The largest of these was the French circle of the Napoleonic alliance, the circle of Count Rumyantsev and Caulaincourt.

In this group Helene, as soon as she had settled in Petersburg with her husband, took a very prominent place.

She was visited by the members of the French embassy and by many belonging to that circle and noted for their intellect and polished manners.

Helene had been at Erfurt during the famous meeting of the Emperors and had brought from there these connections with the Napoleonic notabilities.

At Erfurt her success had been brilliant.