When the time came for Granville to get married, he could have chosen anyone. So, it was awkward for Harriet when he opted to marry her niece and namesake, Lady Harriet Cavendish. Nevertheless, Harriet put on a brave face and even helped to make the marriage arrangements to secure the match...even if it shattered her heart.

Miraculously, in 1820 and after 40 years of marriage, Duncannon rounded the corner. Without explanation, he began treating Harriet with the love and respect that she had never received from anyone else. But it was too little, too late. Lees-Milne, James (1998). The Bachelor Duke: 6th Duke of Devonshire, 1790-1858. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-7195-5600-7. Despite the state of her parents' marriage, Cavendish had a happy childhood. She was devoted to her mother, and was fond of, but rarely saw, her aloof father. Her governess Selina Trimmer was a daughter of the famous children's writer Sarah Trimmer, and encouraged her charge to be morally principled. In May 1799, Cavendish was confirmed in Westminster Abbey alongside her cousin, the future Lady Caroline Lamb. The historian Janet Gleeson describes Cavendish as slightly plump in appearance, in possession of a clever, funny, and perceptive personality. Her biographer, Virginia Surtees, writes that although Cavendish was "no beauty, she had wit, intelligence, and shrewdness; her sharp eye missed little but in high croak and spirits viewed with tolerance the world of drums, dandies, gossip, and matchmaking in which she moved". Birth and early life [ edit ] Harriet's mother, the Countess of Bessborough, never revealed her true identity to her daughter. For his service in government, Granville was raised to the peerage and given a viscountcy in 1815. [45] An earldom followed in 1833, whereupon he and his wife became known as Earl and Countess Granville. [77] Ambassadress [ edit ]

Just as Duncannon had taken to publicly embarrassing his wife, Harriet got a little naughty herself. She began indulging in some pretty public affairs. As a beauty, Harriet attracted many young suitors and admirers—not just Granville. One of her younger admirers, William Lamb, for example, was hungry for some Harriet, that is, until he met and fell in love with Harriet’s daughter, Caroline. Despite their outward appearance of strict morals, piety, and stiff-lipped conservatism, Harriet’s parents were, in fact, notorious gamblers.

Georgiana’’ (2019), was commissioned by the Buxton Festival for its 40th anniversary, and was premièred there on 7 July 2019.

The Honorable Granville William Leveson-Gower (28 September 1816 – 26 May 1833); he died unmarried.

In public places wherever she went, Sheridan would follow her and confront her. On several occasions, he made public scenes, admonishing her for not reciprocating his adoration and making declarations of his fervent love for her. Over 1,000 personal letters written by the Duchess of Devonshire remain in existence. Chatsworth, the duke of Devonshire's seat, houses a majority of her letters in historical archives. [6] The Duchess had a small laboratory where she conducted chemistry experiments and studied geology, natural history; she was most passionate for mineralogy. [6] [29] [30] In addition to her scientific curiosity, Georgiana wanted to contribute to her children's education. [30]

20. Her Husband Wanted Her Money

In 1801, the young Georgiana married George Howard, Viscount Morpeth, later becoming Countess of Carlisle upon her husband's accession in 1825. Their twelve children included the 7th and 8th Earls of Carlisle. Another child, the Duchess of Sutherland, was Mistress of the Robes and a close friend to Queen Victoria. Legacy [ edit ] Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, c. 1775, The Devonshire Collection. Like her dear friend Marie Antoinette, the Duchess of Devonshire was one of the fashion icons of her time, and her elegantly flashy style made her the leader of fashion in England. Every outfit Georgiana wore, including her hairstyle, was immediately copied by the masses. The fashionable styling of her hair alone reached literally extraordinary heights above her exuberant outfits. [6] Foreman, Amanda (2004). "Ponsonby [née Spencer], Henrietta Frances [Harriet], countess of Bessborough (1761–1821), Lord William Godolphin Osborne (28 August 1835 – 28 December 1888); married Mary Catherine Headly and had issue.