I'm very interested in good and evil and the moral natures of people.

I am re-reading Henry James as a change from history. I began with Daisy Miller, and I've just finished Washington Square. What a brilliant, painful book.

I think there's a tremendous split between people who've been through a war and people who haven't.

Ninety-seven is my lucky number.

I'm glad I was never an heiress.

As the Dauphine stepped out of her carriage on to the ceremonial carpet that had been laid down, it was the Duc de Choiseul who was given the privilege of the first salute. Presented with the Duc by Prince Starhemberg, Marie Antoinette exclaimed: 'I shall never forget that you are responsible for my happiness!

My mother, who was quite sharp when I was young, became utterly mild.