"There was much beauty at Rome at that time; no one who was there can have forgotten the beautiful and brilliant Sheridans. I recollect Lady Dufferin at the Easter ceremonies at St. Peter's, in her widow's cap, with a large black crape veil thrown over it, creating quite a sensation. With her exquisite features, oval face, and somewhat fantastical head-dress, anything more lovely could not be conceived; and the Roman people crowded round her in undisguised admiration of "la bella monaca Inglese." Her charm of manner and her brilliant conversation will never be forgotten by those who knew her."

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Added on April 10, 2026
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Original Language: English

Sources

Mary Somerville, Personal Recollections (1873)

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Helen_Blackwood%2C_Baroness_Dufferin_and_Claneboye