_Windsor, June 20._
Most dear Sir,
I am sure you will be glad to hear I have got one formality over, that
was very disagreeable to my expectations. I have been introduced to Mrs.
Haggerdorn whom I am to succeed, and to Mrs. Schwellenberg, whom I am
to accompany. This passed at the queen's Lodge, in their own apartments,
this morning. I cannot easily describe the sensation with which
I entered that dwelling,--the thoughts of its so soon becoming my
habitation,--and the great hazard of how all will go on in it--and the
sudden change!
Everything was perfectly civil and easy; the queen had herself prepared
them to receive me, and requested me to go. They made no use of the
meeting in the way of business it was merely a visit of previous
ceremony....
The utmost astonishment will take place throughout the Court when they
hear of my appointment. Everybody has settled some successor to Mrs.
Haggerdorn; and I have never, I am very sure, been suspected by a
single person. I saw, this morning, by all that passed with Mrs. S.,
how unexpected a step her majesty has taken. The place, she told me,
has been solicited, distantly, by thousands and thousands of women of
fashion and rank....