Maud Cunard

Maud Alice, Lady Cunard, later known as Emerald, was an American-born, London-based society hostess. She was married to Sir Bache Cunard, 3rd Baronet, the grandson of the Cunard shipping line founder, Sir Samuel Cunard. Lady Cunard was known for having long-lasting relationships with novelist George Moore and the conductor Thomas Beecham, and was the muse of the former and a champion of and fund-raiser for the latter. She was a supporter of Wallis Simpson during the British abdication crisis of 1936, vainly hoping for a court appointment. The Second World War ended her era of private patronage and lavish hospitality.