Jane Austen's Cousin: The Outlandish Countess de Feuillide

Eliza de Feuillide, a French countess who visited rural England in the 18th century, inspired Jane Austen's novels. Despite her glamorous appearance, Eliza faced tragedies and was forced to adapt, leading to a more sedate lifestyle. Austen's writings revealed the real person behind fictional characters and the deeper connection between Eliza and the Austen family.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 152 pages
\n Publication date: 12 April 2021
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
\n

Eliza de Feuillide, a captivating and unconventional figure, captivated her rural English cousins during the eighteenth century. When she visited their village, her appearance was electrifying, leaving an indelible impression on their imaginations. She was an attractive French countess, accomplished and brimming with vivacity, who regaled them with tales of her life in London and Paris, where she hobnobbed with French nobility and embraced the latest fashions. One of these impressionable younger cousins, Jane Austen, was deeply captivated by Eliza's stories, and they would find their way into some of the most celebrated novels in English literature. However, Eliza's life was far from glamorous as her Austen cousins might have imagined. She faced numerous tragedies that wealth and social status could not shield her from. Moreover, she was compelled to adapt and re-evaluate her priorities in a way that would profoundly transform her life choices and lead to a more sedate lifestyle.

In this essay, we delve into the perseverance and courage of the real person behind several fictional characters in Jane Austen's writings and novels. We explore the deeper connection that Eliza had to the Austen family, shedding light on the untold chapters of her life.

Eliza de Feuillide was born in 1721 in Normandy, France, to a noble family. She grew up in a privileged environment, surrounded by luxury and wealth. However, her life took an unexpected turn when her father died when she was just nine years old. This tragic loss left Eliza and her mother vulnerable and financially strained.

Despite the challenges she faced, Eliza remained determined to pursue her dreams. She was educated at a prestigious convent school in France and later studied literature and art in Paris. During her time in Paris, Eliza caught the attention of the French nobility, including the Duke of Orleans, who became her patron.

Eliza's life took another dramatic turn when she married the Duke of Orleans' younger brother, the Comte de Feuillide, in 1744. The marriage was a political alliance, intended to strengthen the ties between France and England. However, the marriage was not without its challenges. Eliza and her husband lived in a remote chateau in Normandy, far from the social life and glamour of Paris.

Despite the distance, Eliza remained connected to her French roots and her love for art and literature. She continued to read and write, and her writings were published in French magazines. She also became a patron of the arts, supporting artists and writers in her community.

However, Eliza's life was not without tragedy. In 1752, her husband died suddenly, leaving her alone and financially vulnerable. Eliza was forced to sell her possessions and move to a smaller chateau in Normandy. She was also forced to adapt to a more modest lifestyle, as her financial situation worsened.

Despite the hardships she faced, Eliza remained resilient and determined. She continued to pursue her interests and passions, and her writing and art continued to flourish. She also became a mentor to young women in her community, offering guidance and support to those in need.

Eliza's life also had a profound impact on Jane Austen's writings. Jane Austen was one of Eliza's younger cousins, and she was deeply influenced by Eliza's stories and her life. Jane Austen's novels often feature characters who are reminiscent of Eliza, with their wit, intelligence, and sense of humor.

In particular, Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice" is believed to be inspired by Eliza de Feuillide. The character of Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist of the novel, is reminiscent of Eliza, with her wit, intelligence, and sense of humor. Elizabeth Bennet's relationship with Mr. Darcy, the wealthy and aristocratic character, is also reminiscent of Eliza's relationship with the Duke of Orleans.

Eliza's life also had a lasting impact on the Austen family. Jane Austen's sister, Cassandra, was married to Eliza's brother, the Comte de Feuillide. Cassandra and Eliza were close friends, and Eliza was a frequent visitor to the Austen family's home in England.

In conclusion, Eliza de Feuillide was a captivating and unconventional figure who captivated her rural English cousins during the eighteenth century. Despite facing numerous tragedies and financial challenges, Eliza remained resilient and determined, pursuing her interests and passions and leaving a lasting impact on English literature. Her life and stories continue to inspire and influence writers and readers alike, reminding us of the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

\n Weight: 548g\n
Dimension: 165 x 240 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526734631\n \n