The Irish sister Elizabeth and Maria Gunning were poor - but outstandingly beautiful. When they were invited to the Lord Lieutenant's ball their glittering gowns were borrowed from the Dublin Theatre wardrobe. But their entry into society was assured. Soon, in true fairy story fashion, they each married a fairy prince: Elizabeth becoming the Duchess of Hamilton and Maria the Countess of Coventry.

But although they became the centre of admiration and envy at the Court, they faced appalling difficulties, Elizabeth married for love, but the Duke, though he adored his bride, was an alcoholic and a spendthrift. Maria married for ambition and only later found the love which was to become her whole life.