana, Richmond, Virginia
Known For:
Principled pronouncements, uninvited lectures, silent martyrdom, and scholarly opinions on everything from philosophy to fence repair.
Status:
Unmarried. Not for lack of unsolicited advice from married relatives. Not mad, but disappointed that his siblings cannot appreciate the excellent example he so thoughtfully curates for them.
"If one cannot uphold honor in obscurity, one will hardly manage it in the public eye. Not that obscurity should ever be one's ambition."
Editor's Note:
The sort of man who corrects Latin translations at breakfast and hosts an intervention about your life choices by calling it a "discussion over brandy."
Assessment:
A country gentleman by necessity, a scholar by nature, and a long-suffering eldest son by divine decree. Plenty of potential, should he ever be persuaded that enjoyment is not a moral failing.
Mr. Edward Taylor
of Cana, Richmond, Virginia
Known For:
Unshakeable loyalty, untucked shirts, and an infuriating ability to shoot perfectly even after eight brandies. Has never once arrived on time, and yet somehow always makes an entrance.
Status:
Unattached. His mother hopes. His sisters scoff. Society watches—mostly in vain.
"I concede — mistakes were made."
(Allegedly said while vanishing over a stone wall, pursued by consequences.)
Editor's Note:
The sort of man who wins races he did not agree to enter, inspires affections he does not realize he's stirred, and rides away smiling at jokes he didn’t know he made.
Fiercely loyal in matters of honor, particularly where family is concerned — and ambivalent toward nearly everything else.
Beloved by horses, bartenders, and the occasional reckless optimist.
Assessment:
A disappointment to his father and a walking scandal to nearly everyone else. Should be avoided. Will not be.