She was the daughter of Carl Ludwig Martini (d. 1698), an officer, and Susanna Catharina Meser.
In 1744 her father, seeking a promotion, is alleged to have sent Helena to submit his petition to Louis VIII at Jagdschloss Kranichstein.
[citation needed] Martini, who became known as Mamsell Lene, enjoyed the unlimited confidence of Louis VIII, was given a house in Darmstadt and accompanied him on his travels.
[citation needed] She supported him in his political conflicts with the branches of the Hesse family, and brought the children of her sister to be raised in her care.
She reportedly had a good relationship with the family of Louis VIII.