Egypt

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-05 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-01-18

References in Diary

1874

• January 18: Marie notes about Hamilton: "ils passeront l'hiver en Egypte" (they will spend the winter in Egypt). This information about the Duke and Duchess of Hamilton's travel plans torments Marie as she sees reminders of him everywhere at the races.

Historical Context

• Popular winter destination for British aristocracy in 1870s
• Fashionable after opening of Suez Canal (1869)
• Combined health benefits, archaeological interests, and social prestige
• Season ran from November to March
• Alternative to European winter resorts

Significance for Marie

• Represents Hamilton's complete departure from her sphere
• Egypt as exotic, unreachable destination
• His absence doesn't stop her obsessive memories
• Knowledge of his plans shows she tracks his movements