Victoria R.
We find Pussy amazingly advanced in intellect, but alas! also in naughtiness. I hold up Charlotte as an example of every virtue, which has its effect; for when she is going to be naughty she says: "Dear Ma, what does cousin Charlotte do?"
Footnote 66: Antoine, Duc de Montpensier.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
ROYAL VISITORS
Windsor Castle, 3rd October 1843.
My dearest Uncle,—Many, many thanks for your kind letter of the 28th, received on Sunday, which was written from the Camp of Beverloo, which Albert recollects with great pleasure and interest, having amused himself so much there.
I can give you excellent accounts of ourselves. The boy returned from Brighton yesterday, looking really the picture of health, and much embelli; Pussy is in great force, but not to be compared to Charlotte in beauty; and Fatima (alias Alice) is as enormous and flourishing as ever. Dearest Louise seems much pleased with Aunt Julia, which I am glad of, and I rejoice that poor Aunt has had the happiness of making my beloved Louise's acquaintance, for it will be a happy recollection for her in her solitude.
We expect the Grand Duke Michael here this afternoon; he is to stay till Friday. The Michael Woronzows,67 with a son and daughter, are also coming, and we shall be a large party, and are going to dine in the Waterloo Gallery, which makes a very handsome dining-room, and sit after dinner in that beautiful grand Reception Room. How I envy your going to that dear French family! I hope that you will like my favourite Chica. I trust, however, that you will not stay too long away for your good people's sake.
Not being quite sure of your going, I shall direct this to Brussels still.