#william bertram

They may be a family of solid introverts, but the Sanditon Bertrams have been entertaining a stream of visitors lately.

Julia's youngest brother William drops by.

Cousin Janet comes home from school with Julius, but ends up spending time with the littlest Bertram, Timothy, and his Wobbly Wabbit.

And old friend Georgiana calls in too.

It's all a bit much for Crawford, when he comes home from work with a stinking cold, so he escapes into a soothing bubble bath.

And Francesca retreats to the garden, to lose herself in the night sky.

The next morning, Crawford is feeling a bit brighter.

The boys are - uncharacteristically - playing contentedly together.

While poor Julia is being insulted in her own home by a random stranger who invited himself in!

Welcome to the first edition of the De Bourgh University alumni newsletter, where we catch up with all our recent graduates, as they take their first steps in the world beyond academia!

Engaged couple Martha and James have moved back to Merybury, to take up residence at the Knightley family home.

~ Scorpio  8 / 7 / 5 / 2 / 7

~ Animal Lover / Bookworm / Coward / Absent-minded / Vegetarian

~ OTH: Nature

~ Favourite colour(s): Turquoise / Orange

~ Aspiration: Knowledge / Family

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Animal Lover / +Mechanical / -Rebellious

~ Major: Mathematics (3.6)

~ LTW: Have 6 Grandchildren

Almost as soon as the young couple move in, there's a sad loss to endure - of family pet Tiger.

But this animal-loving family have since opened their home to former stray Sake.

~ Scorpio 6 / 3 / 7 / 6 / 7

~ Athletic / Brave / Loner / Night Owl / Frugal

~ OTH: Tinkering

~ Favourite Colour(s): Blue

~ Aspiration: Fortune / Knowledge

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Adventurous / +Reserved / -Daydreamer

~ Major: Economics (4.0)

~ LTW: Have $100,000 Mansion

Marmaduke has moved in with his older brother Ambrose, to share a rented apartment in Merybury, while he looks for the right opportunity to exercise his business acumen.

He's already winning new friends and influencing people.

~ Gemini 4 / 7 / 9 / 1 / 3

~ Genius / No Sense of Humour / Dog Person / Diva / Ambitious

~ OTH: Sport

~ Favourite Colour(s): Primaries

~ Aspiration: Fortune / Romance

~ Turn-ons / -offs: +Athletic / +Serious / -Rebellious

~ Major: Biology (3.7)

~ LTW: Own a Top Business

Also returning to the family home is William. Although he's a Literature graduate, he's decided that he would really like to follow in the footsteps of his mother Fanny, by pursuing a career in Natural Science, which will mean dedicating himself to many years of further study. He's also still considering what the future might hold for his relationship with fiancée Keziah.

~ Cancer 7 / 3 / 6 / 4 / 9

~ Coward / Shy / Natural Cook / Eco-friendly / Avant Garde

~ OTH: Cuisine

~ Favourite Colour(s): Mauve

~ Aspiration: Family / Knowledge

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Reserved / +Tidy / -Infamous

~ Major: Literature (3.1)

~ LTW: Become Ecological Guru (Literature is going to be a big help with that 🙄 - yet another example of the Maxis criteria for rolling a Want to study a particular Major making no sense!)

Former family pet Boo puts in regular appearances, to remind them that nothing is really gone forever - not in this world anyway.

Over in Sanditon, Keziah is dismayed by the light fixtures in her rented studio apartment, and I'm dismayed by her postgraduate attire.

With her signature look re-established, she too is reflecting on the current status of her relationship with William, and hoping that they can move beyond a certain unfortunate misunderstanding.

~ Pisces 3 / 4 / 5 / 4 / 6

~ Absent-minded / Rebellious / Eco-friendly / Brooding / Avant Garde

~ OTH: Film & Literature

~ Favourite Colour(s): Orange / Blue

~ Aspiration: Knowledge / Pleasure

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Reserved / +Unique / -Fitness

~ Major: Mathematics (3.7)

LTW: Job Hopper

And finally, for this edition, we catch up with Marmaduke and Ambrose's sister Olivia. Although the Military has decided that it's not a good match for her unique talents...

...she and boyfriend Elliot have a much happier event to report. We're sure that this dynamic young couple are set to take Merybury by storm!

Olivia's adult stats:

~ Scorpio 4 / 5 / 7 / 5 / 1

~ Ambitious / Vehicle Enthusiast / Handy / Mean-spirited / Workaholic

~ OTH: Tinkering

~ Favourite Colour(s): Burgundy

~ Aspiration: Fortune / Knowledge

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Occult / +Serious / -Daydreamer

~ Major: Biology (3.9)

~ LTW: Earn $100,000

Elliot's adult stats:

~ Pisces 8 / 5 / 10 / 6 / 3

~ Grumpy / Virtuoso / Born Performer / Workaholic / Anxious

~ OTH: Music & Dance

~ Favourite Colour(s): Black

~ Aspiration: Fortune / Knowledge

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Cultured / +Serious / -Daydreamer

~ Major: Economics (3.7)

As the Kellynch students approach the end of their academic experience, it looks like Keziah has finally chosen from amongst her trio of suitors...

...and it's William who has captured her heart!

Pragmatic Nathan moves on pretty quickly, once he starts to see cheerleader Lillian Bryant as more than just a frequent annoyance.

But Marmaduke is still pining for her.

And while Louie might be entirely in favour of other Sims settling down - if that's what they want to do - they're still far from ready for that kind of commitment themselves!

Although quite how they can continue to resist the adorable Sally, I do not know.

Marmaduke also will not let go, and Keziah is caught off guard by his untimely display of continued devotion.

I think Sally has good reason to fear that Louie could be losing interest in their relationship - they're out on a date with...

Joanna. The pair met at a recent party, and Louie (with their penchant for brunettes) was quick to snatch the opportunity to get to know the quiet but intriguing Joanna better.

Despite her usual reserve, Joanna is utterly charmed by the smooth-talking Louie.

It's an unseasonably mild night, so the pair opt for an intimate dinner at an outside table.

My favourite restaurant host - Susie Willis - is of course in attendance.

It was a lovely evening, and the next day Louie can't help preening a little, while Sally can only be left wondering what has put them in such a good mood. William is just completely Zenned out on the cafeteria floor, with his morning coffee.

Party time again.

Interspersed with some inevitable class attendance.

Nothing says that you've finally made the break from your parental home like holding your own raucous house party - complete with arguments over fish.

Keziah's preferred beverage for the morning after the night before is a strong coffee.

Sally on the other hand goes for a bit of 'hair of the dog'.

Louie and Edward just have the munchies. Is Louie judging him for his table manners, just a bit?

We learn that William has no discernible musical talent.

Marmaduke is still wondering why the ladies haven't fallen for his obvious and multiple charms.

Sally and William indulge in a bit of Watcher worship. And who can blame them - I'm just so good to my Sims!

Of all the Kellynch students though, Keziah and Nathan are probably having the most memorable year.

And she has so much to tell her diary about her experience so far of being a young adult! (Has anyone else noticed that all Sims are left-handed?)

We arrive just in time to join a meeting of the Kellynch Hall Hang-out Club - with Hester as a guest member - where everyone is nicely building their Charisma.

Outside, Joanna has dropped by, to leave a token of appreciation for her recent date with Louie.

Well, she is only a recent graduate herself, with not a lot of cash to spare I suppose!

Keziah and Marmaduke have finally stopped playing hard to get with each other.

James and Martha from Mansfield House have come over too, just to get engaged to each other it seems! This is the second time in four years that James has been affianced. Let's see if he can keep it in his pants this time...

It looks like Martha at least is intending to remain faithful - she lets a disappointed William know that any possible romance between them is now off-limits.

Meanwhile, there are fireworks for Keziah and Marmaduke.

While the new residents of Kellynch Hall are settling into their first year at uni, let's see how the Mansfield House students are getting on.

Perhaps taking inspiration from unlikely Casanova James, Elliot tries his luck with Martha.

And crashes and burns.

The whole contingent set off together to see what the university's newly-opened facility - The Edward Gardiner Building - has to offer. James can't help wondering how much has been spent on this place! (If anyone's interested, it's loosely based on a very swanky building at my old uni - which sadly didn't actually open until after I had graduated.)

There's plenty of space, conducive for both studying and socialising.

A library.

Lecture theatres.

A cafeteria - with a view.

And, err, yeah - somewhere to spruce yourself up, if that's what you really want.

There's also a handy shop on-site.

These two really can't keep their hands off each other... (Olivia is still technically engaged to James - but I guess she’s just hedging her bets?)

A spot of post-woohoo shopping. (I really wish those game boxes were in Simlish.)

Martha bumps into a familiar face.

New year, new intake at De Bourgh University!

Marmaduke is hot stuff, it seems.

Edward certainly won the genetic jackpot.

~ Libra 2 / 10 / 6 / 10 / 3

~ Artistic / Over-emotional / Good Sense of Humour / Hopeless Romantic / Workaholic

~ OTH: Arts & Crafts

~ Favourite Colour(s): Yellow / Red

~ Aspiration: Romance / Knowledge

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Artistic / +Alien / -Blonde Hair

~ Major: Art

Couldn't you two wait until I'd finished your makeovers at least? Keziah and Nathan sneak their first kiss - with each other - the moment they get through the doors!

Nathan is a Sim that is entirely comfortable with himself, and sees no reason to change his image.

~ Libra 6 / 8 / 6 / 2 / 10

~ Friendly / Athletic / Neat / Can’t Stand Art / Schmoozer

~ OTH: Fitness

~ Favourite Colour(s): Red / Blue

~ Aspiration: Popularity / Romance

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Athletic / +Well-liked / -Occult

~ Major: Political Science

Keziah on the other hand is after a new look for her new life. I don't think this one is working for me either though.

For Edward and his teenage sweetheart Erasmus - despite being polar opposites - it's definitely love.

And Marmaduke still hasn't got over his teenage crush on best friend Louisa.

For Sally though, it goes much deeper. Louisa however, is not ready to commit.

Marmaduke is also not having a lot of success in the romance game.

Never mind, Marmaduke - you're a good-looking lad, and I'm sure it's just a case of finding the right girl.

~ Gemini 4 / 7 / 9 / 1 / 3

~ Genius / No Sense of Humour / Dog Person / Diva / Ambitious

~ OTH: Sport

~ Favourite Colour(s): Primaries

~ Aspiration: Fortune / Romance

~ Turn-ons / -offs: +Athletic / +Serious / -Rebellious

~ Major: Biology

Shy William is also struggling with the social aspects of student life.

Until he manages to find a bit of common ground with Marmaduke.

~ Cancer 7 / 3 / 6 / 4 / 9

~ Coward / Shy / Natural Cook / Eco-friendly / Avant Garde

~ OTH: Cuisine

~ Favourite Colour(s): Mauve

~ Aspiration: Family / Knowledge

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Reserved / +Tidy / -Infamous

~ Major: Literature

Keziah finally settles on a new image - for now.

~ Pisces 3 / 4 / 5 / 4 / 6

~ Absent-minded / Rebellious / Eco-friendly / Brooding / Avant Garde

~ OTH: Film & Literature

~ Favourite Colour(s): Orange / Blue

~ Aspiration: Knowledge / Pleasure

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Reserved / +Unique / -Fitness

~ Major: Mathematics

And Sally just makes the best faces.

~ Cancer 10 / 5 / 8 / 2 / 4

~ Athletic / Brave / Perfectionist / Avant Garde / Proper

~ OTH: Fitness

~ Favourite Colour: Magenta

~ Aspiration: Fortune / Knowledge

~ Turn-ons/off: +Fitness / +Cultured / -Laid Back

~ Major: Economics

Louisa is also trying out a makeover - not just of their appearance, but their name too. From now on, they've decided that they would prefer to be called Louie.

~ Aries 5 / 9 / 7 / 5 / 2

~ Diva / Hot-headed / Natural Cook / Workaholic / Schmoozer

~ OTH: Cuisine

~ Favourite Colour(s): Light Blue

~ Aspiration: Romance / Fortune

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Stylish / +Brown Hair / -Laid Back

~ Major: Philosophy

While the others are experimenting with new images and new relationships, Erasmus is just stressing about his workload.

~ Aries 6 / 5 / 3 / 2 / 4

~ Brave / Cat Person / No Sense of Humour / Computer Whiz / Can't Stand Art

~ OTH: Science

~ Favourite Colour(s): Lime Green

~ Aspiration: Knowledge / Family

~ Turn-ons / -off: +Alien / +Mechanical / -Daydreamer

~ Major: Mathematics

It's good to see these two settling their differences over a gaming session.