Marguerite Gardiner (1789-1849). 1868 illustration of the Irish literary hostess, memoirist, journalist and novelist Marguerite Gardiner Countess of Blessington. Gardnier is best known as a prolific and best-selling author and for presiding of London's most influential salon of the time. She wrote novels, poetry, cod philosophy, travelogues and editorials, as well as being editor for popular publications including The Book of Beauty and The Keepsake. Her best known work is her 1834 Conversations with Lord Byron.