Grace Elliott

Grace Dalrymple Elliott was born circa 1754, likely in Edinburgh, Scotland. She was the youngest daughter of Grissel Brown (who died on September 30, 1767) and Hew Dalrymple (who died in 1774), an Edinburgh advocate involved in the Douglas case. Her parents separated around the time of her birth, and she was probably raised at her grandparents' residence. Elliott received education at a French convent, and upon returning to Scotland, was introduced into Edinburgh society by her father.

In 1771, at approximately 17 years old, Elliott married John Eliot in London, who was about 18 years her senior. The marriage took place on October 19, 1771. The couple's social standing was initially elevated within fashionable society but later deteriorated due to differences and her infidelity with Lord Valentia, which led to John Eliot suing for adultery and eventually securing a divorce with damages.

Following her divorce, Elliott gained recognition as a member of the demimonde, working as a courtesan. She was taken by her brother to a French convent but was soon returned to London, where Lord Cholmondeley became her lover and protector. Her social circle included notable figures such as Gertrude Mahon and Kitty Frederick. In 1778, Thomas Gainsborough painted two portraits of her, which are now held by the Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In 1782, Elliott had a brief affair with the Prince of Wales, later King George IV, resulting in the birth of a daughter, Georgiana Augusta Frederica Seymour, on March 30, 1782. The child was baptized as Georgiana Augusta Frederica Seymour but used the name Georgina Seymour. Elliott claimed the Prince was the father, a claim reportedly acknowledged by him, though other paternity rumors persisted. The child was dark-complexioned, and the Prince reportedly questioned her paternity.

By 1784, Lord Cholmondeley introduced Elliott to the French Duke of Orleans. By 1786, she was residing permanently in Paris, becoming a recognized mistress of the Duke. Her residence on Rue Miromesnil and a property in Meudon were granted in exchange for her companionship. During her time in France, Elliott also associated with the Duke de Fitz-James and the Prince of Conde.

Elliott documented her experiences during the French Revolution in her posthumously published memoirs, "Journal of my life during the French Revolution," released in 1859. Her account includes observations of the September massacres and the Princess de Lamballe's body being paraded through the streets. She was involved in aiding aristocrats and members of the French royalist circle to escape during the Reign of Terror, trafficking correspondence and helping transport messages between Paris and exiled French courts in Coblenz and Belgium.

She risked her life multiple times, hiding and aiding individuals such as the Marquis de Champcentz after the assault on Tuileries Palace in August 1792. She assisted Madame de Perigord and her children in fleeing France. Elliott was arrested in spring 1793, spending much of the Terror in prisons including the Recollets and the Carmes. Her writings describe prison hardships, violence, illness, and deprivation.

Despite her associates' fates, Elliott avoided execution and was released after the Terror ended, having been imprisoned in four different prisons. Rumors of an attachment to Napoleon Bonaparte circulated, suggesting she rejected his marriage proposal. She died in May 1823 at Ville d'Avray, in present-day Hauts-de-Seine, France, where she was a lodger with the mayor. Elliott was buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Her memoirs have been adapted into various media, including the 2001 film "The Lady and the Duke" directed by Éric Rohmer, where she was portrayed by actress Lucy Russell. Her life and experiences are also documented in scholarly works and biographies.