Nuneham,52 15th June 1841.
Affairs go on, and all will take some shape or other, but it keeps one in hot water all the time. In the meantime, however, the people are in the best possible humour, and I never was better received at Ascot, which is a great test, and also along the roads yesterday. This is a most lovely place; pleasure grounds in the style of Claremont, only much larger, and with the river Thames winding along beneath them, and Oxford in the distance; a beautiful flower and kitchen garden, and all kept up in perfect order. I followed Albert here, faithful to my word, and he is gone to Oxford53 for the whole day, to my great grief. And here I am all alone in a strange house, with not even Lehzen as a companion, in Albert's absence, but I thought she and also Lord Gardner,54 and some gentlemen should remain with little Victoria for the first time. But it is rather a trial for me.
I must take leave, and beg you to believe me always, your most devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 52: The house of Edward Vernon Harcourt, Archbishop of York.
Footnote 53: To receive an address at Commemoration.
Footnote 54: Alan Legge, third and last Lord Gardner (1810-1883) was one of the Queen's first Lords-in-Waiting.
Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria.
THE PRINCE VISITS OXFORD
South Street, 16th June 1841.