Noble Blood Teaching People Manners
Jun 24, 2025
Delve into the intriguing life of Katherine Mansfield and her sharp letters that challenged societal norms. Discover the scandalous relationship between Mansfield and Princess Bibesco, which rocked their reputations. Explore the artistic journey of Princess Bibesco in early 20th-century Paris, where she navigated the pressures of creativity amid societal expectations. Uncover the tragic yet resilient duality of her life as a literary figure, offering insights into her struggle for acceptance and understanding in a turbulent world.
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Mansfield's Scathing Letter
- Catherine Mansfield wrote a brief, scathing letter to Princess Babesco about her affair with Mansfield's husband.
- The letter elegantly scolds the princess, mixing wit and icy politeness in just a few sentences.
Elizabeth Babesco's Rise
- Elizabeth Babesco was the daughter of UK Prime Minister H. H. Asquith and married Romanian diplomat Antoine Babesco.
- She quickly became a prominent socialite and literary figure in early 20th-century London and Paris.
Mansfield's Marital Strife
- Catherine Mansfield was married to J.M. Murray, a literary editor and her relationship was fraught with infidelities.
- Elizabeth Babesco’s affair with Murray deeply wounded Mansfield during her decline from tuberculosis.