Almina was the illegitimate daughter of banking tycoon Alfred de Rothschild. She was his only daughter and he doted on her. At 19, with an enormous dowry, Almina married the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Life at Highclere Castle was a dizzying mix of sumptuous banquets for 500 and even the occasional royal visitor. Almina oversaw 80 members of staff- many of whom came from families who had worked at Highclere for generations."--Back cover.