The Original Gossip Girl
Frances Osborne recalls the seductive Idina Sackville, who scandalized 1920s British society and inspired Nancy Mitford’s character The Bolter. Michael Korda is smitten, dahling.

Courtesy of the 24th Earl of Erroll

Idina Sackville's engagement photo.
Courtesy of the 24th Earl of Erroll

Euan and his sons after Idina’s departure, Old Lodge, April 1919.
Courtesy of the 24th Earl of Erroll

Idina and her third husband, Joss, shortly after their engagement in September 1923. Joss become the 22nd Earl of Erroll.

Idina and Joss, in red and gold kekoi and pajamas, on their Kenyan farm, Slains, 1924.
Courtesy of the 24th Earl of Erroll

Donald and Idina’s wedding.
Courtesy of Planet News

Idina, right, dressed for a Rift Valley picnic with her friend Paula Gellibrand — Cecil Beaton’s “living Modigliani”— who married Idina’s former lover, Boy Long.
Courtesy of the late Robin Long

Idina Sackville
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