Elizabeth Chudleigh, Duchess of Kingston and Countess of Bristol, went on trial in Westminster for bigamy in April 1776, the story drew more attention in society than the American War of Independence. Now, in Catherine Ostler's evocative biography, we get to see the full story of how Elizabeth came to be there and how she responded to what should have been the most humiliating episode of her life. Born in relatively modest circumstances, Elizabeth's father died when she was only five, leaving her vulnerable and eventually ensuring that marriage was the best way for her to secure her future. What followed included a clandestine, candlelit wedding to a young earl who immediately set sail on his travels, and an appearance at a masquerade ball in a transparent dress that caught the eye of the Duke of Kingston.