Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne.
MELBOURNE RESUMES OFFICE
Buckingham Palace, 11th May 1839.
The Queen is very anxious to hear that Lord Melbourne has not suffered from the ball last night, as it was very hot at first. The beginning was rather dull and heavy, but after supper it got very animated, and we kept it up till a quarter past three; the Queen enjoyed herself very much and isn't at all tired; she felt much the kindness of many of her kind friends, who are her only real friends. Lady Cowper and Lord and Lady Minto, the Duchess of Somerset, and Lord Anglesey were particularly kind. On the other hand, there were some gloomy faces to be seen, and the Duchess of Gloucester was very cross.
The Queen is ashamed to say it, but she has forgotten when she appointed the Judge Advocate; when will the Cabinet be over?
The Queen danced the first and the last dance with the Grand Duke,42 made him sit near her, and tried to be very civil to him, and I think we are great friends already and get on very well; I like him exceedingly.
Footnote 42: The Hereditary Grand Duke of Russia, afterwards the Emperor Alexander II.
Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne.
Buckingham Palace, 12th May 1839.
The Queen anxiously hopes Lord Melbourne is quite well this morning, and has not suffered from the dinner at Pozzo's.