The Duchess (film)

The Duchess is a 2008 British drama film directed by Saul Dibb. It is based on Amanda Foremans biography of the 18thcentury English aristocrat Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. It was released in September 2008 in the UK.

In response to the betrayal she experiences at home, Georgiana allows herself to develop feelings for Charles Grey. However, when she asks the Duke permission to have him as a lover, the Duke is enraged and in a fit of violence, rapes Georgiana. The rape leads to a pregnancy and a son, William Cavendish, is born. After producing a male heir, Georgiana with the help of Bess begins a love affair with Charles Grey, which leads to another pregnancy. The Duke threatens not only to end Charles political career but also to forbid Georgiana from seeing her children again if she does not end the relationship. For the sake of her children, Georgiana reluctantly stops seeing Charles. She is then sent to the countryside where she secretly gives birth to their daughter, Eliza Courtney. However, she is forced to give the child over to Charles family, the Greys.For most of her married life, Georgiana, the Duke, and Bess live together. However, after the birth of Eliza, Lady Georgiana no longer seems to be bothered by the arrangement and she once again finds comfort in Bess friendship. Towards the end of her life, the Duchess gives her blessing to the marriage of her husband and her best friend, who marry after Georgianas death. ........

Source: Wikipedia