Bertrand Beaumont

Bertrand, a character in The Royal Romance and The Royal Heir series, is the Duke of Ramsford and Maxwell's older brother. He is first seen in The Royal Romance, Book 1, Chapter 4.

Appearance
Bertrand Beaumont has black hair, olive skin, and gray eyes. He wears a brown blazer over a white button-down shirt, black tie, and brown sweater vest.

Personality
Bertrand is generally strict, professional, responsible, and humorless. He is dedicated to House Beaumont and would do anything to preserve it. Though rarely seen, he does possess a gentler side, and is loyal to his friends and family.

Book 1

 * Chapter 2: Welcome to Cordonia (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 3: Reunited (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 4: Save the Last Dance
 * Chapter 5: Off to the Races
 * Chapter 6: Queen of Hearts
 * Chapter 7: Fire and Ice (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 8: A Waltz to Remember (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 9: Race to the Finish
 * Chapter 10: Beach Party
 * Chapter 11: The Apple of His Eye
 * Chapter 12: As Sweet as Apple Pie
 * Chapter 13: Hunting for Love
 * Chapter 14: Fair Game
 * Chapter 15: The Brothers Beaumont
 * Chapter 16: The Beaumont Bash
 * Chapter 17: Lady in Waiting
 * Chapter 18: To Be a Princess
 * Chapter 19: Long Live the King

Book 2

 * Chapter 1: Homecoming
 * Chapter 2: Reunion
 * Chapter 3: Return to Applewood
 * Chapter 4: Flirting with Disaster
 * Chapter 5: International Impressions
 * Chapter 6: Italian Nights (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 7: Girl's Night Out
 * Chapter 8: City of Lights (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 9: Brotherhood of Man
 * Chapter 10: Tea Time in Paris (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 11: A Night at the Opera (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 12: Family Ties (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 14: Back to the Big Apple
 * Chapter 15: Lost in Los Angeles
 * Chapter 16: A Monumental Night
 * Chapter 17: Cordonia Bound
 * Chapter 18: Noble at Heart
 * Chapter 19: Ascension

Book 3

 * Chapter 1: Twilight Hour
 * Chapter 2: Crown and Country
 * Chapter 3: Allies Among Enemies
 * Chapter 8: Artistic License
 * Chapter 9: Pomp and Circumstance (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 10: A Matter of Honor
 * Chapter 12: Secrets In The Snow (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 14: Welcome, One and All
 * Chapter 16: What Happens in Vegas...
 * Chapter 17: Save the Date
 * Chapter 18: Bride to Be
 * Chapter 19: You Are Cordially Invited
 * Chapter 20: A Warm Reception
 * Chapter 21: Taken
 * Chapter 22: Happily Ever After

The Royal Holiday

 * Chapter 1: 'Tis the Season (Mentioned; Determinant)
 * Chapter 2: Winter Wonderland (Mentioned; Determinant)
 * Chapter 4: Holly Jolly

Book 1

 * Chapter 2: Last Night in Paradise
 * Chapter 3: Your Kingdom Awaits
 * Chapter 5: The Open Road (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 6: Home, Home on the Range
 * Chapter 7: A Night on the Town (Mentioned; Physical Appearance Determinant)
 * Chapter 8: Ride Like the Wind
 * Chapter 9: Ladies' Night (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 10: The Beaumont Bachelor Bash
 * Chapter 12: To Love and to Cherish
 * Chapter 13: Spreading the Word
 * Chapter 15: Apple in the Oven (Mentioned; Determinant)
 * Chapter 16: Great Expectations (Determinant)
 * Chapter 18: The Last Apple Ball
 * Chapter 19: Truth and Lies

Book 2

 * Chapter 1: Labor of Love (Determinant)
 * Chapter 2: First Days (Mentioned; Determinant)
 * Chapter 3: Welcome to the World
 * Chapter 4: The Royal Tour
 * Chapter 5: Her Royal Highness
 * Chapter 10: Last Day in Lythikos
 * Chapter 11: Escape to LA
 * Chapter 12: The Show Must Go On
 * Chapter 13: How Do You Like Them Apples?
 * Chapter 14: Battle Lines
 * Chapter 15: All is Fair
 * Chapter 17: A Spurned Ally (Mentioned; Physical Appearance Determinant)
 * Chapter 18: The Beginning of the End
 * Chapter 20: Freeze This Moment

Book 3

 * Chapter 1: Changes
 * Chapter 7: Ill Will Hunting (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 9: The Barthelemy Beaumont Bash
 * Chapter 12: The Deciding Vote
 * Chapter 13: The Way Out
 * Chapter 15: The Enemy of My Enemy (Mentioned)
 * Chapter 16: Devil in the Details (Determinant)
 * Chapter 17: The Crown Regent's Coronation
 * Chapter 18: Crowning Glory
 * Chapter 19: The Once and Future Princess

Maxwell Beaumont
Bertrand is Maxwell's older brother. Bertrand is constantly belittling and yelling at him whenever he makes mistakes, though this is mainly due to financial stress. According to Maxwell, Bertrand used to be a polite, fun loving, and caring brother.

In The Royal Heir, Book 1, if Maxwell is your spouse, he tells you that he tried to talk Bertrand into a stag-and-doe party (like what you did for your bachelorette), but Bertrand did not want a hazardous limb flailing at the party.

In Book 3, Chapter 9, the brothers' relationship deteriorates when they take opposing sides during their father's attempt to become Crown Regent. This shocks and saddens Maxwell, and though Bertrand looks uncomfortable, he does not explain his reasons. When the vote turns in Barthelemy's favor in Chapter 13, the brothers' relationship is essentially ruined. However, in Chapter 17, Bertrand finally reveals that his loyalties lie with Maxwell and you, and not with their father. He had been pretending with Barthelemy in an effort to gain their father's trust and help you behind-the-scenes. He knew if their father had his way, you would need a fast getaway and a contingency escape plan. Maxwell is relieved and the two brothers reconcile.

Your Character
In Book 1, Bertrand and his brother, Maxwell, are your sponsors for Cordonia's social season and the "competition" to win the hand of Prince (later King) Liam. He tells you that he had interviewed a number of noble ladies for the task but had not selected a candidate by the time the social season started. Bertrand became desperate, and Maxwell convinced him to take a gamble on you and the feelings Liam has for you. Eventually, Bertrand warms up to you and becomes proud of you, considering you to be part of his family, regardless of your ability to impress everyone.

In Book 2, Chapter 5, you discover that Bertrand didn't believe in your abilities in the beginning. He sold photos of you and Liam he found on Maxwell's phone to the tabloids, trying to help House Beaumont's dwindling finances in the feeble attempt. If you choose to confront him, you can also choose to forgive him or not. You eventually forgive and forget what happened either way, and Bertrand promises to do better.

In Book 3, you can help Bertrand during his courtship of Savannah. Their relationship continues with or without your aid, but your help makes it smoother and more memorable. In Chapter 19, he helps you at your bridal venue where you get ready for your wedding. If you do not take up arms against the assassins, Bertrand will take your sword on your behalf and defend you. After the attack, you have the option to ask Bertrand to walk you down the aisle of your wedding.

In The Royal Heir, Book 1, you and your friends head to Texas for Bertrand and Savannah's wedding. You help him obtain the Walker Saddle for Savannah, and help him with his vows. At their wedding reception, you can also hire a last minute band for them.

In Book 3, Bertrand tells you that you and your daughter are more his family than his father has been and promises to do what he can to help you thwart his father's plans. In Chapter 9 he appears to change his tune and sides with Barthelemy instead. In Chapter 13, this ruins his relationship with you and Maxwell. In Chapter 17, he reveals that he has been pretending to be loyal to his father in order to help you. No matter what happens to his father, Bertrand wanted to make sure you and your family would be able to escape quickly after the coronation.

Barthelemy Beaumont
Barthelemy is Bertrand's father and the namesake of his son, Bartie. Since it was Bartelemy's mismanagement of House Beaumont's finances that initially put the family into debt, Bertrand is initially very uncomfortable with and resistant to his father's offers to help run the estate. As his duties as Head of House Beaumont start to interfere with his ability to be with his family, Bertrand learns to trust his father and hands control of the House finances back to Barthelemy.

In The Royal Heir, Book 3, Bertrand regrets allowing his father to resume position as Head of House Beaumont. He knew that his father was selfish, but he did not realize how deep the selfishness ran. In Chapter 9, he changes his tune, siding with Barthelemy when the latter attempts to become Crown Regent. In Chapter 17, he reveals that it was all a ruse to gain Barthelemy's trust. Bertrand had been secretly gathering supplies for you and your daughter to flee the country if your attempts to stop Barthelemy failed. He had caught wind of Barthelemy looking into the old Vescovi land deal, but had not been able to discover the full truth before the vote. In Chapter 18, when Bertrand finds out about the extent of Barthelemy's crimes including his role in Queen Eleanor's assassination, Bertrand is horrified and enraged, and becomes more determined to help expose Barthelemy for the man he is.

Savannah Walker
Savannah is the mother of Bertrand's son, Bartie. They have known each other since their youth, as Savannah would be invited to courtly functions due to her brother's relationship with then-Prince Liam and she would idolize the nobles and their luxuries. Despite their different backgrounds, Bertrand never looked down on her and always treated her with the most respect. He would also defend her right to be there from arrogant observers and made her feel special. Their relationship culminated in a night they spent together during one of the Beaumont Bashes, but despite his feelings for her, Bertrand thought it would be better for her if they ended their relationship.

He wanted to give her the world, but House Beaumont was in financial ruin. He thought if he told her that he needed to marry a noble lady, that she would be hurt but find someone else who would give her the life she deserved. Due to miscommunication and assumptions, he never realized that she wanted to tell him that she was pregnant with his child and thought she left Cordonia because he broke her heart.

In Book 2, it is apparent that Bertrand still has feelings for her. He is mesmerized by her beauty every time he looks at her, but becomes tongue-tied in expressing his feelings toward her. If you choose to, you can help him tell her the truth about House Beaumont's finances and give her the fairytale proposal she has dreamed of. In Book 3, Chapter 20, he proposes to Savannah and she accepts.

In The Royal Heir, Book 1, Savannah and Bertrand travel to Texas, USA to have their wedding at the Walker Ranch. Knowing that she would like to use the Walker saddle in the ceremony, he tracks it down to a merchant in town and you help him bring it back to the ranch. She is ecstatic and that action helps proves his love for her to her mother.

In Book 3, their marriage hits a bumpy road when Bertrand sides with his father, Barthelemy, against their friends. Bertrand however does not force her to capitulate to Barthelemy's requests nor asks her to help during the Beaumont Bash. When Bertrand stops his father's coronation and you expose Barthelemy's crimes in Chapter 18, Savannah shortly forgives Bertrand for his deceit.

Bartie
Bartie is Bertrand's son. Bertrand was unaware of his existence until Drake told him in The Royal Romance, Book 2, Chapter 9. As soon as he learns of Bartie, Bertrand goes to seek him and Savannah out. In the beginning, Bertrand's lack of experience with toddlers is evident in how he treats and speaks to Bartie. He tries to instill manners and etiquette into Bartie at a young age.

Drake Walker
Although they performed as part of the "Cordonian Barbershop Quartet" with Maxwell and Liam during their childhood, Drake has little tolerance for Bertrand and his courtly ways. In The Royal Romance, Book 1, Drake admits that he might feel a little sorry for Bertrand, knowing what Barthelemy instilled in Bertrand to uphold the Beaumont name and knowing that Maxwell does little to help his older brother.

When Drake discovers Bartie's existence and the reason why Savannah left Cordonia, Drake's dislike for Bertrand grows and he blames the older man for everything that transpired. When Bertrand tries to repair his relationship with Savannah but is still stuck on matters of pride and etiquette, Drake tells Savannah that she is trying too much and too hard. However, if you decide to help Bertrand propose to Savannah in Book 2, Drake admits that Bertrand does make Savannah happy and gives the latter his blessing to propose. Because Drake cannot refuse a request from you nor does he want to stand in the way of his sister's happiness, Drake agrees to sing as part of the Quartet once again to help Bertrand in his proposal.

In The Royal Heir, Book 1, Drake is a part of Bertrand's bachelor party. He tells Bertrand that he will be proud to call him his brother-in-law and that Bertrand is a lot braver than he gives himself credit for.

Trivia

 * The name Bertrand is of German origin and means: Bright, raven, shield.
 * The second name Archibald is of German origin and means: Genuine, precious, bold, truly brave.
 * The surname Beaumont is of French origin and means "beautiful mountain".
 * His appearance is used for Colin Harper in The Sophomore, Book 2 and Skip Brentwood in Bachelorette Party.
 * In Book 2, Chapter 11, Maxwell reveals that Bertrand loves the opera and played recordings of the Magic Flute often while Maxwell was growing up.
 * He co-hosts the Chat story Love Stories, alongside Maxwell.
 * He is a playable character in The Royal Romance Book 2, Chapter 17; Book 3, Chapter 10; and The Royal Heir Book 1, Chapters 10 and 11.
 * In The Royal Heir, Book 1, Chapter 6, Maxwell refers to Bertrand as "Duke 'I'm never touching fowl again after you flooded the peacock enclosure, Maxwell' Bertrand".
 * His child character model resembles Thomas Waverley from The Haunting of Braidwood Manor.
 * At the end of the Royal Heir, Book 3 he is reappointed as head of House Beaumont following his father's arrest