Not that she ceased to dazzle with the radiant splendour of her jewels,
which adorned her natural gracefulness.
Her coronet of diamonds contains in it a lustrous gem, called the
Portland stone, worth 10,000l., and her jewels altogether are of
fabulous value. Nothwithstanding the changing fashions of High Society,
she retains her preference for a Medici collar of lace and a spray of
Malmaison carnations.
With the immense sums of money the Duke had won over the Derby victories
he was desirous of adding new treasures to his wife's jewel-case; but
she prevailed upon him to build some almshouses for poor old women at
Welbeck; moreover she is credited with having influenced him to moderate
his indulgence in racing.
The almshouses, which were called "The Winnings," have upon them the
following inscription: "These houses were erected by the sixth Duke of
Portland at the request of his wife, for the benefit of the poor and to
commemorate the the success of his race-horses." They were not built out
of money made by betting, a habit not encouraged by the Duke.
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