[*] Richard William Penn Curzon-Howe, second Viscount Curzon; born 1796, created Earl Howe 1821, his maternal grandfather, the celebrated Admiral, having previously borne that title.
'We are often annoyed at the unaccountable falsehoods put about of our dear Queen. The world now says she and the King are on such bad terms that she is going to Germany. My brother called on Lady Mary Taylour[*] (she is Princess Augusta's Lady of the Bedchamber), who said she had that morning read a letter from the Queen to the Princess, in which she said she had been very unwell, her anxiety was so great about the Princess Louise; her mother was ill, and her sister not coming, but, she added, "My comfort and consolation is the extreme kindness of the King. Nothing can exceed it.' This is from one you may believe. When we were at the Pavilion, early in December, she was too ill to come out of her room, but sent for Mrs. Clitherow after dinner, and she had a tête-à-tête with her for an hour. She spoke much of the insult to her of dismissing Lord Howe, but what hurt her most was her fear lest the King should be blamed, for she was sure he never would have done it could he have helped himself. I think now, if you hear the report, you may contradict it on sure grounds. I do believe her excellent and good.'
[*] Eldest daughter of the first Marquis of Headfort, born 1782.
Within a week or two after this, Colonel and Mrs. Clitherow again visited Windsor by the Royal commands, and Miss Clitherow, in her minute chronicle, shows that, while they cherished no pride of pomp or station, they fully appreciated the honour of the King's friendship:
'BOSTON HOUSE, 'May 13, 1832.
'Thank God the cholera does seem subsiding! And in what mercy has that scourge visited England compared to other countries! Yet, such is the fatal blindness of the multitude, they see none of God's mercies, and only provoke Him more and more by increasing wickedness. The downfall of our Church seems the first object. But you know as much as I know, and a truce with the subject.
'I will tell you of our Courtly doings, and how thankful we are that we just take the cream, free and independent, without rank or place—no troubles, turmoils, or jealousies. We receive the most flattering notice—and it can be from no other motive than liking us—a rare occurrence at Court, and of which we have a right to be proud.
'Lately a command came to my brother and Mrs. Clitherow to come to Windsor Castle on the Monday and stay till the Wednesday. There were no other visitors. Nobody breakfasts with the Queen or takes luncheon unless sent for. You have your breakfast in your own sitting-room, or at the general breakfast, as you prefer. We always take the latter, but this visit Jane was with her at every meal, the King the only gentleman admitted at breakfast, and only his sons, or very few, at luncheon. Each evening the Queen called Jane to her sofa and work-table, where, also, no one approaches but by her invitation, and on the Tuesday morning the King took my brother all round the Castle with Wyattville, giving orders and directions. I fear greatly the improving mania is coming upon His Majesty, which, in these times, will be very unfortunate.
'The Queen took my brother and Jane a long drive in her barouche.
'Now, in this kind of social visit you get at much of a person's mind and opinions. The Queen seemed to enjoy a freedom of speech with friends. Poor thing! how seldom can she feel that! She terms Jane her "friend who tells her true." I can safely say, in contradiction to the abominable reports circulated to her disadvantage, that she and the King are on the best terms possible. In all her conversation, her anxiety was on his account, lest he should get blamed. She has strong sense and good judgment. She said: "I must have my own opinion, but I do not talk to the King about it. It would only make him unhappy, and could do no good."