[3] Carefully educated, she was the heiress of great wealth and possessed a handsome figure and a bright, joyous disposition.

Her position gave her access to the best society, but revelations of unblushing vice in high quarters distressed her and led her to study the Bible for solace under her grief.

She became interested in schools, chapels, and other Christian undertakings among her own people, and when in 1836 the death of her husband, with whom she had lived in much affection, made her independent, her devotion became more intense than ever.

The leaders of the Free church, such as William Howels,[7] were her personal friends, and often visited her house and held religious meetings under her roof.

She came to occupy among evangelical Christians in Scotland the position that in former years had been held by the Countess of Leven and Viscountess Glenorchy.

[4] The building of a church at Holyrood in Edinburgh was undertaken by the St Luke's congregation largely supported by Elizabeth.

[12][13] Elizabeth's husband had 3 illegitimate children: Charles Gordon, Susan Sordet, and Georgiana McCrae.