Lydia Ellis

* Lydia
* Current
* Young
* Regency

**Lydia Ophelia Ellis** is the third and youngest child of the Ellis family. She is portrayed by Isabela Merced.

The Ellis name was one associated with both profound reverence and notoriety But this came with a price- an expectation. The burden of living up to that name became the central focus of her entire life. More so, it was pushed to be the focus by her parents - which certainly hindered the development of a genuine familial bond with them. Her brother had already paved the way, excelling in all his endeavours and upholding the esteemed reputation. Though Lydia made an effort, her aspirations resided elsewhere, within the realm of poetry— despite her parents' disdain for this seemingly frivolous pursuit.

Though one thing that was always a breath of fresh air was her sister. She had always been a best friend for Lydia, but it was more than that too. Since before she could even remember, Lydia always wanted to be just like her. She regarded Aurelia from the very pedestal upon which the rest of society had placed her as well. She understood the admiration for Aurelia, as she felt it all the same. The qualities of self-reliance and uninhibited individuality became tangible ideals as she witnessed her sister embody them unapologetically. Subconsciously, Lydia grew into a reflection of her sister, resembling every aspect of her almost flawlessly. Unintentionally, this made Lydia the only remnant of Aurelia after her tragic accident.

Aurelia’s year retreat caused a loss in the society, one that Lydia could never ignore. The absence of someone who had been a constant presence in her life was keenly felt. The person she didn’t go a day without seeing suddenly became someone without a response to the letters she persistently attempted to send her way. This not only left Lydia feeling distressed but also escalated the pressure from her parents, magnifying their expectations since she was their sole daughter for the time being. As her debut year approaches, the noticeable desire for her to marry as swiftly as possible has become apparent.

## Personality

With a striking resemblance to her sister, Lydia inevitably draws the gaze of any room she enters, her presence unmistakable. Not only her physical likeness setting her apart; but the liveliness of her spirit and outspoken nature. She possesses a quality that distinguishes her, a free spirit unafraid to voice her opinions amidst a crowd.

Upon reaching the age of eighteen, Lydia's aspirations grew as she did, pushing her towards a pursuit of independence-an endeavour to free herself from the meticulously orchestrated life that accompanies the infamous Ellis name. Nonetheless, this youthful age is accompanied by an inherent trust, a naïve belief that others intentions are honourable. This trust has enabled her to form friendships relatively easily.

Though it can sometimes be misplaced. Being so similar to her older sister, she can occasionally overestimate her own maturity - and can expose her to the risks of being taken advantage of.

## Storyline

### Queens' Ball

Lydia's story begins at the Queens' presentation. As it is her debuting year, much focus was on her actions for this evening. There was also the added pressure of Aurelia's triumph the year prior. If she could become the Diamond, Lydia should too. But having that title was the last thing she wanted, as it warranted a lot of attention and provided an unwanted advantage in finding a suitor. Therefore, Lydia executed her plan to put in little effort and attention to this presentation to the Queen, self-sabotaging her chances.

Aware of Lydia's actions, Aurelia surprisingly consoles her sister. Lydia hadn't expected this, as Lydia would have expected Aurelia to praise her rebellion rather than shame it. But she brushed it off with the assumption that Lia was just trying to protect her and steered the conversation away to them reuniting for the first time in a year. When asked for a catch-up on what Lia had missed, Lydia began to talk to her about Atlas Hayes Delaney, whom she had got closer to since Lia had been gone. Wanting her approval, Lydia asked her to speak to him for her. However, their interaction was quickly interrupted by their mother, who had similarly recognised Lydia's intentions at the presentation. Pulling her away, Lydia was quickly presented to suitors her parents had found. The first being Augustus Phineas Hatcherman. The conversation with Augustus had flown rather effortlessly, and Lydia then went on to talk with Magnus Edevane.

Her final interaction of the night was the long-awaited one with Atlas. She had felt at ease the moment she began talking to him, as it was far less forced than most of the ones before. Having seen Atlas and her sister interacting at some point in the night, Lydia teased him about finding new interests in Aurelia. He appeared to play along, but their conversation was short-lived, Lydia once again being interrupted by her mother. This is when she gets set up to talk with Archibald Hastingston, which came with slight apprehension due to the tension with his sister, Margaret Hastingston By this point she had been drinking throughout the night, her second act of rebellion in the night, which made their conversation slightly easier. In a final act of protest, Lydia stepped into the orchestra, changing the pieces they were playing.

### Visiting Day

The next day, Lydia faces the consequences of her actions at the Queens' ball from her mother. Beginning with being locked in her room, and later being stuck conversing with dozens of suitors her mother had brought in. Included in this line was Egbert Clyde, someone much older with very conventional views on marriage. He had tried to make advances on Lydia in the past, and this Lydia had told her sister before. When Egbert attempts once again, Lydia rushes to her sister for some sort of comfort. However, when telling Aurelia what had happened, Aurelia seemed encouraging of the whole situation. Lydia quickly left Aurelia, the refuge she had been hoping for not present.

In a hurry to escape the estate before her mother sees her, Lydia bumps into a man who had been roaming the halls. She does not recognise him, and assumes he was one of the many her mother had collected to visit Lydia today. Though she planned to leave him, Lydia realised this man could easily tell her mother about her whereabouts, and so she insisted he came with her. Stealing a carriage from one of the suitors, the pair headed for the Thames beach, an area that had been a safe space for Lydia, as it was home to one of her favourite memories.

## Relationships

### Romantic

#### Atlas Delaney

See Atlas and Lydia

Atlas and Lydia met prior to the Queens' ball, and had began to form a connection built on their similar adventurous natures. Although when interacting at the ball, tensions began to rise in an alternative way after Lydia had sent Aurelia over to talk to him.

#### Corin Blackwood

See Corin and Lydia

As a result of Aurelia and Orpheus's frequent meetings with each other, Lydia became acquainted with Corin, who had accompanied his cousin. Lydia had developed a secret crush on him, but him being older and being much more mature meant she could never act on those feelings. Before she could ever tell him, Corin had left.

### Family

#### Aurelia Ellis

See Aurelia and Lydia

Lydia has forever looked up to her older sister, Aurelia. She always understood the pedestal that the ton put Lia on, and Lydia spent her life wishing to be like her. Evidently, Lydia has become very similar to her sister. However, their relationship has been recently strained following Lia's return.

## Songs

* Make Your Own Kind Of Music (Cass Elliot)
* all american bitch (Olivia Rodrigo)
* Sit Still, Look Pretty (Daya)
* Bejewelled (Taylor Swift)
* Uptown Girl (Billy Joel)
* Feels Like Loneliness (Sabrina Carpenter)
* fake smile (Ariana Grande)
* How to be a Heartbreaker (Marina and the Diamonds)
* Social Casualty (5 Seconds of Summer)
* Matilda (Harry Styles)
* Daddy Issues (The Neighbourhood)
* seven (Taylor Swift)
* Dollhouse (Melanie Martinez)
* Nothing New (Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers)
* Forever Winter (Taylor Swift)
* dorothea (Taylor Swift)
* the lakes (Taylor Swift)