Description
The Accidental Duchess: From Farmer's Daughter to Belvoir Castle is the captivating memoir of Emma Watkins, who transformed from a humble pony-mad farmer's daughter into the chatelaine of the prestigious Belvoir Castle. This remarkable journey is not just a tale of titles and estates; it's a heartfelt story filled with challenges and triumphs that many can relate to. Emma’s unexpected love for David Manners, heir to one of England’s oldest aristocratic titles, thrust her into a world of sprawling estates, history, and the vibrant life of the Dukes of Rutland. With her heartwarming spirit, Emma navigates the complexities of castle life, from managing five boisterous children to modernizing a historical estate amidst resistance from devoted staff. Noteworthy moments include her daring escapades, such as climbing the castle roof in a storm and cleverly disguising herself to witness a filming of The Crown. This engaging biography not only offers insights into the majestic life of a duchess but also serves as an inspiration for women everywhere, showcasing how persistence and ingenuity can overcome obstacles. Perfect for readers who love royal biographies and stories of personal growth, The Accidental Duchess invites you to dream big and embrace the unexpected. Delivering both wit and wisdom, this memoir is a delightful addition to any bookshelf. Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9781035002108. Format: B-format paperback. Year: 2023. Publisher: Pan Macmillan UK.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781035002108
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan UK
Description:
The Duchess does indeed seem a remarkable woman . . . this is an engaging book' – Lynn Barber, Daily Telegraph
When Emma Watkins, the pony-mad daughter of a Welsh farmer, imagined her future, she imagined following in her mother's footsteps to marry a farmer of her own. But then she fell in love with David Manners, having no idea that he was heir to one of the most senior hereditary titles in the land. When David succeeded his father, Emma found herself the chatelaine of Belvoir Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland.
She had to cope with five boisterous children while faced with a vast estate in desperate need of modernization and staff who wanted nothing to change – it was a daunting responsibility. Yet with sound advice from the doyenne of duchesses, Duchess â€Debo’ of Devonshire, she met each challenge with optimism and gusto, including scaling the castle roof in a storm to unclog a flooding gutter, being caught in her nightdress by mesmerized Texan tourists and disguising herself as a cleaner to watch filming of The Crown. She even took on the castle ghosts . . .
At times the problems she faced seemed insoluble yet, with her unstoppable energy and talent for thinking on the hoof, she won through, inspired by the vision and passion of those Rutland duchesses in whose footsteps she trod, and indeed the redoubtable and resourceful women who forged her, whose homes were not castles but remote farmhouses in the Radnorshire Hills.
Vividly written and bursting with insights, The Accidental Duchess will appeal to everyone who has visited a stately home and wondered what it would be like to one day find yours
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781035002108
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan UK
Description:
The Duchess does indeed seem a remarkable woman . . . this is an engaging book' – Lynn Barber, Daily Telegraph
When Emma Watkins, the pony-mad daughter of a Welsh farmer, imagined her future, she imagined following in her mother's footsteps to marry a farmer of her own. But then she fell in love with David Manners, having no idea that he was heir to one of the most senior hereditary titles in the land. When David succeeded his father, Emma found herself the chatelaine of Belvoir Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland.
She had to cope with five boisterous children while faced with a vast estate in desperate need of modernization and staff who wanted nothing to change – it was a daunting responsibility. Yet with sound advice from the doyenne of duchesses, Duchess â€Debo’ of Devonshire, she met each challenge with optimism and gusto, including scaling the castle roof in a storm to unclog a flooding gutter, being caught in her nightdress by mesmerized Texan tourists and disguising herself as a cleaner to watch filming of The Crown. She even took on the castle ghosts . . .
At times the problems she faced seemed insoluble yet, with her unstoppable energy and talent for thinking on the hoof, she won through, inspired by the vision and passion of those Rutland duchesses in whose footsteps she trod, and indeed the redoubtable and resourceful women who forged her, whose homes were not castles but remote farmhouses in the Radnorshire Hills.
Vividly written and bursting with insights, The Accidental Duchess will appeal to everyone who has visited a stately home and wondered what it would be like to one day find yours