Footnote 79: Dalmahoy, Midlothian.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
VISIT TO CAMBRIDGE
Windsor Castle, 31st October 1843.
My dearest Uncle,—I had the pleasure of receiving your dear and kind letter of the 27th yesterday, by which I learn that you are all well and going on the 4th. Forgive me, dearest Uncle, if I say that I am glad that you are at length going back to Belgium, as (though I fully understand from personal experience how delightful it must be to be in the midst of that dear and perfect family) I think these long absences distress your faithful Belgians a little.
We returned on Saturday, highly pleased and interested with our tour,80 though a little done up. I seldom remember more enthusiasm than was shown at Cambridge, and in particular by the Undergraduates. They received my dear Angel, too, with the greatest enthusiasm. This is useful, as these young people will all, in time, have a certain part to play; they are the rising generation, and an event of this kind makes a lasting impression on their minds.
You will have heard from Louise that there is no longer any impediment to the dear Nemours coming, which you may easily conceive gives me the greatest satisfaction. Since then, I have heard that Bordeaux does not intend visiting London till he sees by the papers that the Nemours are gone. I saw a letter from a gentleman, with whom he had been staying, and who says that he is very pleasing and unaffected, and very easily amused, and quite pleased "with missing a few pheasants, and dancing quadrilles in the evening to a pianoforte." Poor fellow! his fate certainly is a melancholy one. He should renounce, buy some property in Germany, and marry, and settle there.
I am glad to hear of Montpensier's arrival, and that my favourite Chica is in your good graces; she is a dear natural child. I am so impatient to see my dear Victoire and good Nemours—who was always a great ally of mine—again!
The Grand Duke came here last night, and goes away after luncheon, and leaves England on Thursday. He is charmed with all he has seen, and I must say is very amiable and civil. He has got a most charming large dog, called Dragon, like a Newfoundland, only brown and white, with the most expressive eyes imaginable and si bien dressé. Prince Alexander of the Netherlands is also coming down to take leave this week. We never had so many visitors.
I am beyond everything interested with that beautiful novel by Rellstab,81 1812, which I know you admire so much. The description of the Russian Campaign is incomparable, and so beautifully written. You quite see everything before you. Have you read his other, Paris und Algier? By the by, have you read Custine's82 book on Russia? They say it is very severe on Russia, and full of hatred to the English.