Authors Jehanne and Katie Wake contend that Emily Lamb, a figure of the Whig aristocracy, wielded significant political influence during the Regency and Victorian periods, comparable to or even exceeding that of prominent female figures like Florence Nightingale and Emmeline Pankhurst. They argue that through astute political networking and social strategy, she was instrumental in ensuring her brother and later her lover served as Prime Ministers of Great Britain for a combined 15 years.
Born in 1787, Emily hailed from a family deeply entrenched in the liberal, progressive politics of the era. Her mother, Lady Melbourne, was known for her extensive network of powerful men, forged through both social connections and romantic alliances. The family’s wealth and influence were such that Emily had a royal half-brother, George, from Prince Regent’s liaison with her mother.
Emily, described as pretty and witty, began her social ascent as a debutante. After marrying the "decent but dull" Lord Cowper, she embraced her mother's role as a leading political hostess. She organized frequent social events, including balls and shooting parties, and acted as a social gatekeeper, determining access to elite circles.
One of her significant endeavors was reviving the Almack Assembly Rooms as a central meeting place for society's elite. To enhance its appeal, she promoted the new waltz, a dance considered scandalous for its close physical proximity. Entry to these events was highly coveted, with strict guest lists that even excluded the Duke of Wellington on one occasion due to his attire.
Recognizing the limited political prospects of her husband, Emily focused her efforts on her brother, William Lamb. Despite his initial struggles, including a scandalous marital separation from Lady Caroline, who had an affair with Lord Byron, Emily actively worked to advance his career. She served as his hostess, advisor, strategist, and intelligence gatherer, organizing political meetings at her country home, Panshanger, and engaging with his political opponents in London.
Her strategic efforts proved successful. In 1834, William Lamb, now Viscount Melbourne, became Prime Minister and subsequently guided the young Queen Victoria through the early years of her reign. After Lord Cowper’s death, Emily married her long-time partner, Harry Palmerston, who served as Foreign Secretary. This union expanded her influence, drawing diplomats and royalty to her salons.
Palmerston, known for his assertive "gunboat diplomacy," was a controversial figure. Prince Albert reportedly disliked his aggressive foreign policy approach, fearing it could lead to international conflict. Albert also attempted to use a past scandal involving Palmerston's alleged attempted rape of a lady-in-waiting during Queen Victoria's early reign to discredit him. Palmerston had a history of coercive behavior towards women, earning him the nickname "Lord Cupid."
While the authors suggest Emily was likely aware of her husband's "dark side," her decision to marry him after a long-term affair, during which she bore him at least one child, reflects the social norms of the Regency era, where such behavior was often overlooked or managed by women. The scandal passed, and Palmerston eventually became Prime Minister at the age of 70, serving for ten years until his death. The Wakes credit Emily's influence for smoothing his path to power.
The book highlights significant historical events such as the Napoleonic War, the Great Reform Bill, the Abolition of Slavery, and the beginnings of Divorce Reform, but centers on Emily Lamb's previously unappreciated role in Britain's transition to modernity. The authors' work aims to tell her story with empathy and a dynamic narrative pace.