1835
_Monday, 5th January._—I quite forgot to mention that on the morning
of the 20th of November a ship laden with either coal or chalk sank,
but all the crew came off safe. Lieutenant Gilley and five men put off
in a boat from the 3rd Martello Tower, in hopes of being able to save
some of the goods of the sunken ship. The sea was very high, the boat
slight and over-loaded, and they had scarcely left the shore when the
boat was upset and they were _all six drowned_! The poor sister of the
Lieutenant is residing here. Three of the poor men were married and
left their poor widows (all young) plunged in the greatest grief. The
body of Weeks, one of the married men and who had 3 children, was found
two days after, at Pevensey. The poor Lieutenant’s body was only found
last Sunday, the 28th December, quite near here; and one of the other
married men, called Conely, who had 4 children, was found the next
morning near Hastings; and Andrews, the last married man, who had only
been married a very short time, was found on Wednesday night, the 31st
December, in the same place. It was a great gratification to the poor
widows that their husbands’ bodies have been found. We saw two of them
at a distance the other day. They are all very decent-looking, tidy
and nice people. At a ¼ to 12 we went out walking with Lehzen till 1.
As we walked along by the towers we met Mrs. Weeks, one of the widows,
with her little girl. She had a widow-cap and bonnet on, and a Scotch
cloak. She looks as pale as death but has a mild sweet expression....
_Saturday, 24th January._—I awoke at 7 and got up at a ¼ past 8. At ½
past 9 we breakfasted. At 10 came the Dean till 20 minutes to 11. It
was yesterday _15 years_ that it pleased God to take my _most beloved_
Papa from us. Alas! _I_ was but 6 months when this affliction came upon
us; and I therefore never had the happiness to know him....
_Tuesday, 27th January._—I awoke at ½ past 7, got up at a ¼ past 8. At
½ past 9 we breakfasted. At 1 we lunched. I ought to have mentioned
that besides my lessons with the Dean (and also when my other masters
come) I have many occupations with Lehzen. And now, though we are
all in the bustle of packing, I am constantly employed by myself in
various ways; and I read French History to Lehzen, and one of Racine’s
tragedies with her in the afternoons which I delight in. I _love_ to be
_employed_; I _hate_ to be _idle_....
_Thursday, 29th January._—I awoke at ½ past 5 and got up at 7. At 8
we all breakfasted. At a ¼ to 9 we left St. Leonards. Dear Lehzen,
Lady Flora, Lady Conroy &c. following in another carriage. All
our acquaintances were out to see us go (except Mr. and Lady Mary
Dundas).... For some reasons I am sorry we have left St. Leonards,
which are, the nice walks, the absence of fogs, and looking out of my
window and seeing the people walk on the esplanade, and seeing the sun
rise and set, which was quite beautiful. The rising began by the sky
being quite pink and blending softly into a bright blue, and the sun
rose by degrees from a little red streak to a ball of red copper. The
setting began by the whole horizon being orange, crimson and blue, and
the sun sunk down a ball of fiery gold dyeing the sands crimson. But
then again my reasons for _not_ being sorry to go are, my not sleeping
well there, my not having been well, and the roaring of the sea. We
changed horses first at Battle, then at Stony Crouch, then at Woodgate,
which was quite near _dear_ Tunbridge, then at Sevenoaks, and lastly at
Bromley. We reached Kensington Palace at 5. My room is very prettily
newly papered, newly furnished, and has a new carpet, and looks very
pretty indeed. Our bedroom also newly papered and furnished and looks
very nice and clean. Pedro and my dear little wax-bills came quite
safe. Dear Dashy was in our carriage and behaved like a darling....
_Monday, 6th April._—The melancholy news were received yesterday of the
death of the Prince Augustus, Duke of Leuchtenberg,[173] which happened
on the 28th of March. It is a _most lamentable_ and dreadful event.
His Royal Highness was in his 25th year, and in the flower of his age.
Young, amiable, good and well-meaning; for since his arrival at Lisbon
he had won the hearts of many by his affability and good-nature. He
caught a cold, which he neglected and it ended in the quinsy. It is
really quite dreadful for the poor young Queen, who is now left a widow
at the early age of 16! Her Majesty completed her 16th year on the 4th
of this month. It is likewise dreadful for his amiable and accomplished
sister the young Empress-widow, who is still in mourning for her
husband, Dom Pedro; and also dreadful for his mother, the Duchess of
Leuchtenberg. Not two months ago he was seen leading his young bride
from the altar, and now all that prospect of happiness is cut off!...
_Saturday, 2nd May._— ... At 6 we dined. Lady Flora dined here. At
a ¼ past 7 we went to the opera with dear Lehzen and Lady Flora. It
was Rossini’s opera seria of _Otello_ in 3 acts. The characters were:
Desdemona, Mdlle. Grisi, who looked BEAUTIFUL and sung MOST EXQUISITELY
and acted BEAUTIFULLY. She personates the meek and ill-treated
Desdemona in a most _perfect_ and _touching_ manner. Elmiro (a Venetian
patrician and father to Desdemona), Signor Lablache who sang and acted
beautifully.... The finest parts are: the song which Otello sings in
the 1st scene of the 1st act, and which Rubini sang beautifully. The
duet between Iago and Roderigo in the 1st act which Tamburini and
Ivanoff sang beautifully together. The song which Desdemona sings
when she first comes on in the first act, which begins “Stanca di più
combattere,” and which Grisi sung _most exquisitely_! (It is not by
Rossini; it is composed expressly for Grisi by Marliani.) The Finale
to the 1st act which commences with that beautiful trio, “Ti parli
l’amore,” between Elmiro, Roderigo, and Desdemona, which Lablache,
Ivanoff and Grisi sang most beautifully. It was enchored. And when
Otello comes on and declares her to be his wife and Elmiro in his rage
exclaims: “Empia! ti maledico!” and which Lablache did in a manner
_most splendid_ while Desdemona falls at his feet. The Duet between
Iago and Otello in the 2nd act which Tamburini and Rubini sang most
beautifully. The duet between Roderigo and Otello which follows it and
which was likewise beautifully sung. When Desdemona enquires from the
people if Otello (who had fought with Roderigo) still lives, and when
she exclaims in delight: “Altro non chiede il cor,” and which Grisi
did in a most splendid manner; and when at the end of the 3rd act she
kneels before her father and says, “L’error d’un infelice pietoso in me
perdona: Se il padre m’abbandona, da chi sperar pieta?” which she did
in a most touching manner. The song in the 3rd act with the harp which
Grisi sung most _beautifully_, as also the prayer; and when Otello
comes on to stab her and she reproaches him exclaiming: “Uccidimi se
vuoi, perfido, ingrato”; which Grisi did in such a mild and pathetic
manner. He then stabs her and immediately afterwards himself. Grisi and
Rubini were called out and were loudly applauded. We came in before the
overture was begun and came away directly after the opera was over. It
is a beautiful opera and I like it much better than _Anna Boulena_....
_Wednesday, 6th May._—I awoke at 7 and got up at 8. At a ¼ past 9 we
breakfasted. At 11 we set off with Lady Flora and Lehzen for Windsor
Castle, where we arrived at ½ past 1. At 2 we all lunched; that is
to say, besides the Queen, the Landgravine,[174] and us two,—the
Duchess of Northumberland, Lady Brownlow,[175] Lady Sophia Cust,
Lady De Lisle,[176] Lady Falkland,[177] Lady Flora, Lehzen, the
Baroness de Stein, Miss Mitchel, Miss Hudson, Lord Howe,[178] and Lord
Denbigh.[179] At ½ past 2 we went out walking with the Queen, the
Duchess of Northumberland, Lady Flora, Lady Sophia Cust, Lehzen, Miss
Mitchel and Miss Hudson, Lord Howe, Lord Denbigh, Lord Brownlow, and
Sir Andrew Bernard. We walked to Adelaide Cottage[180] and all got into
carriages except the gentlemen who rode. The Queen, Mamma, the Duchess
and I were in one carriage, and all the rest followed in others. We
came home at 6. At ½ past 7 we dined....
_Thursday, 7th May._— ... At 12 we went all over the Castle with the
King, the Queen, the Landgravine, the Duchess, Lady Brownlow, Lady
Flora, Lehzen, Miss Mitchel, Lord Howe, Lord Denbigh, Lord Brownlow,
and Sir Andrew Bernard....
_Friday, 8th May._—I awoke at 7 and got up at 8. At ½ past 8 we
breakfasted. The Queen came and sat with us at breakfast. At ½ past 9
we left Windsor with Lady Flora and Lehzen. I was very much pleased
there, as both my Uncle and Aunt are _so very kind_ to me....
_Monday, 18th May._— ... At 7 we 3 dined. ½ past 9 we went into the
first large room (as in the preceding parties) and received the company
(the list of which is adjoined). The singers which were Grisi, Rubini,
Ivanoff, Tamburini, Lablache,[181] and Costa[182] for the piano, had
just arrived. Our people were the same as the other day. When all the
company had arrived which was at ½ past 10, we all went into the other
room which was arranged with chairs all across the room for the people
to sit on. We were in the first row with Aunt Sophia and the Duchess
of Cambridge and quite close to the piano. Grisi is _quite beautiful_
off the stage. She is not tall, and rather pale; and she has such
a lovely mild expression in her face. Her face and neck has such a
beautiful soft shape. She has such beautiful dark eyes with fine long
eyelashes, a fine nose, and very sweet mouth. She was dressed in a
white flowered silk, with blonde trimmings about the body and sleeves
which reached to the elbows. Her beautiful dark hair was as usual quite
flat in front with an amethyst bandeau round it, and a fine plait at
the very back of her head. She is very quiet, ladylike and unaffected
in her manners. I spoke to her, and she answered in a very pleasing
manner. She has a very pretty expression when she speaks. Rubini is
short and not good-looking. Ivanoff is also very short and has a very
singular Calmuck face. Tamburini is short but very good-looking and
gentlemanlike. Lablache does not look so tall off the stage as he
does on it, and is likewise very gentlemanlike. The concert began
with a trio from _L’Assiedo di Corrinto_, “Destin terribile”; Grisi,
Rubini and Ivanoff sang beautifully. Then Tamburini sang “Sorgete”
from _L’Assiedo_ beautifully. After this Lablache sang “Dove vai?”
from _Guillaume Tell_ beautifully. Then Grisi sang “Tanti affetti,”
an aria from the _Donna del Lago_, most beautifully. Her _lovely_
voice sounds beautiful in a room. Lablache and Tamburini then sang “Il
rival salvar tu dei” most beautifully. It is from _I Puritani_. They
sing beautifully together. Their two fine voices go so well together.
Lablache’s voice is immensely powerful but not too much so (for my
taste), _even_ in a room. Tamburini’s too is most splendid. He is even
a more skilful and finished singer than Lablache. Then came a trio
“Allor che Scorre” from _Guillaume Tell_, between Rubini, Tamburini
and Lablache, which they sang likewise extremely well. This ended the
1st act. Near the end of the 1st act Mme. Malibran arrived. She was
dressed in white satin with a scarlet hat and feathers. She is shorter
than Grisi and _not near so pretty_. We went into the refreshment room
between the acts. We then sat down again and the 2nd act began with a
_most lovely_ polonaise, “Son Vergin vezzosa” from _I Puritani_, which
Grisi sang most exquisitely, accompanied by all the singers except
Malibran. Then Grisi and Tamburini sang “Che veggo oh Ciel,” from
_L’Assiedo_ most beautifully together. Malibran then sang a song by
Persiani very well. Her low notes are _beautiful_, but her high notes
are thick and not clear. _I_ like _Grisi by far better_ than her.
Then Grisi and Rubini sang a beautiful duet “Artuor dove sai” from _I
Puritani_ by Bellini, _beautifully_. His voice is delightful in a
room. It is so sweet and so full of expression. Malibran and Lablache
then sang a buffa duet “Con pazienza supportiamo,” by Fioravente,
beautifully. Lablache is _so_ funny and _so_ amusing. Lablache then
sang a Neapolitan air (a buffa song) of his own composition and
accompanying himself, _delightfully_. Then came a quartet “A te oh
caro!” from the _Puritani_, which Grisi, Rubini, Tamburini, and
Lablache sung beautifully. This ended the _most delightful concert I
ever heard_. Aunt Sophia, who had _never_ heard any of these singers
before, was delighted; but no one could be _more enchanted_ than _I_
was. I shall never forget it. It was Mamma’s birthday present for me!
Costa accompanied on the piano beautifully. I stayed up till 20 minutes
past 1. I was MOST EXCEEDINGLY delighted....
_Sunday, 24th May._—Today is my 16TH birthday! How very old that
sounds; but I feel that the two years to come till I attain my 18th are
the most important of any almost. I now only begin to appreciate my
lessons, and hope from this time on, to make great progress. I awoke
at ½ past 6. Mamma got up soon after and gave me a lovely brooch made
of her own hair, a letter from herself, one from dearest Feodore with
a nosegay, and a drawing and a pair of slippers done by her. I gave
her a drawing I had done. Dear Lehzen gave me a lovely little leather
box with knives, pencils &c. in it, two small dictionaries and a very
pretty print of Mdlle. Taglioni. Mamma gave her a pair of amethyst
earrings and I gave her a penholder and a drawing done by myself.
My maids Frances and Caroline gave me a pincushion done by Frances
and a portefolio done by Caroline. Anne Mason (Lehzen’s maid) gave
a small flower vase with flowers. _Dashy_ gave an ivory basket with
barley-sugar and chocolate. At 9 we breakfasted. I then received my
table. From my DEAR Mamma I received a lovely enamel bracelet with her
hair, a pair of fine china vases, a lovely shawl and some English and
Italian books. From dearest Feodore a lovely enamel bracelet with hers
and the children’s hair; from Charles some pretty prints; from Späth
a very pretty case for handkerchiefs embroidered in silver; from Sir
Robert and Lady Gardiner a very pretty sort of china vase; from Sir
J. Conroy a writing-case; from the whole Conroy family some prints;
and from Mr. George Hayter a beautiful drawing done by him. I quite
forgot to say that I received a beautiful pair of sapphire and diamond
earrings from the King and a beautiful prayer-book and very kind letter
from the Queen. I also received a prayer-book from a bookseller of
the name of Hatchard. At 10 we went down to prayers with Lehzen and
Charles. The service was performed by the Dean who gave us likewise
a _very_ good sermon. It was taken from the 24th chapter of Joshua,
15th verse: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose ye
this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house we will serve
the Lord.” After church, I received a Bible from Sir F. Trench[183]
with a picture of Norris Castle painted on the margin; and also two
small oil pictures from an old Mrs. Pakenham, done by a Mr. King. I
also saw Mrs. Brock, Sarah (my former maid), and Mrs. Fletcher (our
former housekeeper). At a ¼ to 1 came Aunt Sophia who gave me with Aunt
Gloucester a very pretty diamond brooch. At 1 we lunched. At ½ past 2
came the Duchess of Northumberland, who gave me a very fine fillagree
ornament in the shape of a flower, and another little fillagree
ornament from Miss Wynn. Lady Flora, who gave me a pretty paper-knife
and penholder of jasper from Arthur’s Seat, the rock which overhangs
Edinburgh. Lady Theresa, who gave me a small pocket-book of her own
work. Lady Catherine, who gave me a very fine velvet Music-book.
Lady Cust, who gave me a very fine japanned box. Sir G. Anson who
gave me a print; Sir Frederick Wetherall, who gave me a little china
scent-bottle. Lady Conroy, Jane, and Victoire. At 3 came the Duke of
Sussex, who gave me a gold bracelet with turquoises; and soon after
Lady Charlotte St. Maur who gave me a purse of her own work. At a ¼
past 3 came the Landgravine who gave me a head-ornament of emeralds,
and Aunt Augusta, who gave me a chrisoprase bracelet. At 4 came the
Duchess of Cambridge,[184] who brought me a lovely turquoise bracelet
from Uncle Cambridge, and gave me a box with sandal-wood instruments in
it; Augusta who gave me a small turquoise ring; and George who gave me
an album with a drawing of his in it. At 20 minutes to 5 we drove out
with Lehzen and Charles. At 7 we dined, Lady Flora, Lady Conroy, Jane,
Victoire, Messrs E. and H., and Sir J. Conroy dined here. After dinner
came Aunt Sophia. Mdlle. David (sister to Mme. Dulcken) played on the
piano. I stayed up till ½ past 9. My _dear_ Mamma’s great present was
that delicious concert which I shall _never forget_....
_Tuesday, 9th June._—I awoke at ½ past 8 and got up soon after. At ½
past 9 we breakfasted with the King, the Queen, Charles, the Duchess
of Northumberland, Lady Brownlow, Lady Catherine, and Lehzen. At ½
past 10 we went with the whole party to Eton College to see Eton
Montem. In the first carriage were the King, the Duke of Cumberland,
the Duke of Cambridge, and George, who had all 3 just arrived; in
the 2nd, the Queen, Mamma, I, and Charles; in the 3rd, the Duke and
Duchess of Northumberland and Lady Brownlow; in the 4th Lord and Lady
Denbigh; in the 5th Lady Sophia Cust, Lady De Lisle, Miss Eden, and
Mr. Schiffner; in the 6th Lord and Lady Frederick Fitzclarence and
their daughter; in the 7th Lehzen, Miss Hudson, and Miss Wilson. All
the other gentlemen rode. This is as near as I can remember. We were
received by the Provost[185] and Dr. Hawtrey.[186] We then went into
the yard under a sort of veranda and saw all the boys pass by which was
a very pretty sight. Some of the costumes were very pretty. Some were
dressed like Greeks, some like archers, others like Scotchmen, &c. We
then went into the Provost’s house, and from thence saw the boy wave
the standard. We also saw the Library which is very curious and old.
Eton College was founded by King Henry the Sixth. We then re-entered
our carriages and drove to Salt Hill where we again saw the standard
waved by the boy. We then drove home. The heat the whole time was
TREMENDOUS. We came home at ½ past 1. At 2 we lunched with the King,
the Queen, the Dukes of Cumberland and Cambridge, George, the Duke
and Duchess of Northumberland, Lord and Lady Brownlow, Lady Denbigh,
Lady De Lisle, Lady Sophia Cust, Lady Frederick Fitzclarence, Lord
Howe, Lady Catherine, and Lehzen. At 4 we went out driving. The Queen,
Mamma, I and Charles were in the first carriage; the Duke and Duchess
of Northumberland and Lord and Lady Brownlow in the 2nd; Lord Denbigh
and Miss Eden in the 3rd; and Lady Catherine and Lehzen in the 4th. We
drove to the Virginia Waters. We went on the water there, and at a ¼ to
6 re-entered the carriages and reached home at 7. We went on the steps
before the Castle and saw all the boys and many other people walking
on the terrace. They cheered the King and Queen _very loudly_, and me
also. At 8 we dined. We went in to dinner in the same way as yesterday
and the dinner-party was the same, only that Lord and Lady Frederick
were not there. The Dukes of Cumberland and Cambridge and George had
left the Castle after luncheon. I stayed up till a ¼ past 10....
_Tuesday, 14th July._—At 11 came the Dean till 12. At 12 came Mr.
Westall till 1. At 1 we lunched. The Duchess of Northumberland was
present at the first lesson. At ½ past 2 I sat to Mr. Collen till ½
past 3. At a ¼ to 4 came the Dean till a ¼ past 4. At 5 we went out
with Lehzen and came home at 6. At a ¼ to 7 we dined. Lady Theresa
dined here. At 8 we went to the opera with Lady Theresa and Lehzen. It
was the _dear Puritani_. Grisi was in perfect voice and sang and acted
beautifully; but I must say that she shows her many fatigues in her
face, and she is certainly much thinner than when she arrived. It is
a great pity too that she now wears her front hair so much lower than
she did. It is no improvement to her appearance, though (do what she
may) _spoil_ her face she _never_ can, it is too lovely for that. And
besides, she forgot to change her dress when she came on to sing the
Polacca. In general she comes on to sing that as a bride, attired in a
white satin dress with a wreath of white roses round her head; instead
of which she remained in her first dress (likewise very pretty) of
blue satin with a little sort of handkerchief at the back of her head.
Lablache, Tamburini and Rubini were also all 3 in high good voice. The
exquisite quartet “A te o cara” and the lovely Polacca “Son vergin
vezzosa” were both encored as was also the _splendid_ duet “Il rival.”
After the opera was over, Grisi, Rubini, Lablache, and Tamburini came
out and were loudly applauded. The two last always make a separate bow
to our box, which is very amusing to see. We came away immediately
after the opera was over, for the ballet is not worth seeing since La
Déesse de la Danse has flown back to Paris again. She appeared for the
last time on Saturday the 4th of this month. We came home at 10 minutes
to 12. I was _highly amused_ and _pleased_! We came in while Tamburini
was singing his song, which is just before the lovely duet between
Grisi and Lablache....
[Illustration: _H.S.H. Princess Sophia of Saxe-Coburg Countess
Mensdorff Pouilly_
_from a portrait by Dickinson_.]
_Monday, 20th July._—I awoke at 7. Mamma told me this morning that
she had received the melancholy news last night of the death of my
dear Aunt Sophie, Countess Mensdorff,[187] who was here now nearly
two years ago. It is so sudden and unexpected that we were _very much
shocked_, _surprised_ and _distressed_ at the _sad_ news. My poor
dear Aunt had been for many years in very bad health, and when she
visited us she was unable to walk alone almost; but as we had not heard
that she was unwell even, it startled and shocked us very much. She
went from Prague, already very unwell, in spite of Uncle Mensdorff’s
efforts to prevent her, to visit her youngest son Arthur who was in his
garrison in a wretched little village in Bohemia, and it was there,
far from her relations (except Uncle Mensdorff and Arthur), without
any of the comforts which she was accustomed to, in a poor sort of
cottage, that she breathed her last! My poor dear Aunt, I feel this
loss _very_ deeply. The more so for having seen her here! At ½ past
9 we breakfasted. At 10 we walked out with Lehzen till ½ past 10.
The melancholy event happened on the 8th of this month! I feel the
loss of my dear Aunt _very deeply_! Though I should be equally sad at
losing her, had I _not_ known her, because all Mamma’s relations are
_dear_ to me; but having seen her, having lived with her in the
same house for more than a week, having been in her room and seen her
at her occupations, and having experienced her great kindness to me
personally, makes it more striking still, and makes me feel the weight
of the loss we have experienced more. At 1 we lunched. At 5 we drove
out in the country with Lehzen till 7. At ½ past 7 we dined. I stayed
up till a ¼ past 9. We passed a very sad evening....
_Thursday, 23rd July._— ... Mamma received this afternoon a letter from
Uncle Ernest enclosing the copy of one written by dear Uncle Mensdorff,
giving all the sad details about my poor _dear_ Aunt. I fear her
sufferings must have been very severe at first and during her illness;
but at the last she seems to have had no suffering, no struggle. Her
last moment was so quiet that Uncle Mensdorff thought she slept, and
when he rose at 4 o’clock in the morning, he was pleased to see her
sleep so quietly and said to his servant that he hoped the danger was
over. Alas! how different was it really! My Aunt’s maid went into the
room and perceiving she did not breathe, called my Uncle in, who then
saw the dreadful truth! She slept truly, but she slept never more to
wake! What dear Uncle’s feelings were at that moment, and what they
still are, may be well imagined! She has been placed temporarily in the
vault of the convent of the Elisabetherin Nuns, at Kaden in Bohemia.
The funeral was splendid. Thousands came from far and near and all her
former friends followed her to her last abode, where she will suffer no
more grief or pain! Two regiments with their bands playing the funereal
music followed and all the Nuns with burning tapers. They strewed the
coffin with flowers when it entered the convent, and ornamented the
vault in the same manner. It is a happiness to know that she was so
much beloved. My poor dear Aunt, I loved her _dearly_ and feel the loss
deeply. Time may weaken, but it can never never efface the recollection
of this loss. I shall always try to do what I can to please, and to
contribute to the happiness of _dear_ Uncle Mensdorff and my four
cousins. They say that a smile was imprinted on her countenance when
she died, and that she looked more friendly after her death than she
had done some time previous to it....
_Thursday, 30th July._—I awoke at 7 and got up at 8. I gave Mamma a
little pin and drawing done by me in recollection of today. I gave
Lehzen a ring, also in recollection of today. I forgot to say that
Mamma gave me 3 little books yesterday, two of which I have quite read
through and the third in part. They are _A Method of Preparation for
Confirmation_, by William Hale Hale; _An Address to the Candidates for
Confirmation_, by Dr. John Kaye, Bishop of Lincoln; and _An Address to
the Students of Eton College who are about to present themselves for
Confirmation in 1833_. They are all 3 very nice books. At a ¼ past 9
we breakfasted. I forgot to say that dear Lehzen gave me 4 very pretty
prints of religious subjects. At ½ past 11 we went with Lady Flora,
Lehzen, the Dean &c. to St. James’s where I was to be confirmed. I
felt that my confirmation was one of the most solemn and important
events and acts in my life; and that I trusted that it might have a
salutary effect on my mind. I felt deeply repentant for all what I
had done which was wrong and trusted in God Almighty to strengthen my
heart and mind; and to forsake all that is bad and follow all that is
virtuous and right. I went with the firm determination to become a
true Christian, to try and comfort my dear Mamma in all her griefs,
trials and anxieties, and to become a dutiful and affectionate daughter
to her. Also to be obedient to _dear_ Lehzen who has done so much for
me. I was dressed in a white lace dress, with a white crape bonnet
with a wreath of white roses round it. I went in the chariot with my
dear Mamma and the others followed in another carriage. We went into
the King’s Closet with Lady Flora and Lehzen, where we were received
by the King and Queen. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Aunt Sophia,
the Duke of Cumberland, the Duchess of Weimar,[188] the Duchess of
Northumberland, the Marquis of Conyngham, Earl Denbigh, Mr. Ashley, the
Duke of Northumberland &c., were also there. We then went with all into
the Royal Pew in the Chapel. The usual morning service was performed;
after which we all went down into the lower part of the Chapel. The
King went first leading me, the Queen followed leading Mamma, and all
the others followed after. I stood without the rail before the Altar,
between the King and my dear Mamma. The Queen and all the rest went
into pews on each side of the Altar. The Archbishop of Canterbury and
Bishop of London[189] stood on either side of the Altar. I took off my
bonnet. When the usual address had been read, I (as is usual for all to
do) replied “I do,” and then knelt down and received the benediction
from the Archbishop. The whole was performed by the Archbishop who
read also a very fine address to me, composed by him expressly for
the occasion. He did the whole very well, and I felt the whole _very
deeply_. My dear Mamma was very much affected by the whole. We went
away from the Altar in the same way as we came and then went into the
Closet again; where the King gave me a very handsome set of emeralds,
and the Queen a head-piece of the same kind. We then drove home. We
came home at a ¼ to 2. I was very much affected indeed when we came
home. My dear Mamma gave me a very lovely bracelet with her hair in
it, and a very pretty set of turquoises. She gave dear Lehzen a very
pretty bracelet. We received the joyful news this afternoon that my
dearest sister Feodore had been safely confined on the 20th instant
with a daughter[190] which is to be called Adelaide, Victoria, Mary,
Louisa, Amelia, Constance. I hope to God that both Mother and Child
will continue as well as they have hitherto been. At 6 we dined. At 7
we drove out with Lehzen till ½ past 8. The heat continues intense! I
stayed up till ½ past 9....
_Sunday, 2nd August._—I awoke after 7 and got up at ½ past 8. At ½
past 9 Lehzen and I breakfasted. At 11 we went to the Chapel with Lady
Flora and Lehzen. The Dean performed the service; and the Archbishop of
Canterbury preached a very fine sermon. The text was taken from the 5th
chapter of the 2nd epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, 10th verse:
“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every
one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath
done, whether it be good or bad.” After the sermon was over we took
the holy sacrament with Lady Flora, dear Lehzen, and Sir J. C. The
Archbishop and the Dean administered it to us. It was the first time
of taking it. It is a very solemn and impressive ceremony and when one
recollects and thinks that we take it in remembrance of the death of
our blessed Saviour, one _ought_, nay _must_ feel deeply impressed with
holy and pious feelings!...
TUNBRIDGE WELLS, _Wednesday, 19th August_.—Today is my _poor dear_ Aunt
Sophie’s birthday.... I read to Lehzen out of Sully’s Memoirs. It is
wonderful when one considers how many years ago they have been written.
Upwards of 300 years, and how modern and pure the style is! His account
of the horrible massacre of St. Bartholomew is highly interesting as
coming from the pen of an eye-witness! I then played on the piano with
Mamma and by myself. At ½ past 12 we lunched. At 1 we went to the races
with Lady Flora, Lehzen, and Sir G. Anson. It was very amusing. The day
was beautiful and we sat under a sort of covering of cloth decorated
with flowers, in our carriage. The Manor Stakes were won by a chesnut
mare called Tirara belonging to a Mr. James Bacon. The Give-and-Take
plate as it was entitled, was won by Mr. John Bacon’s chesnut mare
Malibran, and the Kent and Sussex stakes was won by Mr. Pegg’s horse
Little-thought-of. Amongst the numbers of beggars, itinerary musicians,
actors etc. of all sorts and kinds, was a boy of 14 years old who
called himself the son of an actor Williamson, very poorly dressed, who
declaimed by heart a part of Marmion and of Campbell’s poems with great
feeling and talent. We came home at 5. At a ¼ past 7 we dined. When we
came home I played on the piano and wrote my journal. Lady, the Misses,
and M. S. Conroy, and Mr. Palmer dined here. After dinner came Mme.
Dulcken. I stayed up till a ¼ past 9....
_Sunday, 23rd August._—I awoke at 7 and got up at 8. At a ¼ past 9
we breakfasted. After breakfast I wrote my journal and some extracts
from the Peerage. At 11 we went with Lady Flora and Lehzen to church.
Mr. Pope officiated and preached a sermon. The text was from the 6th
chapter of St. Matthew, 10th verse: “Thy kingdom come.” It was not one
of his best sermons and it was not according to my liking. He can and
has preached some very fine sermons. At 1 we lunched. After luncheon
I wrote extracts again. Lehzen then read to me out of the Sketch-book
while I worked. At ½ past 4 we drove out with Lady Flora and Lehzen and
came home at 6. I then wrote my journal. At a ¼ past 7 we dined. Sir
George, Mr. and Miss Anson, Lady and the Misses and Mr. S. Conroy dined
here. After dinner I took up Mrs. Butler’s Journal[191] and read a
little in it. It certainly is very pertly and oddly written. One would
imagine by the style that the authoress must be very pert, and not well
bred; for there are so many vulgar expressions in it. It is a great
pity that a person endowed with so much talent as Mrs. Butler really
is, should turn it to so little account and publish a book which is so
full of trash and nonsense which can only do her harm. I stayed up
till 20 minutes past 9....
_Tuesday, 25th August._— ... At ½ past 2 sat to M. Collen for my
picture till ½ past 3, while Lehzen read to me in Mme. de Sévigné’s
Letters. How truly elegant and natural her style is! It is so full of
naïveté, cleverness and grace. Then I played on the piano. At 4 we
walked out with Lady Flora and Lehzen and came home at 5 minutes to 5.
In our walk we met a man with beautiful parrots. Amongst them was one
dear little paroquet of a green colour with a pale brown head and so
very tame that Mamma took it on her finger and it would hardly leave
her. It talks also, the man says. It is not so remarkable for its fine
plumage than for its great tameness. Mamma bought the dear little
thing. It is now in Mamma’s room....
_Friday, 28th August._—At ½ past 11 came the Dean till 1. I read
first in the Old Testament, then in Clarendon, and finished with the
_Spectator_. At 1 we lunched. I read after luncheon in the Bishop of
Chester’s _Exposition of the Gospel of St. Matthew._ It is a very
fine book indeed. Just the sort of one I like; which is just plain
and comprehensible and full of truth and good feeling. It is not one
of those learned books in which you have to cavil at almost every
paragraph. Lehzen gave it me on the Sunday that I took the Sacrament. I
have given up reading Smith’s _Theology_. It is more a book to refer to
than to read all through....
_Tuesday, 1st September._—I awoke at 7 and got up at ½ past 7. At ½
past 8 we breakfasted. At ½ past 9 we left _dear_ Tunbridge Wells with
Lady Flora and Lehzen. I am _very_ sorry to leave the dear place. I am
so very fond of it. I liked Boyne House better a good deal than old
Mount Pleasant.... We changed horses first at Tunbridge Town, then at
Sevenoaks, and lastly at Bromley. We reached Kensington Palace at 2. At
a ¼ past 2 we lunched. Lady Flora went home after luncheon to her own
family. At 3 we went over to Aunt Sophia’s (all our carpets being taken
up), to receive the Duc de Nemours. Aunt Sophia of course was _not_
present. The Duc de Nemours is nearly 21. That is to say His Royal
Highness will complete his 21st year on the 25th of October. He is Aunt
Louisa’s 2nd brother. He is tall, has a very fine slender figure, and
is extremely fair. He is good-looking but not so much so as his brother
the Duke of Orleans. The Duc de Nemours is extremely pleasing but
rather timid. He brought Mamma a letter from his Mother, the Queen of
the French, and a beautiful set of instruments made of French pebbles
for me, from her. I wrote my journal then. We then saw Lady Catherine
Jenkinson, and afterwards my Uncle Sussex. I then wrote my journal and
did various other things. At a ¼ past 7 we dined. Lord Liverpool and
Lady Catherine dined here. After dinner came Princess Sophia. I stayed
up till ½ past 9....
_Friday, 4th September._—I awoke at 7 and got up at ½ past 7. At ½
past 8 we all breakfasted. At ½ past 9 we left Wansford. It is a very
nice clean Inn. We passed through Stamford, a large and populous town,
after having changed horses at Witham Common. We changed horses 2ndly
at Grantham, also a large town. These 3 are in Lincolnshire. 3rdly at
Newark, also a large town, and lastly at Scarthing Moor. The country
from Wansford to Scarthing Moor was like yesterday, extremely flat
and ugly. From Scarthing Moor to Barnby Moor, where we arrived at
5 o’clock, the country is rich and wooded, but very flat. This Inn
(Barnby Moor) is extremely clean and pretty. Newark, Scarthing Moor
and Barnby Moor are all in Nottinghamshire. I am struck by the number
of small villages in the counties which we passed through today, each
with their church. And what is likewise peculiar is, that the churches
have all steeples of a spiral shape. I read in the _Alhambra_ again
in the carriage. Finished the 1st vol. and began the 2nd. We all
walked in the little garden behind the house for a short time. When
we came in I wrote my journal. At a ¼ to 7 we all dined. After dinner
Lady Catherine played on the piano, for there was one in the Inn. She
played a variation of Herz’s, one of Hünten’s, and the Polacca; and she
accompanied us while we sang “Il rival.” I stayed up till 9.
_Saturday, 5th September._—I awoke at ½ past 6 and got up at 7. Read
in the _Exposition of St. Matt.’s Gospel_ while my hair was doing, and
also in the Venetian History. Last night I also read in the Gospel and
in Mme. de Sévigné. At a ¼ to 8 we all breakfasted. At a ¼ to 9 we
left Barnby Moor. It is a remarkably nice and clean Inn. We changed
horses 1st at Doncaster, a very pretty town, 2ndly at Ferry bridge
where there is a fine bridge, and lastly at Tadcaster. All these towns
are in Yorkshire. We reached Bishopthorpe (the Archbishop of York’s
Palace) at 2. It is 2 miles and a half from York. It is a very large
house and part of it is very old. Besides the Archbishop[192] and
Miss Harcourt (his daughter), the Duchess of Northumberland, Lady
Norreys,[193] Sir John and Lady Johnstone[194] (Lady Johnstone is the
Archbishop’s daughter), Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Granville Harcourt,[195]
Colonel Francis Harcourt,[5] Mr. Vernon, are staying in the house.
After half an hour we lunched in a large dining-room. We then went to
our rooms which are very nice. I finished the _Alhambra_. It is a most
entertaining book and has amused me very much. I wrote my journal when
I came into my room. Wrote a letter to Feodore and read in the Venetian
History. The country through which we travelled today is very flat and
ugly, but extremely rich. I find the air in Yorkshire cooler than in
Kent and the South of England. I read in Mrs. Butler’s journal which
amuses me. There are some very fine feelings in it. At a ¼ to 7 we
dined. Besides the people whom I mentioned, Mr. Charles Harcourt,[196]
Mr. William Harcourt, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Colonel York,
Colonel[197] and Mrs. Wildman, &c. After dinner Lady Norreys and her
cousin Miss Vernon sang a duet from _La Gazza Ladra_ beautifully, and
also “Suoni la tromba.” They are both extremely pretty. They are
pupils of Tamburini. We sang something then. I like Miss Vernon’s voice
the best of the two. We then went to prayers. After that, I sang the
Barcarola from _Faliero_, frightened to death. I stayed up till a ¼ to
11....
BISHOPTHORPE, _Wednesday, 9th September_.—... At a ¼ past 11 we went to
the York Minster with the same party as yesterday with the exception
of Lord and Lady Norreys and Mrs. Vernon, who remained at home. The
Minster was fuller than on the preceding day. It was Handel’s Oratorio
of _The Messiah_. It is considered very fine, but I must say that, with
the exception of a few Choruses and one or two songs, it is very heavy
and tiresome. It is in 3 parts. In the 1st part Grisi sang “Rejoice
greatly” _most beautifully_. She pronounces the English so _very well_,
and sang the whole in such excellent style.... The Hallelujah Chorus
at the end of the 2nd part and another at the end of the 3rd act are
the finest things besides “Rejoice greatly.” But I am not at all fond
of Handel’s music, I like the present Italian school such as Rossini,
Bellini, Donizetti &c., _much better_....
_Friday, 11th September._— ... Lablache and Rubini sang only once each.
Alas! it will be a long time before I shall hear their two fine voices
again. But time passes away quickly and April and the dear Opera will
soon return. I am to learn to sing next year. Mamma promised I should;
and I hope to learn of Lablache. What a delightful master he would be
to learn of! Grisi sang “Laudate Dominum,” by Mozart, accompanied by
Dr. Camidge[198] on the organ. She executed the delicate passages in
it _beautifully_. Between the two parts we lunched at the Deanery with
our party and many others. Grisi came in with her uncle while we were
at luncheon. She is extremely handsome, near-by, by day-light. Her
features are not small, but extremely fine, and her eyes are beautiful
as are also her teeth. She has such a sweet amiable expression when she
smiles, and has pleasing quiet manners. She had an ugly dingy foulard
dress on, with a large coloured handkerchief under a large muslin
collar. And she had a frightful little pink bonnet on, but in spite of
all her ugly attire she looked very handsome. She is a most fascinating
little creature.... Grisi sang the last air “Sing ye to the Lord.”
Never did I hear anything so beautiful. It was a complete triumph! and
was quite electrifying! Though a very little bit and with very little
accompaniment, the manner, the power with which she sang it, and the
emphasis which she put into it, was truly splendid. I shall just write
down the lines:
Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously:
The horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea.
She pronounced it beautifully. When she had sung “The horse and his
rider hath He thrown” she paused a moment, and then came out most
emphatically with “_into the sea_!”...
_Saturday, 12th September._— ... At 11 we left Bishopthorpe, but not
without regret. They are a very amiable family. Miss Harcourt is a very
nice person. She ought by rights to be called Miss Georgiana Harcourt,
the Archbishop’s eldest daughter being unmarried, but as she never
goes out and does not make the _honneurs_ in the house, Miss Georgiana
is always called Miss Harcourt.[199] The Archbishop has _10_ sons, 5
of whom were at Bishopthorpe; 3 staying in the house, Mr. Granville
Harcourt, Colonel Harcourt,[200] and Mr. Egerton Harcourt, and two out
of the house, Mr. William Harcourt[201] and Mr. Charles Harcourt,[202]
staying at the residence. Mrs. William Harcourt is a very nice person.
We passed a pleasant time at Bishopthorpe in spite of fatigues which
were _not slight_ and which I begin to _feel_....
CANTERBURY, _Thursday, 29th September_.—I awoke at 6 and got up at ½
past 7. At ½ past 8 we all breakfasted. At ½ past 9 Mamma received an
address from the Mayor and Corporation here. We then saw some officers.
After this we left Canterbury. It is a very clean nice Inn. It was a
fine day. We reached Ramsgate at ½ past 12. The people received us in a
most friendly and kind way. The whole was very well conducted, and the
people were very orderly. The streets were ornamented with arches of
flowers and flags. The open, free, boundless (to the eye) ocean looked
very refreshing. There is nothing between us and France but the sea,
here. We have got a small but very nice house, overlooking the sea. At
a ¼ past 2 we walked down to the Albion Hotel to see the preparations
made for dear Uncle Leopold and dear Aunt Louisa. At a little past 4
we went down to the Hotel with Lady Flora, Lehzen and Lady Conroy, as
the steamer was in sight. With beating hearts and longing eyes we
sat at the window, anxiously watching the steamer’s progress. There
was an immense concourse of people on the pier to see them arrive.
After about half an hour’s time, the steamer entered the Harbour,
amidst loud cheering and the salute of guns from the pier, with the
Belgian flag on its mast. My _dearest_ Uncle Leopold, King of the
Belgians, and _dearest_ Aunt Louisa were very warmly received. It was
but the people’s duty to do so, as dear Uncle has lived for so long in
England and was so much beloved. After another ¼ of an hour of anxious
suspense, the waiter told us that “Their Majesties were coming.” We
hastened downstairs to receive them. There was an immense crowd before
the door. At length Uncle appeared, having Aunt Louisa at his arm. What
a happiness was it for me to throw myself in the arms of that _dearest_
of Uncles, who has always been to me like a father, and whom I love
so _very dearly_! I had not seen him for 4 years and 2 months. I was
also delighted to make the acquaintance of that dear Aunt who is such
a perfection and who has been always so kind to me, without knowing
me. We hastened upstairs, where Uncle Leopold and Aunt Louisa showed
themselves at the window and were loudly cheered; as they ought to be.
I do not find dear Uncle at all changed. On the contrary I think he
looks better than he did when I last saw him. Aunt Louisa is not quite
so tall as Mamma, and has a very pretty slight figure. Her hair is of
a lovely fair colour; her nose is aquiline, her eyes are quite lovely;
they are light blue and have such a charming expression. She has such a
sweet mouth and smile too. She is delightful, and was so affectionate
to me directly. She pronounces English extremely well and speaks it
very fluently. She almost always speaks it with Uncle. She was very
simply dressed in a light brown silk dress, with a sky-blue silk bonnet
and white veil. Uncle and Aunt are accompanied by Comtesse Henri de
Mérode (Dame d’Honneur to Aunt Louisa), and General Goblet.[203] M.
Van de Weyer is also here. We then left them and Lehzen and I drove
home and Mamma and the rest walked home. At a little after 7 we dined.
Dear Uncle Leopold, dear Aunt Louisa, the Duc de Nemours (who had only
arrived half an hour ago), Comtesse H. de Mérode, General Goblet,
General Baudrand,[204] M. Van de Weyer, Dr. Clark,[205] Mr. and Miss V.
Conroy, dined here. I sat between Uncle Leopold and the Duc de Nemours;
two _delightful_ neighbours. When I say _next_ to a person, as for
instance I said the other day, and many days, “I sat next to the Duc de
Nemours,” “I sat next to the Duke of Norfolk,” &c., &c., I mean, as I
did today, that I sat _between_ or _next_ to them at _dinner_. The Duc
de Nemours, now that I see him and Aunt Louisa together, is not like
her. He has such a _good_ kind expression in his face; and Aunt Louisa
has the most _delightful sweet_ expression I ever saw. She is quite
delightful and charming. She is so gay and merry too. She had a white
moiré dress on, and her fine hair was so well done, in a plait behind
and curls in front with a row of pearls and three black velvet bows
in it. After dinner came two other gentlemen of the Duc de Nemours,
Colonel Boyer and Monsieur Larnac. We passed a _most delightful_
evening....
_Thursday, 5th November._—I awoke at 7 and got up at 8. Dressed, walked
over to my room and breakfasted at 9. Read in the Exposition of St.
Matt.’s Gospel, and in the Venetian History while my hair was doing.
_Dear good_ Lehzen takes such care of me, and is so unceasing in her
attentions to me, that I shall never be able to repay her sufficiently
for it but by my love and gratitude. I never can sufficiently repay her
for all she has _borne_ and done for me. She is the _most affectionate,
devoted, attached_, and _disinterested_ friend I have, and I love her
most _dearly_....
_Wednesday, 2nd December._— ... We walked on the Pier which was
very amusing. There are a number of foreign ships in the harbour;
Portuguese, Finland, and a number of French fishing-boats. The dress
of the French fishermen is very picturesque. There were some Spanish
sailors playing on the pier, who looked very singular. Amongst others
there was a little French fisher-boy playing with another boy with a
pulley. He had a funny round rosy face, and was dressed in a loose blue
woven woolen jacket, with huge boots which reached to his knees, and
a red cap. Mamma asked him what he was doing, upon which he answered
with naïveté, “Nous sommes à jouer un peu.” She asked him where he came
from; “De Dunkirk,” was his reply. He said this all, and some other
things, in such a funny naif way, and with such a sly arch smile, that
it was quite amusing. He asked for a “sou,” and we gave him 6 pence,
which pleased him very much....
INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTER V
When the Princess was seventeen the shadow of coming events was
cast over her placid life. Her Journals contain evidence of
this. She became aware that her Uncle, King Leopold, had begun
to think with grave anticipation of the high position she might
before long have to occupy, and of the project of uniting her in
marriage to some Prince worthy to share with her the anxieties and
responsibilities of a Throne. She knew that he had fixed upon her
cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg.
In May of this year she saw the Prince for the first time. William
IV. did not favour the views of King Leopold. His candidate was a
younger son of the Prince of Orange. Both Princes were invited to
London, and both were present at a ball given by the Duchess of
Kent in honour of her daughter attaining the age of seventeen.
The young Princess was not attracted by the Prince of Orange. It
would be an exaggeration to say that she felt more than a sisterly
affection for Prince Albert. She thought him good-looking and
charming, and they sketched and sang together. He found her very
amiable and astonishingly self-possessed. There is not a trace on
either side of deeper sentiment. When the Prince left England, she
wrote to her Uncle Leopold expressing anxiety to fall in with his
wishes in respect of her future marriage as in everything else,
but there is no indication that her heart was touched. The seed,
however, was sown which was to ripen later, and ultimately to bear
fruit, the sweetest she was destined to taste in her long life.
The plans of King Leopold were an open secret, and roused
considerable interest in all classes. On his return home Prince
Albert was entertained in Paris at an official dinner given by Lord
Granville, which was taken to mean that good progress had been made
with the scheme of the projected marriage.
In the course of this year the Princess resided at Claremont, then
the property of King Leopold. Her life there was one of great
simplicity. There were lately living a few old people in the
village of Esher who remembered the little Princess attending the
ancient church, now disused, dressed in spotted muslin with a large
poke bonnet.
Perhaps owing to the consciousness that his candidate had failed
to create a favourable impression, King William during this year
displayed more than usual hostility to his sister-in-law, the
Duchess of Kent. The King’s behaviour to her mother undoubtedly
saddened the life of the little Princess, more especially as it was
in somewhat strong contrast to the kindness with which she herself
was treated by King William and Queen Adelaide.
Meanwhile, the stream of public events rolled smoothly along.