Two Duchesses
By Arthur Calder-Marshall
The tale of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, is one of the most intriguing in the history of the British aristocracy.
Born in 1757, Georgiana was the daughter of Earl Spencer. At the age of seventeen she was married off to the Duke of Devonshire, one of the richest men in England. The marriage was not a success. The Duke — cold, dull and not too bright — was the polar opposite of his brilliant young wife. He was also the only man in the country who did not find her attractive.
Georgiana nonetheless went on to become one of Society’s leading lights, known for her impeccable fashion sense, her beauty, charisma, wit – and compulsive gambling. But after sixteen years of marriage she had failed to produce an heir.
Enter the glamorous but impoverished widow, Elizabeth Foster. Ever kindhearted, Georgiana befriends Elizabeth and invites her for an extended stay. The presence of Bess makes life with her cold husband more bearable. But then Bess succeeds where Georgiana has always failed – at least until now.
Two Duchesses is a fascinating tale of decadence, debt and betrayal in the licentious 18th Century. Popular for its parallels to the life of Princess Diana (Georgiana’s descendant) and portrayed on the silver screen in the 2008 film, The Duchess — Georgiana’s story was first unearthed by Arthur Calder-Marshall. And is recounted here with style and humour.
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