Edwin Nicholls was a poet who moved in London society circles.
Personal History[]
Little is known of Edwin Nicholls' history. He wrote a number of love poems, which Lord John Grey regarded as terribly written. He once wrote a poem specifically about Minerva Grey's feet, incurring the lifelong dislike of Minnie's husband Harold Grey.
Lord John Series[]
"The Custom of the Army"[]
In 1759, Nicholls attends an electric eel party hosted by Lucinda Joffrey at the Joffreys' London home. He appears to have been drinking heavily. He is immediately interested in Caroline Woodford, and plies her with overly effusive compliments, much to her discomfort. He is irritated when Lord John Grey takes the first opportunity to steer Caroline away, and begins jockeying with John for a place at Caroline's side.
When the guests lock hands in preparation for the electrocution, Nicholls seizes his opportunity and takes the spot beside Caroline. The guests react strongly to the electrocution and many of them fall to the ground. Nicholls, unsteady himself, attempts to help Caroline to her feet, but she ends up falling on top of him. Dazed and drunk, Nicholls kisses Caroline without her consent. Lord John responds immediately, punching Nicholls in the nose. Nicholls, bleeding profusely, confronts John, and the pair arrange for a duel.
John delopes and the bullet glances off Nicholls' shoulder. However, Nicholls has an aortic aneurysm on the spot, which Dr. John Hunter attributes to hereditary weakness, the stress of the duel, and the electrocution. Nicholls' father accuses John of murder, but John is absolved from blame on the basis of Dr. Hunter's assessment.
Personality[]
Nicholls "had a reputation for bellicosity"[1] and appears to have been habitually lecherous towards women.
Physical Appearance[]
He was "tall and heavily built" with a front tooth missing. He had honey-colored hair.[1]
Name[]
Trivia[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The Custom of the Army".