Elizabeth Smith-Stanley, Countess of Derby (1753–1797) was the eldest daughter of the
6th Duke of Hamilton; she married the
12th Earl of Derby in 1774. Popular among society, she became involved in a scandal when she engaged in a very public affair with the
3rd Duke of Dorset. She eventually separated from her husband, becoming effectively exiled from society, especially after it was learned that she would not be marrying the Duke. Lady Derby moved abroad, only returning once her husband attracted embarrassing press attention for his relationship with the actress
Elizabeth Farren, whom he married soon after Lady Derby's death.
Painting: George Romney