“AT YOUR DISPOSAL, YOUR MOST AFFECTIONATE AND TRUE FRIEND”: THE LETTERS OF THE 6TH COUNTESS OF MONTIJO

Abstract

This work studies the correspondence between María Francisca de Sales Portocarrero y Zúñiga (1754-1808), 6^th Countess of Montijo, and Paula de Melzi y Eril, 3^rd Marchioness of Lazán (1751-1804), regarding the marriage between Montijo’s daughter, María Gabriela de Palafox y Portocarrero (1779-1823), and Lazán’s eldest son, Luis Rebolledo de Palafox y Melzi (1772-1843). Through her letters, we glimpse a more intimate and familiar side of the Countess of Montijo, who was prominent in the public sphere.