She was the author of The Shadow of Dante: Being an essay towards studying himself, his world, and his pilgrimage (published 1871).

She also acted as a governess during the years of family hardship brought on by her father's failing health, and tutored a young Lucy Madox Brown, a future sister-in-law.

At the age of 46, Maria joined the Society of All Saints, an Anglican order for women.

She, along with her sister Christina, donated her time to the St. Mary Magdalene Home for Fallen Women in Highgate.

She was a friend of John Ruskin, having visited his home at Denmark Hill, and at 28 she developed romantic feelings for him after his marriage was annulled.