The girlhood of Queen Victoria, vol. 1 (of 2)

by Queen of Great Britain Victoria

INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTER IV

The Princess attached importance to this year of her life. It appeared to her that she benefited more fully by her lessons, and began to realise their importance. About a month after her birthday she was confirmed at the Chapel Royal, St. James’s, by the Archbishop of Canterbury. She was impressed by the solemnity of the occasion and frightened by the austerity of Archbishop Howley. This year marked an epoch in ways other than spiritual. She was allowed more freely to mix with her mother’s guests. Personages of distinction were asked to meet her, and she had an opportunity of seeing some of the more eminent of those who were to be her future subjects, although she had scant opportunity of getting to know them well.

She went to Ascot this year in the Royal Procession, and then, in the autumn, her mother arranged for her a Progress on the lines of that which is recorded in her Journals of 1832. There is nothing, however, to show that she was alive to the trend of public events. The existence of Lord Melbourne’s second Ministry was precarious. It was said that Lord Melbourne had against him the King, the Church, the Bar, the Agricultural and Monied interest, and a large minority in the House of Commons; whereas he only had in his favour a small majority in the House of Commons, the manufacturing towns, and a portion of the rabble. This was the Tory analysis of the political situation in 1835. “Threatened men and threatened Ministries enjoy a long life,” and Lord Melbourne’s was no exception.

The Princess was in frequent communication by letter with her Uncle, King Leopold. He sent her many interesting autographs for the collection she at that time was forming. They corresponded about books. It was he who recommended her Sully’s Memoirs, which, as her Journals show, she assiduously read, and he now and then referred in admonitory terms to her future regal responsibilities and duties.

On one occasion he sent her an extract from a French Memoir containing a severe criticism on the political character of Queen Anne, to which she replied that as he had endeavoured to point out to her what a Queen “ought not to be,” she hoped he would give her some idea of what a Queen “ought to be.” Those who are familiar with the character and disposition of King Leopold can imagine that he responded willingly to the invitation. It was upon this note that the year 1835 came to an end.

CHAPTER IV
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....

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....