aunt, Lady Stanley, who was childless - the intention being that she would eventually become a maid of honour.

While living with Lady Stanley, Mary became learned in "English, French, history, music, needlework and dancing...". She came into contact with Handel while at the household, listening to music he had composed; for the rest of her life she was a close personal friend and loyal supporter of the composer. Mary's hopes to become a lady-in-waiting