The Duchess

Georgiana Spencer, the vivacious and politically passionate 18th-century Duchess of Devonshire, finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage to the cold and controlling Duke, who is far more interested in fathering a male heir than in his wife's happiness. As Georgiana becomes a celebrated society figure and throws herself into Whig politics, she is forced to endure her husband's affair with her closest friend, Lady Bess Foster, who moves into the household. Georgiana herself falls deeply in love with the rising politician Charles Grey, but is ultimately compelled to sacrifice her personal happiness to keep her children and maintain her position.