I am rather unhappy about dear Uncle Mensdorff, who, I hear, has arrived at Vienna with gout in his head. I hope, however, soon to hear of his being much better....
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
THE COUP D'ÉTAT
Osborne, 4th December 1851.
Dearest Uncle,—I must write a line to ask what you say to the wonderful proceedings at Paris, which really seem like a story in a book or a play! What is to be the result of it all?28
I feel ashamed to have written so positively a few hours before that nothing would happen.
We are anxiously waiting for to-day's news—though I should hope that the Troops were to be depended upon, and order for the present would prevail. I hope that none of the Orleans Family will move a limb or say a word, but remain perfectly passive.
I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.