Maria Emilia Seymour-Conway, Marchioness of Hertford (née Fagnani; 24 August 1771 – 2 March 1856), nicknamed "Mie-Mie", was a British noblewoman of Italian descent.
Contents
Life
Parentage
Illegitimate daughter of Costanza Brusati Settala, her true paternity remained surrounded in controversy.
During their long trips in northern Europe, Giacomo II Fagnani, 4th Marchese di Gerenzano, and his wife Costanza, met in England Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke, an aristocrat well known for his amorous intrigues with Italian women. The three started travelling together, and Costanza began a secret affair with Lord Pembroke.
In the winter of 1769, Costanza (who had left her husband) and Lord Pembroke arrived in London, where he introduced her to William Douglas, Earl of March, who was among the best-known bon vivants during George III's reign. Soon after, Lord March and Costanza also began a love affair.