Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
THE DUCHESSE DE NEMOURS
Windsor Castle, 14th November 1843.
My dearest, kindest Uncle,—A long and most interesting letter reached me on Sunday, dated 9th and 10th, and I beg to return my warmest thanks for it. The confidence you show me I feel deeply and gratefully, and you may rely on my discretion. Before I touch upon any of the subjects in your letter I will give you news of our visitors. The dear Nemours arrived safely after a good passage on Saturday, well but very tired. They are now quite recovered, and we are too happy to have them here. Nemours looks well, and is very kind and amiable, but I think there is a seriousness since poor Chartres' death which used not to be formerly, though he always was reserved, and that, I think, he is not now. Dearest Victoire is amazingly improved and développée—really quite wonderfully so. We are all so struck by it, by her good sense and by her conversation; and with that she has kept that innocence and gentleness which she always had—and is so lovely, dear sweet child. I must always look at her, and she, dear child, seems so pleased to see me again. I find her grown, but grown very thin, and she has not those bright colours she used to have. All that you say of Bordeaux is just what Nemours says, and what Guizot writes, and what I and also Sir Robert Peel always felt and thought. Aberdeen, with the greatest wish to do all that is kind and right, really thought that B. was only come to amuse himself, and had no idea till now that the feeling in France in all the different parties was so strong. You will have heard by this time that we have decided not to receive B. in any way whatever. It is a pleasure to hear how mildly and sensibly Nemours speaks upon all these subjects, and indeed every subject....
I think you did uncommonly right in what you answered the poor King about the arrêté in favour of the Prussians, and I am very glad you have done so. It will have a good effect here.
Louise will tell you how we celebrated good Bertie's birthday. The children are in great favour with the Nemours.
Pray, dearest Uncle, do not forget to send me the list of Rellstab's works. We think of making another little tour after the dear Nemours' departure, to Drayton (Sir Robert Peel's), Chatsworth, and Belvoir.
We are very sorry to lose dear Feo and Ernest. They are so good and excellent, and she is so brav. Ever, your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
BIRMINGHAM