OSBORNE, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany, January 17th, 1864.
—Poured all the morning. After many vacillations of the Royal will, the upshot was that the Household went to church on its own account, Ly. Ch. and I being diddled out of half the service by the Queen's keeping us to go with her for the latter half. And she did not go. Mr. Prothero preacht on death. In the aft., however, the Queen went, and thus I saw her to speak to for the 1st time. She took my hand and kissed me so kindly before getting into the carriage. A very good thanksgiving prayer was read for the Prss. of Wales and her baby. The Dean preacht, with a beautiful allusion to the little Prince's birth close to his grandfather's tomb. There came off my great event of dining with the Queen, which was very much more pleasure than terror to me. There was much more conversation than I expected ; the Queen talking and laughing cheerfully. She and the Dean spoke about sermons and Presbyterian preachers ; and the Dean made no bones of making occasional hits at the Scotch reverends, which the Queen took as a good joke. Then came a good deal about the poor of the great towns ; and how I should have liked to have brought the Mission Women on the tapis ! But brazen as I was, I hadn't quite that courage. The Queen spoke to me 2 or 3 times very kindly. We stood talking in the dining-room for a little while afterwards, then the Queen vanished, and we went to the ladies' room and joined the others.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
16Jan1864, Parkhurst Women Convicts
OSBORNE, Saturday, January 16th, 1864.
—Cold wind, but fine. At Parkhurst, the poor women convicts found out it was the Queen and numbers fell on their knees begging for mercy and pardon, so as quite to upset those who heard them, and the Queen said she was sure, if one had managed to fall down at her feet, she must have forgiven her ! I rode with Prss. Louise, on Sampson. Prss. Hohenlohe is ill with a feverish cold. Whist in the evening, with Sir Th. Biddulph, Mr. Holtzmann, and Col. Ponsonby ; Dr. Jenner dined, and horrified me with his ugliness which is something suggestive to me of Voltaire.
—Cold wind, but fine. At Parkhurst, the poor women convicts found out it was the Queen and numbers fell on their knees begging for mercy and pardon, so as quite to upset those who heard them, and the Queen said she was sure, if one had managed to fall down at her feet, she must have forgiven her ! I rode with Prss. Louise, on Sampson. Prss. Hohenlohe is ill with a feverish cold. Whist in the evening, with Sir Th. Biddulph, Mr. Holtzmann, and Col. Ponsonby ; Dr. Jenner dined, and horrified me with his ugliness which is something suggestive to me of Voltaire.
14Jan1864, Die Or Go Out of Her Mind
Thursday, January 14th, 1864.
—Yesterday's weather aggravated. Poor Miss Bowater heard of her cousin's death, and went away in great trouble, thus interrupting the early growth between us of a very promising friendship : indeed I miss her much as the only companion among all these elderly people. I walked with Lady Churchill, who is a most winning and attractive person ; quite the most highbred-looking woman I ever saw, and with the kindest and most simple, unaffected manner : tall, dignified, and graceful, with a small noble head ; and her whole look reminding one of a gazelle. Saw Prss. Helena for a moment in Miss B.'s room : she received me very kindly ; interests one from her gentle, thoughtful expression, and lovely smile like the Queen's, on a face otherwise plain. Her manner is like one who has thought and done too much for her age, and been a comforter when others are only thinking of being merry-makers. Spent the aftn in my own room after the announcement of "No orders," till tea, after which kind, nice Countess Blucher took me to her room, where we had pleasant talk till 6¼. She spoke strongly of the improvement that strikes her in the Queen since her terrible loss : increased seriousness and patient earnestness in doing her duties, which are so heavy that the Queen has sometimes said they are too much for any woman ; and who can tell how terribly she must miss the Prince whose advice she used to ask in every detail, great and small ! Why won't people realize the burden and loneliness, and thank God for the strength He has given, instead of fretting at her not doing this and that ! Countess Blucher said that when Princess Hohenlohe heard of the Prince's death, the Countess found her walking up and down the room in real despair and saying, "One of two things must happen to my sister : I know her. She must either die of this, or go out of her mind." Isn't it a direct answer to prayer that instead of this the Queen is well, doing her duty, and resigned so entirely to God's Will that she said herself she wd not wish him back? The Household dinner consisted of the Dean and Mrs. Wellesley, Ly. Churchill, Col. Ponsonby, M. Holtzmann, and Mrs. Bruce ; and I was interested all thro' dinner talking of languages with M. Holtzmann ; and whist enlivened the evening.
—Yesterday's weather aggravated. Poor Miss Bowater heard of her cousin's death, and went away in great trouble, thus interrupting the early growth between us of a very promising friendship : indeed I miss her much as the only companion among all these elderly people. I walked with Lady Churchill, who is a most winning and attractive person ; quite the most highbred-looking woman I ever saw, and with the kindest and most simple, unaffected manner : tall, dignified, and graceful, with a small noble head ; and her whole look reminding one of a gazelle. Saw Prss. Helena for a moment in Miss B.'s room : she received me very kindly ; interests one from her gentle, thoughtful expression, and lovely smile like the Queen's, on a face otherwise plain. Her manner is like one who has thought and done too much for her age, and been a comforter when others are only thinking of being merry-makers. Spent the aftn in my own room after the announcement of "No orders," till tea, after which kind, nice Countess Blucher took me to her room, where we had pleasant talk till 6¼. She spoke strongly of the improvement that strikes her in the Queen since her terrible loss : increased seriousness and patient earnestness in doing her duties, which are so heavy that the Queen has sometimes said they are too much for any woman ; and who can tell how terribly she must miss the Prince whose advice she used to ask in every detail, great and small ! Why won't people realize the burden and loneliness, and thank God for the strength He has given, instead of fretting at her not doing this and that ! Countess Blucher said that when Princess Hohenlohe heard of the Prince's death, the Countess found her walking up and down the room in real despair and saying, "One of two things must happen to my sister : I know her. She must either die of this, or go out of her mind." Isn't it a direct answer to prayer that instead of this the Queen is well, doing her duty, and resigned so entirely to God's Will that she said herself she wd not wish him back? The Household dinner consisted of the Dean and Mrs. Wellesley, Ly. Churchill, Col. Ponsonby, M. Holtzmann, and Mrs. Bruce ; and I was interested all thro' dinner talking of languages with M. Holtzmann ; and whist enlivened the evening.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
13Jan1864, Queen Causes General Acceleration
OSBORNE, Wednesday, January 13th, 1864.
—A little before 5 the Queen returned from Windsor, and what Granny says Miss Skerritt used to call a "general acceleration" seemed to me at once to be observable. Bustling footsteps, doors opening and shutting, the Lady-in-Waiting taking audible possession of the room next mine, unknown men cropping up in the corridor, and all the blazing liveries bursting out. I saw Prss. Helena, but no one else. Household dinner, whereat were Ly. Churchill (the Lady-in-Waiting), Mrs. Bruce, the Biddulphs, M. Holtzmann, and those already in the house, except Countess Blucher. Conversation flowed about the Princess and baby. It is wrapped up in cotton-wool, but thrives and is perfectly formed ; wd have been a very big child if it had waited the proper time. When the Queen arrived there were 7 doctors in the house who had all appeared on the scene just in time to be too late, except Brown, who came in for it all. The name was discussed after dinner ; is to be Albert-Victor, I believe (Albert ought to be Godfather !). Both names much too foreign, as one can't but think, in spite of one's love and veneration for the Queen and Prince.
—A little before 5 the Queen returned from Windsor, and what Granny says Miss Skerritt used to call a "general acceleration" seemed to me at once to be observable. Bustling footsteps, doors opening and shutting, the Lady-in-Waiting taking audible possession of the room next mine, unknown men cropping up in the corridor, and all the blazing liveries bursting out. I saw Prss. Helena, but no one else. Household dinner, whereat were Ly. Churchill (the Lady-in-Waiting), Mrs. Bruce, the Biddulphs, M. Holtzmann, and those already in the house, except Countess Blucher. Conversation flowed about the Princess and baby. It is wrapped up in cotton-wool, but thrives and is perfectly formed ; wd have been a very big child if it had waited the proper time. When the Queen arrived there were 7 doctors in the house who had all appeared on the scene just in time to be too late, except Brown, who came in for it all. The name was discussed after dinner ; is to be Albert-Victor, I believe (Albert ought to be Godfather !). Both names much too foreign, as one can't but think, in spite of one's love and veneration for the Queen and Prince.
11Jan1864, Pitying the Royals
Monday, January 11th, 1864.
—Grey and mild. Miss Bowater and I rode very pleasantly with Prss. Louise, I on a nice little horse called Claudio. I was got up regardless of expense in a splendid new Wehnerhausen habit, with the horrid fashionable swallow-tail, and a chimney-pot ! which was so good as to fly off. Prss. Louise spoke of her father more than once, and mentioned one thing which touched one much. Speaking of the trees he had planted, he said once to the Queen : "I shall never see my trees grow up." "0, why not ?" said the Queen. "You wd only be 60 ; that isn't so very old." "No," he repeated, "I shall never see them grow up." And Ly. Caroline said that he always knew, if he had a fever, that he shd never recover from it. I walked in the grounds after luncheon with the Prss., which was a little dull, especially as a new boot pinched me ; and I cd not help pitying all these Royal people who are never allowed to go out of their own domain, Miss B. and I during the ride raving of country-house visiting. "I should like it !" said the Prss., half hesitatingly. "Ah, that is one thing we are deprived of." Goodness ! life must be rather monotonous. Excellent accts again : and the Princess of Wales delights in her baby. Poor tiny infant, how little it guesses of its great future, supposing it is to live !
—Grey and mild. Miss Bowater and I rode very pleasantly with Prss. Louise, I on a nice little horse called Claudio. I was got up regardless of expense in a splendid new Wehnerhausen habit, with the horrid fashionable swallow-tail, and a chimney-pot ! which was so good as to fly off. Prss. Louise spoke of her father more than once, and mentioned one thing which touched one much. Speaking of the trees he had planted, he said once to the Queen : "I shall never see my trees grow up." "0, why not ?" said the Queen. "You wd only be 60 ; that isn't so very old." "No," he repeated, "I shall never see them grow up." And Ly. Caroline said that he always knew, if he had a fever, that he shd never recover from it. I walked in the grounds after luncheon with the Prss., which was a little dull, especially as a new boot pinched me ; and I cd not help pitying all these Royal people who are never allowed to go out of their own domain, Miss B. and I during the ride raving of country-house visiting. "I should like it !" said the Prss., half hesitatingly. "Ah, that is one thing we are deprived of." Goodness ! life must be rather monotonous. Excellent accts again : and the Princess of Wales delights in her baby. Poor tiny infant, how little it guesses of its great future, supposing it is to live !
10Jan1864, Missed Second Service
OSBORNE, 1st Sunday after Epiphany, January 10th, 1864.
—A complete thaw, rather damp and chilly. To my satisfaction, we all attended the whole service at Whippingham (except Prss. Hohenlohe) in the morning. The church is fantastic and of no definable style, but rather attractive ; music bad. Mr. Prothero preached on the Magi. Nobody went to church again, so I missed the 2nd service for the 1st time since I recovered from the fever. Was glad I brought Arnold's sermons, and Archb. Leighton with me ; but 0 dear, it doesn't feel much like Sunday. Had tea with Prss. Louise and Pr. Leopold. Evening diversified with ivory letters, as at Windsor.
—A complete thaw, rather damp and chilly. To my satisfaction, we all attended the whole service at Whippingham (except Prss. Hohenlohe) in the morning. The church is fantastic and of no definable style, but rather attractive ; music bad. Mr. Prothero preached on the Magi. Nobody went to church again, so I missed the 2nd service for the 1st time since I recovered from the fever. Was glad I brought Arnold's sermons, and Archb. Leighton with me ; but 0 dear, it doesn't feel much like Sunday. Had tea with Prss. Louise and Pr. Leopold. Evening diversified with ivory letters, as at Windsor.
09Jan1864, Second Waiting Begins
OSBORNE, Saturday, January 9th, 1864.
—I left Hampton Court at 9½ and got to London early enough to have another 20 minutes of M., which rejoiced my heart. And at George St. I heard the wonderful news of the Princess of Wales's premature confinement at Frogmore of a "fine boy," [FN: Afterwards the Duke of Clarence. Died 1892.] yesterday evening at 9 ! A seven-months child ; but so was George III, who certainly throve nevertheless. Astonishing to think of the Prince of Wales with a baby. My journey was successful, the crossing entirely peaceful and unruffled, and a regal conveyance met me at Cowes. To my relief, I was shown straight up to a sunny little room, where I was discussing some chicken, and had just paused to count a quantity of money into which I had changed a cheque, when, to my horror, in walked Princess Louise, and it's a wonder I did not precipitate £37 at her feet. She has an exceedingly pretty manner, like all the others, compounded of dignity and kindliness. The Queen and Princess Helena went to Windsor early ; and this evening the Queen sent a telegraph saying all was well, but the poor wee Prince very small, and no wonder. There were at dinner Miss Bowater (I don't exactly know in what capacity, but she is an intimate friend of Prince Leopold—I was glad to see somebody under 40 !), Ly. Caroline, Countess Blucher, and Col. Ponsonby ; and we dined with Princess Louise and Prss. Hohenlohe. The dinner was certainly sepulchral, but the evening much helped by Prss. Louise showing Miss Bowater and me her photographs, and laughing and talking gaily. I was delighted to see photographs of Princess Royal's trio, of whom Pr. William seems like her brothers, Prss. Charlotte like her, and Pr. Albert something too ugly. There was a little playing.
—I left Hampton Court at 9½ and got to London early enough to have another 20 minutes of M., which rejoiced my heart. And at George St. I heard the wonderful news of the Princess of Wales's premature confinement at Frogmore of a "fine boy," [FN: Afterwards the Duke of Clarence. Died 1892.] yesterday evening at 9 ! A seven-months child ; but so was George III, who certainly throve nevertheless. Astonishing to think of the Prince of Wales with a baby. My journey was successful, the crossing entirely peaceful and unruffled, and a regal conveyance met me at Cowes. To my relief, I was shown straight up to a sunny little room, where I was discussing some chicken, and had just paused to count a quantity of money into which I had changed a cheque, when, to my horror, in walked Princess Louise, and it's a wonder I did not precipitate £37 at her feet. She has an exceedingly pretty manner, like all the others, compounded of dignity and kindliness. The Queen and Princess Helena went to Windsor early ; and this evening the Queen sent a telegraph saying all was well, but the poor wee Prince very small, and no wonder. There were at dinner Miss Bowater (I don't exactly know in what capacity, but she is an intimate friend of Prince Leopold—I was glad to see somebody under 40 !), Ly. Caroline, Countess Blucher, and Col. Ponsonby ; and we dined with Princess Louise and Prss. Hohenlohe. The dinner was certainly sepulchral, but the evening much helped by Prss. Louise showing Miss Bowater and me her photographs, and laughing and talking gaily. I was delighted to see photographs of Princess Royal's trio, of whom Pr. William seems like her brothers, Prss. Charlotte like her, and Pr. Albert something too ugly. There was a little playing.
08Jan1864, Shopping for the Second Waiting
HAMPTON COURT, Friday, January 8th, 1864.
—Frost felt less severe. 0 such a scramble of shopums as I have gone through ! That kindest of people, At. Yaddy, took me up to London this morning (darling Va with us), and under her auspices I have bought velvet and cloth cloaks, a hat, flowers, a bonnet, boots and shoes, gloves, collars and cuffs, a canezon, a sealskin muff, a linsey petticoat, a set of jet, a buckle, a set of studs, a fan, a new gown, etc., etc.
—Frost felt less severe. 0 such a scramble of shopums as I have gone through ! That kindest of people, At. Yaddy, took me up to London this morning (darling Va with us), and under her auspices I have bought velvet and cloth cloaks, a hat, flowers, a bonnet, boots and shoes, gloves, collars and cuffs, a canezon, a sealskin muff, a linsey petticoat, a set of jet, a buckle, a set of studs, a fan, a new gown, etc., etc.
07Jan1864, Meriel's Third Baby
HAMPTON COURT, Thursday, January 7th, 1864.
— A commission or two, and then came the comfort and delight of driving to dear George St., going up to the baby's room, and having my 1st sight of her, hearing my old darling's voice calling me and finding her on her sofa in her pretty room, all warm and snug in the firelight : a picture of peace and brightness ! And such a delightful 2 hours of talk as followed : all my excitement and perturbation are stroked down ; Osborne itself puts on a less awful face ; for old Meriel has a calm good judgment and serenity about her that infect me. The baby is a decidedly improved version of George [FN: Mr. Justice Talbot.] at the same age, the same fair skin, shapely little head, and besides tiny taper hands ; but she is a great deal larger and has a prettier mouth. Of all dear couples George and Mary are certainly the dearest. He greeted me with the most beaming smiles and hugged me in his soft arms, knowing me perfectly but not coming out with my name for some time. His talk is ridiculously fluent, as is proper indeed for the eldest of three !—himself not 3, however, till June. He is a regular Talbot, both in looks and ways. I asked him if Xmas was gone. " It's not gone, it's come." On my becoming a horse for him to ride, he immediately became a tiger to jump upon me. When he was consulted as to the baby's name he at once suggested Bison.
— A commission or two, and then came the comfort and delight of driving to dear George St., going up to the baby's room, and having my 1st sight of her, hearing my old darling's voice calling me and finding her on her sofa in her pretty room, all warm and snug in the firelight : a picture of peace and brightness ! And such a delightful 2 hours of talk as followed : all my excitement and perturbation are stroked down ; Osborne itself puts on a less awful face ; for old Meriel has a calm good judgment and serenity about her that infect me. The baby is a decidedly improved version of George [FN: Mr. Justice Talbot.] at the same age, the same fair skin, shapely little head, and besides tiny taper hands ; but she is a great deal larger and has a prettier mouth. Of all dear couples George and Mary are certainly the dearest. He greeted me with the most beaming smiles and hugged me in his soft arms, knowing me perfectly but not coming out with my name for some time. His talk is ridiculously fluent, as is proper indeed for the eldest of three !—himself not 3, however, till June. He is a regular Talbot, both in looks and ways. I asked him if Xmas was gone. " It's not gone, it's come." On my becoming a horse for him to ride, he immediately became a tiger to jump upon me. When he was consulted as to the baby's name he at once suggested Bison.
06Jan1864, Dreading a Second Waiting
HAGLEY, Wednesday, January 6th, 1864. Epiphany.
—This good-bye to home is most disquieting, and fills me with every sort of anxiety and bewilderment. I dread Osborne very much—indeed I am altogether awed in looking forward ; and the one thing only can make me quiet-minded — "So long Thy Hand hath blessed me, sure it still will lead me on."
—This good-bye to home is most disquieting, and fills me with every sort of anxiety and bewilderment. I dread Osborne very much—indeed I am altogether awed in looking forward ; and the one thing only can make me quiet-minded — "So long Thy Hand hath blessed me, sure it still will lead me on."
Friday, January 02, 2009
31Dec1863, Looking Forward with Awe
HAGLEY, Thursday, December 31st, 1863.
— . . . Last come my happy visits at Chatsworth and Hawarden. There is much in my heart to make me thoughtful, and to give me a sort of awe, in looking forward ; and if it were not for my trust—a faithful trust, though so weak and blind—in the Heavenly Guidance, I shd be full of restlessness and excitement. And as it is, I fear I shall be, sooner or later. But the Love of God has shone round us all for many years, through the shadows, and all the bright sunshine : to Him I would leave all the coming time, "casting all care upon Him, for He careth for us."
— . . . Last come my happy visits at Chatsworth and Hawarden. There is much in my heart to make me thoughtful, and to give me a sort of awe, in looking forward ; and if it were not for my trust—a faithful trust, though so weak and blind—in the Heavenly Guidance, I shd be full of restlessness and excitement. And as it is, I fear I shall be, sooner or later. But the Love of God has shone round us all for many years, through the shadows, and all the bright sunshine : to Him I would leave all the coming time, "casting all care upon Him, for He careth for us."
26Dec1863, Hallelujah Chorus
HAGLEY, Saturday, December 26th, 1863. St. Stephen's Day.
—I had a famous ride to Kinver Edge with Spencer and Arthur. I rode the Maid, and jumped clean over a gap, successfully. Cong. 3. The girls, Albert, Nevy, and Spencer and I had the treat of going to Birmingham to hear the "Messiah," which was performed admirably, the solo singers being Sims Reeves, Winn, Mme Rudersdorf, and Julia Elton. It was the 1st time the girls had heard an oratorio, and great was their enjoyment. I do believe one's joy in listening to the Hallelujah Chorus brings one nearer to Heaven than any other joy which is not directly religious.
—I had a famous ride to Kinver Edge with Spencer and Arthur. I rode the Maid, and jumped clean over a gap, successfully. Cong. 3. The girls, Albert, Nevy, and Spencer and I had the treat of going to Birmingham to hear the "Messiah," which was performed admirably, the solo singers being Sims Reeves, Winn, Mme Rudersdorf, and Julia Elton. It was the 1st time the girls had heard an oratorio, and great was their enjoyment. I do believe one's joy in listening to the Hallelujah Chorus brings one nearer to Heaven than any other joy which is not directly religious.
23Dec1863, Swallows Seen
HAGLEY, Wednesday, December 23rd, 1863.
—Lovely and soft. A man writes word to the Times that he has seen swallows.
—Lovely and soft. A man writes word to the Times that he has seen swallows.
16Dec1863, Spade Makers Strike
HAGLEY, Wednesday, December 16th, 1863.
—They say it lightened early this morning. I wrote a long letter to M. Did district, where I found distress, owing to a strike among the spade makers. Sum-total I have collected there in the yr, mostly monthly pennies, 18s. 11½d.
—They say it lightened early this morning. I wrote a long letter to M. Did district, where I found distress, owing to a strike among the spade makers. Sum-total I have collected there in the yr, mostly monthly pennies, 18s. 11½d.
14Dec1863, Something of a Dream
HAGLEY, Monday, December 14th, 1863.
—Lovely and very mild. This day 2 years ago the Prince Consort died. A Times leading article takes the opportunity to give the poor Queen another of its numerous lectures about coming out again, as if two years of the most piteous and terrible of all widowhoods was too much to allow for mourning ! At the same time it is only fair to say that the tone was loyal and loving, and full of respect for the Prince's memory.
I feel in something of a dream.
—Lovely and very mild. This day 2 years ago the Prince Consort died. A Times leading article takes the opportunity to give the poor Queen another of its numerous lectures about coming out again, as if two years of the most piteous and terrible of all widowhoods was too much to allow for mourning ! At the same time it is only fair to say that the tone was loyal and loving, and full of respect for the Prince's memory.
I feel in something of a dream.
10Dec1863, A Most Delightful Ball
HAWARDEN, Thursday, December 10th, 1863.
—The most delightful ball I have ever had, beginning before 10, and ending after three. Asked to dance by Lds. Brabazon and F. Cavendish, Messrs. Tollemache, L'Estrange, Finch, Tracy, Ross, Stopford, Charles Robarts, Hugh Gladstone : and Aggie and I did Sir Roger.
—The most delightful ball I have ever had, beginning before 10, and ending after three. Asked to dance by Lds. Brabazon and F. Cavendish, Messrs. Tollemache, L'Estrange, Finch, Tracy, Ross, Stopford, Charles Robarts, Hugh Gladstone : and Aggie and I did Sir Roger.
09Dec1863, A Capital Little Dance
HAWARDEN, Wednesday, December 9th, 1863.
—A slight touch of frost. Arrived Ly. De Tabley and her 2 daughters, Ly. Louisa and the Miss Pennants, Ly. and Miss Seymour, Ld. Brabazon, Messrs. Tracy, L'Estrange, Stopford, Ross, Finch (the last 3 caught at Hagley by Atie. Pussy !), and then 2 Robertson Gladstone eldest sons. We had a capital little dance : I was asked by Messrs. Tollemache, L'Estrange, Hugh Gladstone, Ross, Stopford, Lds. F. Cavendish and Brabazon. Such was the number to-night that I went to evening church instead of to dinner ! to save space.
Odd subjects sometimes come uppermost when hardly to be expected : I have been discussing Church questions with Ld. F., and the end not justifying the means with Mr. Tollemache, in re charity balls and bazaars.
—A slight touch of frost. Arrived Ly. De Tabley and her 2 daughters, Ly. Louisa and the Miss Pennants, Ly. and Miss Seymour, Ld. Brabazon, Messrs. Tracy, L'Estrange, Stopford, Ross, Finch (the last 3 caught at Hagley by Atie. Pussy !), and then 2 Robertson Gladstone eldest sons. We had a capital little dance : I was asked by Messrs. Tollemache, L'Estrange, Hugh Gladstone, Ross, Stopford, Lds. F. Cavendish and Brabazon. Such was the number to-night that I went to evening church instead of to dinner ! to save space.
Odd subjects sometimes come uppermost when hardly to be expected : I have been discussing Church questions with Ld. F., and the end not justifying the means with Mr. Tollemache, in re charity balls and bazaars.
08Dec1863, A Visit from Ld. Frederic
HAWARDEN, Tuesday, December 8th, 1863.
—Same soft weather, turning to rain after luncheon. It was delicious walking to early church in the spring-like mildness. Breakfasted at the Rectory. Drove in the rain for an hour with Mrs. and Emily Mildmay and Agnes. Ld. Frederic came. Pleasant evening of whist. Mr. Tollemache,[FN: This, I think, must be Mr. Lionel Tollemache, author of "Talks with Mr. Gladstone," and other works.] though nearly blind and with a terrific stutter, is clever and can be agreeable.
—Same soft weather, turning to rain after luncheon. It was delicious walking to early church in the spring-like mildness. Breakfasted at the Rectory. Drove in the rain for an hour with Mrs. and Emily Mildmay and Agnes. Ld. Frederic came. Pleasant evening of whist. Mr. Tollemache,[FN: This, I think, must be Mr. Lionel Tollemache, author of "Talks with Mr. Gladstone," and other works.] though nearly blind and with a terrific stutter, is clever and can be agreeable.
07Dec1863, Leaving Chatsworth
HAWARDEN, December 7th, 1863.
—I left beautiful Chatsworth and all its nice kind people, at 9½.
—I left beautiful Chatsworth and all its nice kind people, at 9½.
05Dec1863, Viewing Hardwicke
CHATSWORTH, Saturday, December 5th, 1863.
—Stormy soft wind, with a good deal of small rain, and a beautiful sunset. Such a pleasant day ; Papa and I drove with the Duke and Ly. Louisa to Hardwicke where we spent 2 hours going over the wonderful old house : I wished for Tallee with her antiquarian tastes, and I do wish indeed for a head that would remember all the curious things. The drive there and back very enjoyable, in spite of boisterous wind and wet : Ly. L. and I capped verses coming home. Dinner pleasant, my neighbours being Lord Frederic and Mr. Ashby who are both nice.
—Stormy soft wind, with a good deal of small rain, and a beautiful sunset. Such a pleasant day ; Papa and I drove with the Duke and Ly. Louisa to Hardwicke where we spent 2 hours going over the wonderful old house : I wished for Tallee with her antiquarian tastes, and I do wish indeed for a head that would remember all the curious things. The drive there and back very enjoyable, in spite of boisterous wind and wet : Ly. L. and I capped verses coming home. Dinner pleasant, my neighbours being Lord Frederic and Mr. Ashby who are both nice.
04Dec1863, An Argument with Ld. Frederic
CHATSWORTH, Friday, December 4th, 1863.
—Fine, though grey. We came here, arriving about 12½. Saw nobody till luncheon time. Walked after luncheon very pleasantly to the rabbit-warren, whence the view was lovely, lit up with a sort of sunless brightness. Found a number of gentlemen shooting there. At dinner I got into an argument with Ld. Frederic Cavendish on the Church, which excited and interested me. I don't think I was wrong, as I did not introduce the topic on purpose ; but I wish I had been somebody who cd have convinced him !
Round game. There are here the Duke and Ly. Louisa, Ld. F. and Ld. Edward, Mr. and Ly. Fanny Howard and their 2 daughters, Ld. and Ly. George Cavendish, and their daughter, lately married to Mr. A. Egerton, Ly. Caroline Lascelles and her 3 daughters, of whom Emma [FN: Afterwards Lady Edward Cavendish ; mother of the present Duke of Devonshire.] is a new Maid-of-Honour like me, with her 1st waiting, however, still to come.
—Fine, though grey. We came here, arriving about 12½. Saw nobody till luncheon time. Walked after luncheon very pleasantly to the rabbit-warren, whence the view was lovely, lit up with a sort of sunless brightness. Found a number of gentlemen shooting there. At dinner I got into an argument with Ld. Frederic Cavendish on the Church, which excited and interested me. I don't think I was wrong, as I did not introduce the topic on purpose ; but I wish I had been somebody who cd have convinced him !
Round game. There are here the Duke and Ly. Louisa, Ld. F. and Ld. Edward, Mr. and Ly. Fanny Howard and their 2 daughters, Ld. and Ly. George Cavendish, and their daughter, lately married to Mr. A. Egerton, Ly. Caroline Lascelles and her 3 daughters, of whom Emma [FN: Afterwards Lady Edward Cavendish ; mother of the present Duke of Devonshire.] is a new Maid-of-Honour like me, with her 1st waiting, however, still to come.
03Dec1863, Stranded in Derby
RAILWAY HOTEL, DERBY, Thursday, December 3rd, 1863.
—A day of adventures. First, such a hurricane of wind in the night as I have never heard, which only subsided a little in the day to rise again in the evening. Results in the park were two trees on Prince's Hill, one huge bough near the church and another in the avenue, and a fine chestnut in the shrubbery blown down. The morning I spent peacefully enough, entering the names in the club book for next year ; church, letters, etc. At 2½ set off with Gielen and Rowe, bound for Derby where Papa was to meet us at 6.20 and go on with us to Chatsworth. We got to Dudley with nothing more exciting to remark than the unfortunate station shed at Brettel Lane blown down upon its back. But on leaving Dudley my griefs began. First, Gielen bothered me with a disagreeable bit of abigailums [FN: Talk about servants' affairs.] ; squabbles between her and Ellen, which led, by the bye, to the latter giving me warning immediately after Prayers this morning. After Gielen had said her unpleasant say, I begged her to hold her tongue (not in those words), and morne silence prevailed for some time. Darkness fell, and we stopped dead for more than an hour at some horrible junction on the Dudley side of Burton, while the wind took the opportunity of howling wildly, accompanied by hail which encrusted the windows. The upshot was that we got to Derby at 7.40 instead of 6.20. No Papa ! And there we sat till past 10, waiting for the last London train—which never came in. At that hour into the waiting-room marched a maukin, with a telegram directing me to go to Chesterfield by the 8.15 train ! This delay was caused by the blowing down of the telegraph wires. Nothing now remained to me but to come here, and order dinner and beds. And I was comfortably writing this account of the day's proceedings, when Papa himself turned up, furious with the telegraph ; mutual explanations took place, and now bed, 0 bed !
—A day of adventures. First, such a hurricane of wind in the night as I have never heard, which only subsided a little in the day to rise again in the evening. Results in the park were two trees on Prince's Hill, one huge bough near the church and another in the avenue, and a fine chestnut in the shrubbery blown down. The morning I spent peacefully enough, entering the names in the club book for next year ; church, letters, etc. At 2½ set off with Gielen and Rowe, bound for Derby where Papa was to meet us at 6.20 and go on with us to Chatsworth. We got to Dudley with nothing more exciting to remark than the unfortunate station shed at Brettel Lane blown down upon its back. But on leaving Dudley my griefs began. First, Gielen bothered me with a disagreeable bit of abigailums [FN: Talk about servants' affairs.] ; squabbles between her and Ellen, which led, by the bye, to the latter giving me warning immediately after Prayers this morning. After Gielen had said her unpleasant say, I begged her to hold her tongue (not in those words), and morne silence prevailed for some time. Darkness fell, and we stopped dead for more than an hour at some horrible junction on the Dudley side of Burton, while the wind took the opportunity of howling wildly, accompanied by hail which encrusted the windows. The upshot was that we got to Derby at 7.40 instead of 6.20. No Papa ! And there we sat till past 10, waiting for the last London train—which never came in. At that hour into the waiting-room marched a maukin, with a telegram directing me to go to Chesterfield by the 8.15 train ! This delay was caused by the blowing down of the telegraph wires. Nothing now remained to me but to come here, and order dinner and beds. And I was comfortably writing this account of the day's proceedings, when Papa himself turned up, furious with the telegraph ; mutual explanations took place, and now bed, 0 bed !
30Nov1863, A Weary Evening
WITLEY, Monday, November 30th, 1863.
—I joined Papa at the station at 4 and came here with him. Find here Ld. Dudley, Mrs. Ward, her two very pretty daughters, Major Anson, and other gentlemen. A weary evening consisting of an hr and ¼'s waiting, then a long-drawn-out silent dinner, then sitting up till nearly 12½ , playing at a feeble sort of bowls! Our long drive from Kidderm St. was the pleasantest part, Papa and I having much to talk about.
—I joined Papa at the station at 4 and came here with him. Find here Ld. Dudley, Mrs. Ward, her two very pretty daughters, Major Anson, and other gentlemen. A weary evening consisting of an hr and ¼'s waiting, then a long-drawn-out silent dinner, then sitting up till nearly 12½ , playing at a feeble sort of bowls! Our long drive from Kidderm St. was the pleasantest part, Papa and I having much to talk about.
28Nov1863, Spring
Saturday, November 28th, 1863.
—Lovely. Newmany has brought me a bunch of big fragrant violets ; the pear blossoms (misguided creatures) are coming out ; and the other day we shot wild geranium and a harebell in the hedge, not to speak of light green fern. The very words breathe of spring.
—Lovely. Newmany has brought me a bunch of big fragrant violets ; the pear blossoms (misguided creatures) are coming out ; and the other day we shot wild geranium and a harebell in the hedge, not to speak of light green fern. The very words breathe of spring.
25Nov1863, The Homeless Poor
Wednesday, November 25th, 1863.
—Papers talk about the homeless poor, but nothing effectual is ever done : a poor man died of sheer starvation the other day.
—Papers talk about the homeless poor, but nothing effectual is ever done : a poor man died of sheer starvation the other day.
21Nov1863, Billiards
HAGLEY, Saturday, November 21st, 1863.
—Rained with few intervals all day : about 3.20 there was a hurricane of hail. At. E. turned up at 1 for an inauguration game of billiards on the newly cloth'd table in the hall, in which I made the 1st stroke, while she won the game. Billiards, Quartets, "Romeo and Juliet" with the girls.
—Rained with few intervals all day : about 3.20 there was a hurricane of hail. At. E. turned up at 1 for an inauguration game of billiards on the newly cloth'd table in the hall, in which I made the 1st stroke, while she won the game. Billiards, Quartets, "Romeo and Juliet" with the girls.
16Nov1863, Godley's Letters From America
HAGLEY, Monday, November 16th, 1863.
—I am reading Mr. Godley's letters to Mr. Adderley with gt interest : there is one in '43, treating of the terrible state of things then—misery of the working classes, and luxury of the upper—which anticipates, as if no one cd be surprised at such a result, an outbreak like the Fr. revolution : and which finds comfort in the Church movement then beginning to make way, as a counteracting and energetic principle opposed to the evils of the time. And to think that we have weathered the storm ! It gives one courage to face all the new and different dangers which are now around us. "Though I am sometime afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee," are words which true Religion and Loyalty might—and do, I think—take for their motto. There must be mighty prayers shielding our country, and much faith and love leavening it, or there could not be in it such life and earnestness working among all its terrible sin and darkness.
—I am reading Mr. Godley's letters to Mr. Adderley with gt interest : there is one in '43, treating of the terrible state of things then—misery of the working classes, and luxury of the upper—which anticipates, as if no one cd be surprised at such a result, an outbreak like the Fr. revolution : and which finds comfort in the Church movement then beginning to make way, as a counteracting and energetic principle opposed to the evils of the time. And to think that we have weathered the storm ! It gives one courage to face all the new and different dangers which are now around us. "Though I am sometime afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee," are words which true Religion and Loyalty might—and do, I think—take for their motto. There must be mighty prayers shielding our country, and much faith and love leavening it, or there could not be in it such life and earnestness working among all its terrible sin and darkness.
07Nov1863, Sounds Distsurb Unprotected Females
HAGLEY, Saturday, November 7th, 1863.
—A great deal of drizzle, but rather a pleasant mild afternoon. Abberley the deepest purple. We had a little fright last night to break into the monotony of life. Hearing mysterious sounds, as of knocking at a shutter, and steps on the gravel under my window at 11½ , I called up Newmany, and she called up Shirtliffe, and both called up Jane Brown, who was attired in the most astonishing huge frilled mob-cap. A footman upstairs was sought for in vain, so the 1st-mentioned trio of witches prowled down the wooden stairs, and by dint of 5 or 6 peals at the drawing-room bell, we elicited a response from William, who appeared dimly in the distance on Elly's stairs, and protests he had heard nothing, knew of nothing, and nothing was to be found. So we all went back to bed again, rather flat and very cold. This morning I solemnly summoned William, and soon the cat came out of the bag. "To tell the truth, Ma'am, I had been out smoking a pipe of tobacco !" and he was the tapper at the pantry window, at 11 he says ; but I maintain at 11½ , the doors being then all locked. I next had a pompous interview with Herbert and begged him to let a man sleep upstairs, while we are a set of unprotected females ; and he will restrict William and his pipe to more respectable hours. Peace then resumed her sway.
—A great deal of drizzle, but rather a pleasant mild afternoon. Abberley the deepest purple. We had a little fright last night to break into the monotony of life. Hearing mysterious sounds, as of knocking at a shutter, and steps on the gravel under my window at 11½ , I called up Newmany, and she called up Shirtliffe, and both called up Jane Brown, who was attired in the most astonishing huge frilled mob-cap. A footman upstairs was sought for in vain, so the 1st-mentioned trio of witches prowled down the wooden stairs, and by dint of 5 or 6 peals at the drawing-room bell, we elicited a response from William, who appeared dimly in the distance on Elly's stairs, and protests he had heard nothing, knew of nothing, and nothing was to be found. So we all went back to bed again, rather flat and very cold. This morning I solemnly summoned William, and soon the cat came out of the bag. "To tell the truth, Ma'am, I had been out smoking a pipe of tobacco !" and he was the tapper at the pantry window, at 11 he says ; but I maintain at 11½ , the doors being then all locked. I next had a pompous interview with Herbert and begged him to let a man sleep upstairs, while we are a set of unprotected females ; and he will restrict William and his pipe to more respectable hours. Peace then resumed her sway.
03Nov1863, The Servants' Ball
HAGLEY, Tuesday, November 3rd, 1863.
— Grim weather. A splendid servants' ball, to which came Stourbridge tradespeople and Hagley farmers, ended our week's doings ; and perhaps was the merriest and most spirited thing of all. The only drawback, but 0 dear, it was a great one, was dear old Elly knocking up this very day, and having to go to bed ; so that she missed the servants' ball for the 1st time. Charles had to go down the middle with Gielen, which was very flat. But great was the fun. I had Herbert ; Lavinia, Rowe ; May, Robson ; Edward, Shirtliffe ; Alfred, Jane Brown ; Johnny Mooreman ; Miss Merlet, Stephens ! In Sir Roger it was pretty to see Charles lift up Alfred that the couples might duck under his little arm. Before supper, Papa made them all a little speech, thanking them warmly for all their good feeling and heartiness. This seems to have delighted them all extremely : 3 cheers followed and another ("and a good one too") for Charles, and then the "Fine Old English Gentleman," Stephens solo, everybody chorus, and fiddle obbligato. Papa having incautiously said he hoped they wd stay as long as it suited them, we heard they kept it up till 6½ ! and many of our servants didn't go to bed at all. Great was the enthusiasm for Papa and Charles, as Newmany told us afterwards, and altogether it puts another warm bit of gratification into one's heart.
— Grim weather. A splendid servants' ball, to which came Stourbridge tradespeople and Hagley farmers, ended our week's doings ; and perhaps was the merriest and most spirited thing of all. The only drawback, but 0 dear, it was a great one, was dear old Elly knocking up this very day, and having to go to bed ; so that she missed the servants' ball for the 1st time. Charles had to go down the middle with Gielen, which was very flat. But great was the fun. I had Herbert ; Lavinia, Rowe ; May, Robson ; Edward, Shirtliffe ; Alfred, Jane Brown ; Johnny Mooreman ; Miss Merlet, Stephens ! In Sir Roger it was pretty to see Charles lift up Alfred that the couples might duck under his little arm. Before supper, Papa made them all a little speech, thanking them warmly for all their good feeling and heartiness. This seems to have delighted them all extremely : 3 cheers followed and another ("and a good one too") for Charles, and then the "Fine Old English Gentleman," Stephens solo, everybody chorus, and fiddle obbligato. Papa having incautiously said he hoped they wd stay as long as it suited them, we heard they kept it up till 6½ ! and many of our servants didn't go to bed at all. Great was the enthusiasm for Papa and Charles, as Newmany told us afterwards, and altogether it puts another warm bit of gratification into one's heart.
02Nov1863, A Dinnery Given by the Gentry
HAGLEY, Monday, November 2nd, 1863.
—Alas, alas, exeunt Granny, At. Coque, and Ly. Estcourt. Granny has been here 4 months, with a short interval. A dinner was given to Papa and Ch. by the gentry, which was as successful as everything else, only poor old Charles at last made one recollect that it was his 7th speech on the subject, and hesitated a little ; but ended well with some pretty words about his love for the place and neighbourhood. "The retired medical man," who has been all along beside himself with enthusiasm, was there, clapping fervently. On its being suggested that "the ladies" ought to have some wine, he flew up to me with a glass of claret, and such were his feelings that he could utter nothing but "I hope . . ." Mike Grazebrook was in the chair, and spoke at some length quite remarkably well and strikingly. Old John, at a moment's warning, had to propose the Army, Navy, Yeomanry, and Volunteers, and did it capitally. As we came home, we found, to our grief, that one of the fine old avenue elms had been blown down right across the road, and indeed the wind has been tremendous. Granny's health was drunk, Papa returning thanks beautifully.
—Alas, alas, exeunt Granny, At. Coque, and Ly. Estcourt. Granny has been here 4 months, with a short interval. A dinner was given to Papa and Ch. by the gentry, which was as successful as everything else, only poor old Charles at last made one recollect that it was his 7th speech on the subject, and hesitated a little ; but ended well with some pretty words about his love for the place and neighbourhood. "The retired medical man," who has been all along beside himself with enthusiasm, was there, clapping fervently. On its being suggested that "the ladies" ought to have some wine, he flew up to me with a glass of claret, and such were his feelings that he could utter nothing but "I hope . . ." Mike Grazebrook was in the chair, and spoke at some length quite remarkably well and strikingly. Old John, at a moment's warning, had to propose the Army, Navy, Yeomanry, and Volunteers, and did it capitally. As we came home, we found, to our grief, that one of the fine old avenue elms had been blown down right across the road, and indeed the wind has been tremendous. Granny's health was drunk, Papa returning thanks beautifully.
01Nov1863, Mad Hypotheses
HAGLEY, November 1st, 1863. All Saints' Day, 22nd Sunday after Trinity.
—This was a day of real peace after all our happy but exciting and overpowering week. Dear Sunday comes like a chime of bells over all the bustle of life, with its "sweet thoughts of peace." Uncle B. preached on All Saints, Mr. Stayner on being good. Having a remarkable croak in my voice which reached its climax a day or two back, I had no class, and much enjoyed the leisure. At dinner Ly. Estcourt gave vent to the following singular remark : "If my mother had been a boy, and if I had been a boy, I shd have been Lord Lyttelton !" Which led to a great many mad hypotheses of the same nature.
—This was a day of real peace after all our happy but exciting and overpowering week. Dear Sunday comes like a chime of bells over all the bustle of life, with its "sweet thoughts of peace." Uncle B. preached on All Saints, Mr. Stayner on being good. Having a remarkable croak in my voice which reached its climax a day or two back, I had no class, and much enjoyed the leisure. At dinner Ly. Estcourt gave vent to the following singular remark : "If my mother had been a boy, and if I had been a boy, I shd have been Lord Lyttelton !" Which led to a great many mad hypotheses of the same nature.
30Oct1863, The Tenants' Dinner
HAGLEY, Friday, October 30th, 1863.
— Weather howled again all night and nearly all day. Addresses have poured in-50 tenants dined at the Arms, Papa and Charles Mathews, etc., spoke : M., girls, J., and I came in for a little while to hear them. Charles wisely took the facetious line, as it was plain enough the stolid party wd have been entirely unmoved by any expressions of feeling. As it was, some of them laughed till they were purple, when he said his knowledge of farming consisted chiefly in his being aware that when turnips were good the partridges lay better in them, and that when fences were well kept, he found wounded birds in them the sooner, and was less likely to tumble off when riding at them. The cheers were famous. A great melting away of guests took place, none being left but Lady Estcourt.
— Weather howled again all night and nearly all day. Addresses have poured in-50 tenants dined at the Arms, Papa and Charles Mathews, etc., spoke : M., girls, J., and I came in for a little while to hear them. Charles wisely took the facetious line, as it was plain enough the stolid party wd have been entirely unmoved by any expressions of feeling. As it was, some of them laughed till they were purple, when he said his knowledge of farming consisted chiefly in his being aware that when turnips were good the partridges lay better in them, and that when fences were well kept, he found wounded birds in them the sooner, and was less likely to tumble off when riding at them. The cheers were famous. A great melting away of guests took place, none being left but Lady Estcourt.
29Oct1863, A Gentlemen's Dinner
HAGLEY, Thursday, October 29th, 1863.
—The kind weather, which I do think I shall never abuse again, having done all that could be expected of it, and more, naturally gave way to its feelings to-day, and we had a most astonishing howl of wind and rain nearly all the morning. But nothing happened to-day except a highly successful and delightful dinner at Halesowen, to which went all the gentlemen except Lord Wenlock and Ralph Neville, who stayed at home and squired us. They all came home about 11½ in tremendous spirits, everyone having spoken, except John ; Albert returned thanks for Granny ! Uncle W. excelled himself, and was full of praise of Charles' speech (saying he had the making of a good speaker, which I note down for the benefit of futurity) ; Mr. Ross and Ld. J. Hervey both spoke capitally ; in short all was charming. To-day went away Braybrooks, and Ric., I think.
—The kind weather, which I do think I shall never abuse again, having done all that could be expected of it, and more, naturally gave way to its feelings to-day, and we had a most astonishing howl of wind and rain nearly all the morning. But nothing happened to-day except a highly successful and delightful dinner at Halesowen, to which went all the gentlemen except Lord Wenlock and Ralph Neville, who stayed at home and squired us. They all came home about 11½ in tremendous spirits, everyone having spoken, except John ; Albert returned thanks for Granny ! Uncle W. excelled himself, and was full of praise of Charles' speech (saying he had the making of a good speaker, which I note down for the benefit of futurity) ; Mr. Ross and Ld. J. Hervey both spoke capitally ; in short all was charming. To-day went away Braybrooks, and Ric., I think.
28Oct1863, More Celebrations
HAGLEY, Wednesday, October 28th, 1863. SS. Simon and Jude.
—Old Nevy's birthday ; like Charles, he spends it at home for the 1st time since he went to school, 10 years ago. The weather was exactly what one wanted ; bright and pleasant, with gleams of sunshine breaking out. Breakfast was rather promiscuous, between 10 and 11, everybody appeared in high spirits, and delighted with last night's success. Church at 11½, with about 40 people ! which was very nice to see, after a ball.
The labourers' dinner, which included all, in and out of the parish, who work for tenants, was at 1. 250 men were the numbers. Capn. Wolrige spoke very well, proposing C.'s health, and presented an excellent address, signed by nearly all the parish : Chs. responded in another excellent little speech, and thanked good old Dilworth for a splendid basket of fruit. Then Uncle Wm. got up to give Papa's health, which he did most beautifully, speaking of the one terrible shadow over all this joyful time ; Papa's answer dwelt upon it for a little while in a way that moved and overcame me indeed ! but I was so glad that her dear name was not left out at such a time as this, when the longing for her presence—for her to be there if only once to smile upon her boy whom she wd have been so proud of —was so deep in one's heart. The one thing wanting : surely meant to draw our thoughts upward where she is, and remind us of the better things, when we might be rejoicing overmuch in all this earthly pride and happiness. Oh, darling Mammie, you may have looked down upon him ! you may have been praying for him with the pure prayer of those who are with Christ !
After this, all went to the park for games, which were very successful, and then came the poor women's tea, most comfortable, amusing, and satisfactory. Great was the delight when Uncle William dandled a twarly Meredith twin, and made it quite good ; also my telling them all they were each to drink 10 cups of tea was reckoned an excellent joke. Kind At. Yaddy and I marched off to the lodge with a jug of tea, 4 pieces of cake, 6 (I think) bits of bread and butter, about 8 slices of meat and 13 lumps of sugar, for Mary Page and Widow Read, who couldn't get to the Arms. Fire balloons and red and blue lights came off at night, and the perron (the hideousness of whose ball-awning was quite made up for by evergreens, flowers, and flags) looked lovely with innumerable little lamps. Our huge horse-shoe dinner went off with éclat, as did the evening spent in the hall and billiard-room, enlivened by At. Y's singing. I gave old Nevy a print, at sight of which he fell on my neck with a burst of affection !
—Old Nevy's birthday ; like Charles, he spends it at home for the 1st time since he went to school, 10 years ago. The weather was exactly what one wanted ; bright and pleasant, with gleams of sunshine breaking out. Breakfast was rather promiscuous, between 10 and 11, everybody appeared in high spirits, and delighted with last night's success. Church at 11½, with about 40 people ! which was very nice to see, after a ball.
The labourers' dinner, which included all, in and out of the parish, who work for tenants, was at 1. 250 men were the numbers. Capn. Wolrige spoke very well, proposing C.'s health, and presented an excellent address, signed by nearly all the parish : Chs. responded in another excellent little speech, and thanked good old Dilworth for a splendid basket of fruit. Then Uncle Wm. got up to give Papa's health, which he did most beautifully, speaking of the one terrible shadow over all this joyful time ; Papa's answer dwelt upon it for a little while in a way that moved and overcame me indeed ! but I was so glad that her dear name was not left out at such a time as this, when the longing for her presence—for her to be there if only once to smile upon her boy whom she wd have been so proud of —was so deep in one's heart. The one thing wanting : surely meant to draw our thoughts upward where she is, and remind us of the better things, when we might be rejoicing overmuch in all this earthly pride and happiness. Oh, darling Mammie, you may have looked down upon him ! you may have been praying for him with the pure prayer of those who are with Christ !
After this, all went to the park for games, which were very successful, and then came the poor women's tea, most comfortable, amusing, and satisfactory. Great was the delight when Uncle William dandled a twarly Meredith twin, and made it quite good ; also my telling them all they were each to drink 10 cups of tea was reckoned an excellent joke. Kind At. Yaddy and I marched off to the lodge with a jug of tea, 4 pieces of cake, 6 (I think) bits of bread and butter, about 8 slices of meat and 13 lumps of sugar, for Mary Page and Widow Read, who couldn't get to the Arms. Fire balloons and red and blue lights came off at night, and the perron (the hideousness of whose ball-awning was quite made up for by evergreens, flowers, and flags) looked lovely with innumerable little lamps. Our huge horse-shoe dinner went off with éclat, as did the evening spent in the hall and billiard-room, enlivened by At. Y's singing. I gave old Nevy a print, at sight of which he fell on my neck with a burst of affection !
Thursday, January 01, 2009
27Oct1863, Charles Turns 21
HAGLEY, Tuesday, October 27th, 1863.
—A red-letter day, adding to the many that shine out at intervals through my life. Not that it was by any means a day of unmixed enjoyment ; on the contrary, I don't think I began really to enjoy myself (such was one's anxiety) till after midnight ! But it was a day of deep thankfulness, and awakened bright hopes for the future. The events that happened to mark dear old Charles' birthday were guns fired early in the morning ; a procession of the school with garlands and flags to the back of the house, where they sung, and an address to Papa was read by Stephens ; wine and cake were given to all the children at the school ; and finally a ball given to all the county (about 500), including the Duc and Duchesse d'Aumale and the Prince de Condé. We received in the hall and the billiard-room : danced in the gallery and drawing-room : supper in the dining-room, tea in the library, Papa's two rooms cloakrooms. There arrived to-day Wenlocks, Braybrookes, Neville Grenvilles, Mrs. Charles Robartes, and, to sleep in the village, Lord John Manners, Ld. John Hervey, Messrs. C. and H. Wynne, Ross (the gt rifle shot), Stopford Selfe and Stewart. Also C. Robartes slept out. At the school was Charles's first speech, my first time of hearing him : his opening sentence was enough to relieve one's fright as to how he wd do it. It was really perfect : simple and to the point, forgetting no one, and just the right length. One word about Papa my wretched head has managed to retain. After saying something of desire to be like him, "not that I can hope to emulate him, for who could?" The simplicity of this made it so much better than a long compliment. After this had ended with tremendous cheers from all the children, some of us went to church, where the Psalms for the day spoke to one's feelings at the time, as they always do in every marked circumstance of life. The 126th, 127th, and 128th psalms put into words all that could come into one's heart about Papa, and left one with a happy trust that the blessings there spoken of would long be his. "Blessed are all they that fear the Lord, and walk in His ways."
The monster dinner of 38 people came off at six : we had to sit round the room at a horseshoe table ! In the middle of it arrived the Wenlocks ; about 9½ the guests began to arrive ; old Meriel helped me to receive them, and looked so handsome in her lace. The Royal people came early, and were established on a little dais opposite the fireplace in the gallery. The Duc was exceedingly gracious and pleasant : in the first Quadrille he and I danced, Charles with the Duchesse vis-à-vis ; the Prince de Conde proved to be very pleasant and conversible too ; talked a good deal about his dislike of having to go for his "stoodees to ze continent," and so missing the season ; and announced that he was quite an Englishman, except as to politics. "How should I be elsewise ?" I couldn't help thinking his English might have been a little less unmistakably French, therefore ! Till supper, I was a little unhappy : the room grew terribly hot and the crowd certainly was ; but everybody seemed exceedingly jovial. We went in state to supper at 12 ; the Royalties had a round table apart under the middle window, where was a small platform. Papa, At. Yaddy, Granny, Atie. P. , and I sat down with them and I suppose about 200 people squeezed into the room, the rest remaining in the drawing-room, and as many as possible in the doorway. In progress of time, the Duke mounted the platform and made an excellent speech proposing Charles's health, very fluent and graceful, in spite of the strongest French accent ; and then dear old Charles got up, and stood for some minutes while everybody cheered him. He did look grand, with his face softened by feeling, and a little paler than usual. He spoke slowly, especially when what he said moved them, and there was a manly modesty about his manner that went straight to one's heart. He thanked them all most heartily, and then dwelt really beautifully on how he felt that he owed their kindness entirely to their love for Papa, reserving nothing for himself, and how he knew he cd say nothing stronger than that he hoped to follow his example. Spoke of hoping soon to know them all, and of always remembering their kindness. Oh dear ! if I cd but remember it all ! It was such real happiness to hear him give expression to such deep and true feeling : I always instinctively felt that he had it in his heart, but his reserve is so great that he has hardly ever spoken out anything of the sort, and now to hear him say he rejoiced to be able "thus publically and emphatically" to express his sense of all Papa's example was to him, and his hope that he should prove himself not altogether unworthy of it, was an overpowering joy to me. . . . I went out of the room with a light heart indeed ! but had a blow in missing Papa's speech, which was unexpected, Ld. Dudley giving his health after we had marched out. It was beautiful, all say who heard it. The last guests got away about 1/4 4, and the happy, successful end of everything rubbed out all the previous anxieties, and I can only repeat that it was a red-letter day.
—A red-letter day, adding to the many that shine out at intervals through my life. Not that it was by any means a day of unmixed enjoyment ; on the contrary, I don't think I began really to enjoy myself (such was one's anxiety) till after midnight ! But it was a day of deep thankfulness, and awakened bright hopes for the future. The events that happened to mark dear old Charles' birthday were guns fired early in the morning ; a procession of the school with garlands and flags to the back of the house, where they sung, and an address to Papa was read by Stephens ; wine and cake were given to all the children at the school ; and finally a ball given to all the county (about 500), including the Duc and Duchesse d'Aumale and the Prince de Condé. We received in the hall and the billiard-room : danced in the gallery and drawing-room : supper in the dining-room, tea in the library, Papa's two rooms cloakrooms. There arrived to-day Wenlocks, Braybrookes, Neville Grenvilles, Mrs. Charles Robartes, and, to sleep in the village, Lord John Manners, Ld. John Hervey, Messrs. C. and H. Wynne, Ross (the gt rifle shot), Stopford Selfe and Stewart. Also C. Robartes slept out. At the school was Charles's first speech, my first time of hearing him : his opening sentence was enough to relieve one's fright as to how he wd do it. It was really perfect : simple and to the point, forgetting no one, and just the right length. One word about Papa my wretched head has managed to retain. After saying something of desire to be like him, "not that I can hope to emulate him, for who could?" The simplicity of this made it so much better than a long compliment. After this had ended with tremendous cheers from all the children, some of us went to church, where the Psalms for the day spoke to one's feelings at the time, as they always do in every marked circumstance of life. The 126th, 127th, and 128th psalms put into words all that could come into one's heart about Papa, and left one with a happy trust that the blessings there spoken of would long be his. "Blessed are all they that fear the Lord, and walk in His ways."
The monster dinner of 38 people came off at six : we had to sit round the room at a horseshoe table ! In the middle of it arrived the Wenlocks ; about 9½ the guests began to arrive ; old Meriel helped me to receive them, and looked so handsome in her lace. The Royal people came early, and were established on a little dais opposite the fireplace in the gallery. The Duc was exceedingly gracious and pleasant : in the first Quadrille he and I danced, Charles with the Duchesse vis-à-vis ; the Prince de Conde proved to be very pleasant and conversible too ; talked a good deal about his dislike of having to go for his "stoodees to ze continent," and so missing the season ; and announced that he was quite an Englishman, except as to politics. "How should I be elsewise ?" I couldn't help thinking his English might have been a little less unmistakably French, therefore ! Till supper, I was a little unhappy : the room grew terribly hot and the crowd certainly was ; but everybody seemed exceedingly jovial. We went in state to supper at 12 ; the Royalties had a round table apart under the middle window, where was a small platform. Papa, At. Yaddy, Granny, Atie. P. , and I sat down with them and I suppose about 200 people squeezed into the room, the rest remaining in the drawing-room, and as many as possible in the doorway. In progress of time, the Duke mounted the platform and made an excellent speech proposing Charles's health, very fluent and graceful, in spite of the strongest French accent ; and then dear old Charles got up, and stood for some minutes while everybody cheered him. He did look grand, with his face softened by feeling, and a little paler than usual. He spoke slowly, especially when what he said moved them, and there was a manly modesty about his manner that went straight to one's heart. He thanked them all most heartily, and then dwelt really beautifully on how he felt that he owed their kindness entirely to their love for Papa, reserving nothing for himself, and how he knew he cd say nothing stronger than that he hoped to follow his example. Spoke of hoping soon to know them all, and of always remembering their kindness. Oh dear ! if I cd but remember it all ! It was such real happiness to hear him give expression to such deep and true feeling : I always instinctively felt that he had it in his heart, but his reserve is so great that he has hardly ever spoken out anything of the sort, and now to hear him say he rejoiced to be able "thus publically and emphatically" to express his sense of all Papa's example was to him, and his hope that he should prove himself not altogether unworthy of it, was an overpowering joy to me. . . . I went out of the room with a light heart indeed ! but had a blow in missing Papa's speech, which was unexpected, Ld. Dudley giving his health after we had marched out. It was beautiful, all say who heard it. The last guests got away about 1/4 4, and the happy, successful end of everything rubbed out all the previous anxieties, and I can only repeat that it was a red-letter day.
26Oct1863, Mrs. Gladstone in Mama's Room
HAGLEY, Monday, October 26th, 1863.
—Raw yellow fog. Ld. George and Ric. Quin, Atie. P. and Agnes, Uncles Stephen and Henry and the 5 boys came. I stayed in to get rid of the end of my cold. Ld. George [FN: Lord George Quin married Lady Georgiana Spencer, sister of Sarah, Lady Lyttelton.] has never been here since before Meriel's birth.
Atie. Pussy is in the dear room, never used till now since the night when our darling [FN: Lady Frederick's mother, Lady Lyttelton.] rested there in her arms and then passed to the blessed repose of the Everlasting Arms.
—Raw yellow fog. Ld. George and Ric. Quin, Atie. P. and Agnes, Uncles Stephen and Henry and the 5 boys came. I stayed in to get rid of the end of my cold. Ld. George [FN: Lord George Quin married Lady Georgiana Spencer, sister of Sarah, Lady Lyttelton.] has never been here since before Meriel's birth.
Atie. Pussy is in the dear room, never used till now since the night when our darling [FN: Lady Frederick's mother, Lady Lyttelton.] rested there in her arms and then passed to the blessed repose of the Everlasting Arms.
23Oct1863, A walk with Aunt Yaddy
HAGLEY, Friday, October 23rd, 1863.
—Slight morning frost, but became very mild : a profoundly still, hazy day. I walked with At. Y. (Adelaide Seymour) We were audience to two splendid triumphal arches in the avenue.
—Slight morning frost, but became very mild : a profoundly still, hazy day. I walked with At. Y. (Adelaide Seymour) We were audience to two splendid triumphal arches in the avenue.
19Oct1863, More Preparations
HAGLEY, Monday, October 19th, 1863.
—Most delightfully soft and warm, though cloudy all day. I went to Birmingham, after oilcloth, satin shoes, blotting-books, winter jackets for the girls, and a print for Nevy. The gallery floor begins to assume a lovely light toffee hue, by dint of rubbing. At. Yaddy came. It's odd to see her here in autumn, and without her little couple, who are recruiting at Brighton. She is full of the departure of the Spencers, who have set off for Egypt with Tallee, he having not recovered all his strength after inflammation of the lungs. Thus we lose the three people we most wanted for the do-ment (Mary Page's forcible word for doings). Letters : fr Albert and Bob. I missed Church.
—Most delightfully soft and warm, though cloudy all day. I went to Birmingham, after oilcloth, satin shoes, blotting-books, winter jackets for the girls, and a print for Nevy. The gallery floor begins to assume a lovely light toffee hue, by dint of rubbing. At. Yaddy came. It's odd to see her here in autumn, and without her little couple, who are recruiting at Brighton. She is full of the departure of the Spencers, who have set off for Egypt with Tallee, he having not recovered all his strength after inflammation of the lungs. Thus we lose the three people we most wanted for the do-ment (Mary Page's forcible word for doings). Letters : fr Albert and Bob. I missed Church.
15Oct1863, Getting Ready
HAGLEY, Thursday, October 15th, 1863.
—The billiard-room was transformed into an elegant Louis XV "salon," with the drawing-room furniture, china, etc. Gallery emptied and uncarpeted. A little parochial toddle with May.
—The billiard-room was transformed into an elegant Louis XV "salon," with the drawing-room furniture, china, etc. Gallery emptied and uncarpeted. A little parochial toddle with May.
13Oct1863, Step-carpetums and ball-chairums
HAGLEY, Tuesday, October 13th, 1863.
—A good deal of rain : still mild. Big club day. It's pleasant to see these girls come back as cheerfully and heartily to their work after such a holyday. The sort of thing that used to try me beyond anything ! Cong. [FN: I.e., congregation at church, exclusive of Hall and Rectory.] 2. Girls, Miss M., and I took pudding to Mrs. Burford, and visited the Stringers' new house. Paperums, perron-awning-ums, step-carpetums, ball-chairums, stableums.
—A good deal of rain : still mild. Big club day. It's pleasant to see these girls come back as cheerfully and heartily to their work after such a holyday. The sort of thing that used to try me beyond anything ! Cong. [FN: I.e., congregation at church, exclusive of Hall and Rectory.] 2. Girls, Miss M., and I took pudding to Mrs. Burford, and visited the Stringers' new house. Paperums, perron-awning-ums, step-carpetums, ball-chairums, stableums.
01Oct1863, Guizot's Charles I
HAGLEY, Thursday, October 1st, 1863.
—I translated and finished Guizot's " Charles I," finding myself as much moved at the account of the King's death as I was on reading it in Clarendon 9 or 10 years ago, although I do now see, very unwillingly, the faults of the Royal martyr.
—I translated and finished Guizot's " Charles I," finding myself as much moved at the account of the King's death as I was on reading it in Clarendon 9 or 10 years ago, although I do now see, very unwillingly, the faults of the Royal martyr.
26Sep1863, Mobs and Riots
HAGLEY, Saturday, September 26th, 1863.
—Lovely golden day, with a few heavy showers, after a night lit up with a harvest moon that dazzled one to look at. I saw a little black cloud, just like an armed man, march up to her in a threatening manner, and vanish into nothing on coming within the influence of her pure and steadfast rays.
To dinner came Sir Th. Philips : disturbances, mobs, and riots were talked of ; and Charles and I showed our ring at recollecting something about the Chartist riots in '48 ; especially how we were sent into the Green Park as likely to be a quiet place, and how yells in the distance drove us home in double quick time. Also there is an impression on both our minds of a bludgeon ; not unnaturally, as Papa was a Special Constable.
—Lovely golden day, with a few heavy showers, after a night lit up with a harvest moon that dazzled one to look at. I saw a little black cloud, just like an armed man, march up to her in a threatening manner, and vanish into nothing on coming within the influence of her pure and steadfast rays.
To dinner came Sir Th. Philips : disturbances, mobs, and riots were talked of ; and Charles and I showed our ring at recollecting something about the Chartist riots in '48 ; especially how we were sent into the Green Park as likely to be a quiet place, and how yells in the distance drove us home in double quick time. Also there is an impression on both our minds of a bludgeon ; not unnaturally, as Papa was a Special Constable.
19Sep1863, Reading Shakespeare
HAGLEY, Saturday, September 19th, 1863.
—Began "Henry VIII" with Arthur who likes both poetry in general and Shakespeare in particular.
—Began "Henry VIII" with Arthur who likes both poetry in general and Shakespeare in particular.
18Sep1863, Sankoo
HAGLEY, Friday, September 18th, 1863.
—Busy most of the morning after church in going over the rooms with Elly : we shall be 30 in the house, besides servants, if we live till dread October. Played at billiards with At. E. and afterwards walked parochially with her. Took a partridge to Mrs. Stringer, who held up her hands in speechless bliss before bursting into gratitude —poor old body. Met sweet Mary and Annie Herbert in their little white sun-bonnets, out of which they look at one with shining open eyes of a kind peculiar, I think, to tiny maidens under 5. Said their new sister was to be called Lucy. "Is baby well?" "Ess, sankoo." Also took pudding to the Mrs. Meredith with twins, which have both lived after all.
—Busy most of the morning after church in going over the rooms with Elly : we shall be 30 in the house, besides servants, if we live till dread October. Played at billiards with At. E. and afterwards walked parochially with her. Took a partridge to Mrs. Stringer, who held up her hands in speechless bliss before bursting into gratitude —poor old body. Met sweet Mary and Annie Herbert in their little white sun-bonnets, out of which they look at one with shining open eyes of a kind peculiar, I think, to tiny maidens under 5. Said their new sister was to be called Lucy. "Is baby well?" "Ess, sankoo." Also took pudding to the Mrs. Meredith with twins, which have both lived after all.
16Sep1863, Sedate Pleasures
HAGLEY, Wednesday, September 16th, 1863.
—Fine, serene, mild day. At. Coque, Lavinia, and May set out for "Orchard Neville" (late Baltonsborough) en route for Antony ; whose name recalls to me one of the very happiest and merriest weeks in my life. I think these girls much enjoy the prospect, but they enjoy things (especially Lava) as grown-up people do, to whom life has a little outgrown its freshness : take events and pleasures, I mean, with sedateness ; I have never seen them really carried off their legs with excitement, or anything like it. And this is a little sad at their age. Poor pussy's [FN: Lavinia] head discomforts account for a good deal, no doubt.
—Fine, serene, mild day. At. Coque, Lavinia, and May set out for "Orchard Neville" (late Baltonsborough) en route for Antony ; whose name recalls to me one of the very happiest and merriest weeks in my life. I think these girls much enjoy the prospect, but they enjoy things (especially Lava) as grown-up people do, to whom life has a little outgrown its freshness : take events and pleasures, I mean, with sedateness ; I have never seen them really carried off their legs with excitement, or anything like it. And this is a little sad at their age. Poor pussy's [FN: Lavinia] head discomforts account for a good deal, no doubt.
14Sep1863, My First Waiting Ends
HAGLEY, Monday, September 14th, 1863.
—And so it is over ! I almost feel as if I had spent a fortnight here. It is peaceful and pleasant indeed to think I have gone through my first waiting and really without a rub. The Queen was to go to Balmoral this evening, but we were allowed to go early. Got home in time for dinner. We did certainly make a noise ! and the evening was a funny contrast to my last four.
—And so it is over ! I almost feel as if I had spent a fortnight here. It is peaceful and pleasant indeed to think I have gone through my first waiting and really without a rub. The Queen was to go to Balmoral this evening, but we were allowed to go early. Got home in time for dinner. We did certainly make a noise ! and the evening was a funny contrast to my last four.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
13Sep1863, Going to Chapel Bonnetless
WINDSOR, 15th Sunday after Trinity, September 13th, 1863.
—Serene mild day. Having reached the top of the tree as to great houses, I find here no exception to my reflection made at Cliveden, that magnificent places have shocking Church arrangements. In the 1st place, it is startling to one's feelings to go to a Sunday service in a chapel bonnetless, as the household have to do here. No chanting, except in very bad style to the responses to the Commandments, disagreeable tunes to inferior hymns, sung in a drawl, and the Morning Service divided in two, which last plan has, I know, many advantages, but not to a strong person whom the longest service cannot tire. The Queen, Prince Alfred, and all the children attended the first half alone ; and 3 carriages were used during the day. One wishes (I fear vainly) that something cd lead the Queen to find comfort in that most consoling and peace-giving thing—our Church's Liturgy—that thereby she might be helped and strengthened on her desolate way. How the words in the Psalm went to one's heart—"He is the Father of the fatherless, and defendeth the cause of the widows." Well, we must trust our Queen to Him, and His Loving Wisdom. He has answered many prayers for her ! I walked with Lady Ely again in the garden, and ended, to my refreshment, at S. George's ; anthem, a spirited, florid one, "When Israel came out of Egypt." Mr. Ellison preacht in the noon-day half of the Chapel service, on Hades and death. I was told it was possible I should dine with the Queen, but it was not so. The evening was lightened by ivory letters. [FN: I.e. I (John Baily, editor) suppose a game played with ivory letters.] I think I must have met the pick of the Court for pleasantness and kindness.
—Serene mild day. Having reached the top of the tree as to great houses, I find here no exception to my reflection made at Cliveden, that magnificent places have shocking Church arrangements. In the 1st place, it is startling to one's feelings to go to a Sunday service in a chapel bonnetless, as the household have to do here. No chanting, except in very bad style to the responses to the Commandments, disagreeable tunes to inferior hymns, sung in a drawl, and the Morning Service divided in two, which last plan has, I know, many advantages, but not to a strong person whom the longest service cannot tire. The Queen, Prince Alfred, and all the children attended the first half alone ; and 3 carriages were used during the day. One wishes (I fear vainly) that something cd lead the Queen to find comfort in that most consoling and peace-giving thing—our Church's Liturgy—that thereby she might be helped and strengthened on her desolate way. How the words in the Psalm went to one's heart—"He is the Father of the fatherless, and defendeth the cause of the widows." Well, we must trust our Queen to Him, and His Loving Wisdom. He has answered many prayers for her ! I walked with Lady Ely again in the garden, and ended, to my refreshment, at S. George's ; anthem, a spirited, florid one, "When Israel came out of Egypt." Mr. Ellison preacht in the noon-day half of the Chapel service, on Hades and death. I was told it was possible I should dine with the Queen, but it was not so. The evening was lightened by ivory letters. [FN: I.e. I (John Baily, editor) suppose a game played with ivory letters.] I think I must have met the pick of the Court for pleasantness and kindness.
12Sep1863, Beginning to Like Court Life
WINDSOR, Saturday, September 12th, 1863.
—Fine, but rather misty and Novembery. I have got rid of "les vapeurs" and begin rather to like Court life ! I asked leave to go to S. George's in the morning (more like a peggy than ever ! " Please'm, may I go out for an hour ? "). Little I thought on the great marriage day when I shd next be in the glorious Chapel ! The singing lovely. Anthem, "0 sing joyfully," not very pretty. Then came my own room. At luncheon were several Privy Councillors. Ld. Palmerston, his beauty much impaired by particularly bad slate-coloured false teeth, the D. of Newcastle, looking ill, Ld. Granville, Sir George Grey, Sir Andrew Buchanan. Horatia rode with Prss. Helena and P. Arthur. The Queen went, unattended, to plant a new oak in the place of Herne's oak, which has lately fallen. I walked with Ly. Ely from 5 till 4 to 7 : she sent a cold chill through me by saying I shd very likely dine with the Queen to-morrow. Sir T. Biddulph and Ly. Augusta Bruce dined : Ly. Biddulph came in the evening. The same party, transposing Sir Thomas for Gen. Seymour, played whist. Prss. Louise sent for Horatia, and cried and sobbed at the thoughts of losing her on Monday, after their long bit at Osborne together. The same soft heart and quick affections that Granny found in the elder ones. Letters : fr. Papa, Atie. P., Meriel. To Atie. P., At. C. and At. Yaddy. The sentries presented arms to Ly. Ely and me ! misled by the Queen's little dog, who was with us, and who doubtless took all the honour to himself.
—Fine, but rather misty and Novembery. I have got rid of "les vapeurs" and begin rather to like Court life ! I asked leave to go to S. George's in the morning (more like a peggy than ever ! " Please'm, may I go out for an hour ? "). Little I thought on the great marriage day when I shd next be in the glorious Chapel ! The singing lovely. Anthem, "0 sing joyfully," not very pretty. Then came my own room. At luncheon were several Privy Councillors. Ld. Palmerston, his beauty much impaired by particularly bad slate-coloured false teeth, the D. of Newcastle, looking ill, Ld. Granville, Sir George Grey, Sir Andrew Buchanan. Horatia rode with Prss. Helena and P. Arthur. The Queen went, unattended, to plant a new oak in the place of Herne's oak, which has lately fallen. I walked with Ly. Ely from 5 till 4 to 7 : she sent a cold chill through me by saying I shd very likely dine with the Queen to-morrow. Sir T. Biddulph and Ly. Augusta Bruce dined : Ly. Biddulph came in the evening. The same party, transposing Sir Thomas for Gen. Seymour, played whist. Prss. Louise sent for Horatia, and cried and sobbed at the thoughts of losing her on Monday, after their long bit at Osborne together. The same soft heart and quick affections that Granny found in the elder ones. Letters : fr. Papa, Atie. P., Meriel. To Atie. P., At. C. and At. Yaddy. The sentries presented arms to Ly. Ely and me ! misled by the Queen's little dog, who was with us, and who doubtless took all the honour to himself.
11Sep1863, Poor Peggies
WINDSOR, Friday, September 11th, 1863.
—Oh dear, I shall sympathize for the rest of my life with poor peggies [FN: I.e. maidservants.] launched at their first place ! To-day has taught me what it is to "feel strange." I am not naturally shy ; and the actual bathing-feel has pretty nearly gone off, but I am unked and forlorn, in spite of everybody's kindness. Ly. Ely took me to the kennels (mem. 16 puppies), the lovely dairy, and to Frogmore, where the mausoleum, which does so jar upon one's English feelings, is still being worked at. The Queen goes there daily. Ly. Ely told me much that was interesting the while. After breakfast we were in the corridor, when the Queen came in with the children. Prss. Louise brought little darling Prss. Beatrice up to me and I kissed her tiny hand. She is not pretty, but has a dear little intelligent face. The little Princes were at the kennels in the aftn, when Miss Stopford and I passed. They called, and we joined them. Prince Arthur is very handsome, if only he looked more like 13 years old ; but he is wonderfully small. Prince Leopold has a funny, waggish face, with the brightest blue eyes ; he is miserably thin and puny, though they think him stronger : Lady Caroline Barrington told me the doctors hardly expect him to live—poor darling ! Miss Stopford told me much about Prss. Louise, whom she has been with at Osborne. H.R.H. seems to be rather naughty, with a mischievous will of her own ; draws beautifully.
Miss S. and I had a pleasant walk, seeing the old porter at the garden gate, and the tombstone to the memory of a magpie he loved. I was afraid the dinner wd be worse than last night, as Miss S. (who begs me to call her Horatia) and Ly. Ely dined with the Queen ; but it was not dreadful ; I had to sweep down the stately interminable corridor all by myself to dinner ; but luckily caught Ly. Caroline. In the evening, Gen. Grey and I, Ly. C. and Gen. Seymour played at whist ! which made the time go pleasantly.
—Oh dear, I shall sympathize for the rest of my life with poor peggies [FN: I.e. maidservants.] launched at their first place ! To-day has taught me what it is to "feel strange." I am not naturally shy ; and the actual bathing-feel has pretty nearly gone off, but I am unked and forlorn, in spite of everybody's kindness. Ly. Ely took me to the kennels (mem. 16 puppies), the lovely dairy, and to Frogmore, where the mausoleum, which does so jar upon one's English feelings, is still being worked at. The Queen goes there daily. Ly. Ely told me much that was interesting the while. After breakfast we were in the corridor, when the Queen came in with the children. Prss. Louise brought little darling Prss. Beatrice up to me and I kissed her tiny hand. She is not pretty, but has a dear little intelligent face. The little Princes were at the kennels in the aftn, when Miss Stopford and I passed. They called, and we joined them. Prince Arthur is very handsome, if only he looked more like 13 years old ; but he is wonderfully small. Prince Leopold has a funny, waggish face, with the brightest blue eyes ; he is miserably thin and puny, though they think him stronger : Lady Caroline Barrington told me the doctors hardly expect him to live—poor darling ! Miss Stopford told me much about Prss. Louise, whom she has been with at Osborne. H.R.H. seems to be rather naughty, with a mischievous will of her own ; draws beautifully.
Miss S. and I had a pleasant walk, seeing the old porter at the garden gate, and the tombstone to the memory of a magpie he loved. I was afraid the dinner wd be worse than last night, as Miss S. (who begs me to call her Horatia) and Ly. Ely dined with the Queen ; but it was not dreadful ; I had to sweep down the stately interminable corridor all by myself to dinner ; but luckily caught Ly. Caroline. In the evening, Gen. Grey and I, Ly. C. and Gen. Seymour played at whist ! which made the time go pleasantly.
10Sep1863, First Day as Maid-of-Honour
WINDSOR, Thursday, September 10th, 1863.
—The much-to-be-remembered day of my first entering upon Maid-of-Honour duties. I left Hagley at 9, inside out with bathing-feel, reached London in time for a scramble of indispensable shopping, and thence to Windsor, which looked noble and ethereal, bathed in hazy sunset light, as we came in sight of it. I was shown up to 2 snug little rooms by a comfortable old body, and soon made the acquaintance of Miss Stopford and Miss Kerr, who came to me. They are both together here by some mistake ; but it is very pleasant for me. Miss Stopford has won my heart, and I wish she was to be my colleague (Miss Cathcart, a dread being, is to be). They were most kind, comforting me by declaring my clothes all right. Lady Ely next came in, and took me to Ly. Caroline Barrington, and next I saw Lady Augusta Bruce for a few minutes. All kind and comfortable. I was prepared for finding the dinner and evening silent and stiff ; but it was much better than I expected. Present, Lady Ely, the two above named Maids-of-Honour, Lord Caithness, General Seymour, Colonel Liddell, Major Cowell, M. Buff, Major Elphinstone. The Queen dines apart now. The sotto-voce conversation on very Courtly and regal subjects was impressive ! And I confess I was also impressed by the 8 noiseless servants and indeed by all I saw. 0 the dignity and beauty of the corridor and rooms ! After dinner, Miss S. and Miss C. having disappeared, I was sitting alone with Ly. Ely, when one of the noiseless servants came and said : " Her Majesty desires your Ladyship to bring Miss Lyttelton into the corridor." So kind Ly. Ely put my arm in hers, and I went, trembling. The Queen came forward from the end of the corridor, and gave me her hand with all the grace and gentle dignity of old times. And 0 what it was to kiss her hand again, for the first time since I saw her at the height of her happiness, without so much as a shadow cast before by the dark sorrow in store for her ! I can't exactly tell what it is in her face which is altered, for she looks well ; but she has gained an expression which there used not to be : her grief has set its stamp there, but so as to refine and ennoble it. Her sweet and kindly smile went to my heart. She asked after Granny, Papa, At. Coque, and "Meriel," saying of the latter, " She has two children, has she not ? " Said more than once that I was like Mamma, but also like Aunt Lavinia. Lady Ely said I was nervous; the Queen said smiling, "Nervous ! 0 no ; she will soon get over that," or words to that effect. She then beckoned up the 2 Princesses who were with her ; they both kissed me. Prss. Louise is very pretty—Prss. Helena asked after " Laddle " [FN: Lady Lyttelton, Lady Frederick's grandmother.] — Prince Alfred was in the distance (grown rather fat), also pretty Prince Arthur. The interview lasted only a few minutes ; but after it was over, I shd have liked nothing better than rushing off somewhere and having a good cry ; instead of which I had to go back in a very tremulous state to the solemn drawing-room, where we sat round a table the rest of the evening, and were rather dull. I went to bed tired with excitement.
—The much-to-be-remembered day of my first entering upon Maid-of-Honour duties. I left Hagley at 9, inside out with bathing-feel, reached London in time for a scramble of indispensable shopping, and thence to Windsor, which looked noble and ethereal, bathed in hazy sunset light, as we came in sight of it. I was shown up to 2 snug little rooms by a comfortable old body, and soon made the acquaintance of Miss Stopford and Miss Kerr, who came to me. They are both together here by some mistake ; but it is very pleasant for me. Miss Stopford has won my heart, and I wish she was to be my colleague (Miss Cathcart, a dread being, is to be). They were most kind, comforting me by declaring my clothes all right. Lady Ely next came in, and took me to Ly. Caroline Barrington, and next I saw Lady Augusta Bruce for a few minutes. All kind and comfortable. I was prepared for finding the dinner and evening silent and stiff ; but it was much better than I expected. Present, Lady Ely, the two above named Maids-of-Honour, Lord Caithness, General Seymour, Colonel Liddell, Major Cowell, M. Buff, Major Elphinstone. The Queen dines apart now. The sotto-voce conversation on very Courtly and regal subjects was impressive ! And I confess I was also impressed by the 8 noiseless servants and indeed by all I saw. 0 the dignity and beauty of the corridor and rooms ! After dinner, Miss S. and Miss C. having disappeared, I was sitting alone with Ly. Ely, when one of the noiseless servants came and said : " Her Majesty desires your Ladyship to bring Miss Lyttelton into the corridor." So kind Ly. Ely put my arm in hers, and I went, trembling. The Queen came forward from the end of the corridor, and gave me her hand with all the grace and gentle dignity of old times. And 0 what it was to kiss her hand again, for the first time since I saw her at the height of her happiness, without so much as a shadow cast before by the dark sorrow in store for her ! I can't exactly tell what it is in her face which is altered, for she looks well ; but she has gained an expression which there used not to be : her grief has set its stamp there, but so as to refine and ennoble it. Her sweet and kindly smile went to my heart. She asked after Granny, Papa, At. Coque, and "Meriel," saying of the latter, " She has two children, has she not ? " Said more than once that I was like Mamma, but also like Aunt Lavinia. Lady Ely said I was nervous; the Queen said smiling, "Nervous ! 0 no ; she will soon get over that," or words to that effect. She then beckoned up the 2 Princesses who were with her ; they both kissed me. Prss. Louise is very pretty—Prss. Helena asked after " Laddle " [FN: Lady Lyttelton, Lady Frederick's grandmother.] — Prince Alfred was in the distance (grown rather fat), also pretty Prince Arthur. The interview lasted only a few minutes ; but after it was over, I shd have liked nothing better than rushing off somewhere and having a good cry ; instead of which I had to go back in a very tremulous state to the solemn drawing-room, where we sat round a table the rest of the evening, and were rather dull. I went to bed tired with excitement.
09Sep1863, A Bewitching Linsey
HAGLEY, Wednesday, September 9th, 1863.
—Mild and fine, but with something of the Novr. look and feel. My bathing-feel "va crescendo." I drove with At. E. and May to Stourbridge, and falling in love with a bewitching linsey, bought it against winter for 33s. ; 12 yds.
—Mild and fine, but with something of the Novr. look and feel. My bathing-feel "va crescendo." I drove with At. E. and May to Stourbridge, and falling in love with a bewitching linsey, bought it against winter for 33s. ; 12 yds.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
08Sep1863, Summoned to Windsor
HAGLEY, Tuesday, September 8th, 1863.
—A notable and most upsetting, exciting, and bewildering day. There came a letter from Ly. Ely (which lost a post by going to London), summoning me to Windsor on the 10th to be in waiting till the 14th. Having been told Xmas was the earliest date possible, this interesting communication finds me without "a thing to my back !" I tore off to Stourbridge with Gielen and At. C. and bought silk, etc., for two black gowns ; must trust to London when I go up for bonnet, flowers, and so on. The wretched Gielen must go blind and mad with work, in spite of many helpers, but ! "la Royne le veult." An unpleasant state of bathing-feel I am in ; still, when the terrific 4 days are over (they never will be, I think !), without any hitch or blunder, I shall be glad to have made the 1st plunge.
—A notable and most upsetting, exciting, and bewildering day. There came a letter from Ly. Ely (which lost a post by going to London), summoning me to Windsor on the 10th to be in waiting till the 14th. Having been told Xmas was the earliest date possible, this interesting communication finds me without "a thing to my back !" I tore off to Stourbridge with Gielen and At. C. and bought silk, etc., for two black gowns ; must trust to London when I go up for bonnet, flowers, and so on. The wretched Gielen must go blind and mad with work, in spite of many helpers, but ! "la Royne le veult." An unpleasant state of bathing-feel I am in ; still, when the terrific 4 days are over (they never will be, I think !), without any hitch or blunder, I shall be glad to have made the 1st plunge.
05Sep1863, Hereford Cathedral
HAGLEY, Saturday, September 5th, 1863.
—The eleven of us, with Papa, Newmany, and Miss Merlet, had a most jovial and successful monster expedition to Hereford ; and so I have, to my great delight, added that noble Cathedral, in all the glory of its matchlessly excellent restoration, to my list. Tho' small, the richness and variety of its Norman work, its perfect specimens of E. English, in which were specially beautiful deep mouldings, and many details, as the early Decorated 2-light windows 50 feet high, the lovely tiling, and the splendid screen, make it rank very high in beauty. Alfred much struck with his first Cathedral service : said he liked the Cathedral better even than the dinner, or the uproarious fun in the train.
—The eleven of us, with Papa, Newmany, and Miss Merlet, had a most jovial and successful monster expedition to Hereford ; and so I have, to my great delight, added that noble Cathedral, in all the glory of its matchlessly excellent restoration, to my list. Tho' small, the richness and variety of its Norman work, its perfect specimens of E. English, in which were specially beautiful deep mouldings, and many details, as the early Decorated 2-light windows 50 feet high, the lovely tiling, and the splendid screen, make it rank very high in beauty. Alfred much struck with his first Cathedral service : said he liked the Cathedral better even than the dinner, or the uproarious fun in the train.
29Aug1863, Wordsworth's Tour in Italy
HAGLEY, Saturday, August 29th, 1863.
—Have finished Wordsworth's tour in Italy, which gives a thoughtful, temperate, and far-seeing view of the Church of Rome, the possibility and the crying need of its reformation, and (which is the point of the book) the necessity of its reforming itself. Present political excitement and disturbance seem to open up the way.
—Have finished Wordsworth's tour in Italy, which gives a thoughtful, temperate, and far-seeing view of the Church of Rome, the possibility and the crying need of its reformation, and (which is the point of the book) the necessity of its reforming itself. Present political excitement and disturbance seem to open up the way.
27Aug1863, Riding the Hunter
HAGLEY, Thursday, August 27th, 1863.
—I then rode on the hunter, with Lavinia and Bob, and had the satisfaction of keeping on in spite of a very lively kick.
—I then rode on the hunter, with Lavinia and Bob, and had the satisfaction of keeping on in spite of a very lively kick.
26Aug1863, Warrant of Appointment
HAGLEY, Wednesday, August 26th, 1863.
—I received my warrant of appointment, for which superfluity I am to pay £25.
—I received my warrant of appointment, for which superfluity I am to pay £25.
24Aug1863, Volume 8 of the Diary Begins
HAGLEY, Monday, August 24th, 1863. S. Bartho's Day.
—Prescott with Arthur, Tasso with Nevy, "Childe Harold" with Albert, Yonge with Bob. Old M. came in after church, rather wretched with a cold. I rode with Arthur.
—Prescott with Arthur, Tasso with Nevy, "Childe Harold" with Albert, Yonge with Bob. Old M. came in after church, rather wretched with a cold. I rode with Arthur.
05Aug8163, Visiting the Thrown Boy
HAWARDEN, Wednesday, August 5th, 1863.
—Walked with Ats P. and C. and the 2 Marks to see the poor thrown boy at Mancot : he seems recovering.
—Walked with Ats P. and C. and the 2 Marks to see the poor thrown boy at Mancot : he seems recovering.
03Aug1863, Energetic Duty
HAWARDEN, Monday, August 3rd, 1863.
—Papa went off to night to sleep 4 hours at Chester, thence to Birmingham for breakfast, thence to the Board of Guardians at Bromsgrove If that isn't energetic doing of duty, I shd like to know what is.
—Papa went off to night to sleep 4 hours at Chester, thence to Birmingham for breakfast, thence to the Board of Guardians at Bromsgrove If that isn't energetic doing of duty, I shd like to know what is.
01Aug1863, Arrow Into the Blue
HAWARDEN, Saturday, August 1st, 1863.
—I got an arrow into the blue at 60 yards, shooting with Uncle Henry's prize bow, weight 55. Could only manage abt 15 shots, and my arms ache a little.
—I got an arrow into the blue at 60 yards, shooting with Uncle Henry's prize bow, weight 55. Could only manage abt 15 shots, and my arms ache a little.
30Jul1863, Boy Thrown from Horse
HAWARDEN, Thursday, July 30th, 1863.
—A horse ran away with a boy of 16, who was thrown and grievously hurt, midway between the Chester Lodge and Broughton Church. Atie. P. flew off to nurse him.
—A horse ran away with a boy of 16, who was thrown and grievously hurt, midway between the Chester Lodge and Broughton Church. Atie. P. flew off to nurse him.
25Jul1863, Willow Leaves on the Sun
FALCONHURST, S. James, Saturday, July 25th, 1863.
—We went for luncheon to the Nasmyths', a delightful old couple, he the gt sledge-hammer man. Their house lovely and full of interesting and beautiful things. Mem. especially, his observatory—where he showed us a model of the face of the sun, which he has just discovered to be covered promiscuously by willow-leafshaped things, from whence comes the light, and which Sir J. Herschel, from observing that they move independently of each other, is inclined to suspect may be living creatures. They are 2,000 miles long and 90 broad ; if they are beings they must be mighty dazzling Archangels indeed.
—We went for luncheon to the Nasmyths', a delightful old couple, he the gt sledge-hammer man. Their house lovely and full of interesting and beautiful things. Mem. especially, his observatory—where he showed us a model of the face of the sun, which he has just discovered to be covered promiscuously by willow-leafshaped things, from whence comes the light, and which Sir J. Herschel, from observing that they move independently of each other, is inclined to suspect may be living creatures. They are 2,000 miles long and 90 broad ; if they are beings they must be mighty dazzling Archangels indeed.
16Jul1863, Last Clever Breakfast
LONDON, Thursday, July 16th, 1863.
—Suddenly on the cold side of cool, without rain or anything to account for it. Last clever breakfast, to which came the Dss. of Sutherland and Ly. Herbert, Dr. Acland, Dean Trench, "Garibaldi's Englishman," Ld. Frederic Cavendish, and a china dealer. Slavery was talked of. The Duke of Hamilton has died of congestion of the brain from a fall downstairs. I went with Atie. P. to Heath's for a chimney-pot riding hat (the height of the fashion). A detachment from S. Martin's school came for tea, games, and little gifts, and enjoyed themselves hugely ; more delighted with the scamper on the gravel terrace than our sch. children are with half the park to play in. Mary and Maud Herbert came to see. Gladstones to a tiny dance at the Grosvenors' ; but I have actually wound up my gaieties, which have consisted of : 17 balls, 8 parties, 9 dinner parties, 8 private concerts, besides breakfasts of different sorts, etc. Letters : to M.
—Suddenly on the cold side of cool, without rain or anything to account for it. Last clever breakfast, to which came the Dss. of Sutherland and Ly. Herbert, Dr. Acland, Dean Trench, "Garibaldi's Englishman," Ld. Frederic Cavendish, and a china dealer. Slavery was talked of. The Duke of Hamilton has died of congestion of the brain from a fall downstairs. I went with Atie. P. to Heath's for a chimney-pot riding hat (the height of the fashion). A detachment from S. Martin's school came for tea, games, and little gifts, and enjoyed themselves hugely ; more delighted with the scamper on the gravel terrace than our sch. children are with half the park to play in. Mary and Maud Herbert came to see. Gladstones to a tiny dance at the Grosvenors' ; but I have actually wound up my gaieties, which have consisted of : 17 balls, 8 parties, 9 dinner parties, 8 private concerts, besides breakfasts of different sorts, etc. Letters : to M.
14Jul1863, A Good Recherché Ball
LONDON, Tuesday, July 14th, 1863.
—We went to a Chiswick bkft, and got a little revived by the bit of country. The D. of Sutherland and other young men played at leap-frog ! and there was croquet, a country dance, and valsing on the grass. A good recherché ball (my last) at Ly. De Grey's : I was asked to dance by Lords George Lennox, Frederic Cavendish, Amberley, and Messrs. Lascelles and Stanley.
—We went to a Chiswick bkft, and got a little revived by the bit of country. The D. of Sutherland and other young men played at leap-frog ! and there was croquet, a country dance, and valsing on the grass. A good recherché ball (my last) at Ly. De Grey's : I was asked to dance by Lords George Lennox, Frederic Cavendish, Amberley, and Messrs. Lascelles and Stanley.
12Jul1863, Last London Sunday
LONDON, 6th Sunday after Trinity, July 12th, 1863.
—Very hot. I have at last reached, I really believe, my last London Sunday. Went with Papa and Charles to the John St. Chapel to hear Mr. Brookfield, who preacht. with great fervour, point, and severity on Pharisaism. Saw there old, old Lady De Dunstanville, who still enjoys London gaieties, tho' looking as if a pinch wd crumble her. Also the Mildmays and Montgomeries were there. It refreshes one to see people whom one only connects with diamonds and wreaths—in church. Aftn to hear Dr. Goulburn preach very well on behalf of the Whetstone Penitentiary. Charles went back to Cambridge after dinner. The match was drawn. Harrow not going in at all for 2nd innings : wd have had 200 to get, so we shd probably have won. Spencer got 10 runs 2nd innings, and he and Nevy got 6 wickets between them.
I read a short sermon, and began Goulburn's "Study of the Holy Scriptures."
—Very hot. I have at last reached, I really believe, my last London Sunday. Went with Papa and Charles to the John St. Chapel to hear Mr. Brookfield, who preacht. with great fervour, point, and severity on Pharisaism. Saw there old, old Lady De Dunstanville, who still enjoys London gaieties, tho' looking as if a pinch wd crumble her. Also the Mildmays and Montgomeries were there. It refreshes one to see people whom one only connects with diamonds and wreaths—in church. Aftn to hear Dr. Goulburn preach very well on behalf of the Whetstone Penitentiary. Charles went back to Cambridge after dinner. The match was drawn. Harrow not going in at all for 2nd innings : wd have had 200 to get, so we shd probably have won. Spencer got 10 runs 2nd innings, and he and Nevy got 6 wickets between them.
I read a short sermon, and began Goulburn's "Study of the Holy Scriptures."
09Jul1863, Charles Fechter
LONDON, Thursday, July 9th, 1863.
—To breakfast came the Comte de Paris, grown manly-looking since his American campaign ; his manners very noble and graceful ; his English extremely French. Also came no less a man than Fechter, who was very agreeable. His face is finer seen in private life than on the stage : a great look of the great Napoleon—full piercing eyes, hooked nose, and expressive mouth ; his figure dumpy and fat. Ld. De Grey's little boy, who is frantic with admiration of Fechter, was sent for to see his hero : his parents being here.
—To breakfast came the Comte de Paris, grown manly-looking since his American campaign ; his manners very noble and graceful ; his English extremely French. Also came no less a man than Fechter, who was very agreeable. His face is finer seen in private life than on the stage : a great look of the great Napoleon—full piercing eyes, hooked nose, and expressive mouth ; his figure dumpy and fat. Ld. De Grey's little boy, who is frantic with admiration of Fechter, was sent for to see his hero : his parents being here.
08Jul1863, Jenny Lind
LONDON, Wednesday, July 8th, 1863.
—I had the wonderful treat of going to S. James Hall with Miss Gladstone, to hear Jenny Lind sing in the " Allegro " and " Penseroso." I suppose her high notes are a little gone, but the matchless expression and heart-feeling can never go out of her voice, and there is a ringing purity of tone unlike anything else. Mem. "Sweet bird," "Hide me from day's garish eye," "Let the merry bells," and "May at last my weary eye." It was a rare perfection to have words, voice, and airs all so glorious and all glorifying each other.
—I had the wonderful treat of going to S. James Hall with Miss Gladstone, to hear Jenny Lind sing in the " Allegro " and " Penseroso." I suppose her high notes are a little gone, but the matchless expression and heart-feeling can never go out of her voice, and there is a ringing purity of tone unlike anything else. Mem. "Sweet bird," "Hide me from day's garish eye," "Let the merry bells," and "May at last my weary eye." It was a rare perfection to have words, voice, and airs all so glorious and all glorifying each other.
Monday, December 22, 2008
07Jul1863, A Dance with Fred Cavendish
LONDON, Tuesday, July 7th, 1863.
—We went to a breakfast given by the Dow. Dss. of Sutherland at Chiswick, meeting the Prince and Princess. She is in mourning for some Danish relation, and wore a hat which didn't quite suit her as it hid her lovely brow. We had a country dance on the grass : she went down it with dignity with the Duke of Sutherland. We were immense audience to the darling little Grosvenor children. The eldest Sutherland boy, little Ld. Stafford, isn't pretty and lookd delicate, but his brother (who is called Ld. Macleod, I believe : his mother's 2nd title) is a beauty. Mary and Helen came with us. I played one game of croquet ½ through. In the evening an exceedingly beautiful ball at Stafford House. I was asked to dance by Lords Amberley, Fred. Cavendish, George Lennox, Mr. Lascelles and an innominato with whom I executed what pretended to be a Scotch reel ! We walked home, Atie P. with Willy, Agnes, Ld. Adare, and I, like a convict, marched in the middle, thus guarded. The night was lovely ; and before getting into bed, about 4, I counted 20 towers and spires in the serene, opal-like morning atmosphere.
—We went to a breakfast given by the Dow. Dss. of Sutherland at Chiswick, meeting the Prince and Princess. She is in mourning for some Danish relation, and wore a hat which didn't quite suit her as it hid her lovely brow. We had a country dance on the grass : she went down it with dignity with the Duke of Sutherland. We were immense audience to the darling little Grosvenor children. The eldest Sutherland boy, little Ld. Stafford, isn't pretty and lookd delicate, but his brother (who is called Ld. Macleod, I believe : his mother's 2nd title) is a beauty. Mary and Helen came with us. I played one game of croquet ½ through. In the evening an exceedingly beautiful ball at Stafford House. I was asked to dance by Lords Amberley, Fred. Cavendish, George Lennox, Mr. Lascelles and an innominato with whom I executed what pretended to be a Scotch reel ! We walked home, Atie P. with Willy, Agnes, Ld. Adare, and I, like a convict, marched in the middle, thus guarded. The night was lovely ; and before getting into bed, about 4, I counted 20 towers and spires in the serene, opal-like morning atmosphere.
04Jul1863, May Has Scarlet Fever
LONDON, Saturday, July 4th, 1863.
—We got the anxious news that poor old May has got the scarlet fever, in spite of having had it slightly in '56. Her throat is bad, but the telegraph this afternoon said it was a favourable case. The 6 who have had scarlet fever have all had it favourably, and how often altogether anxiety of this sort has ended in relief and thankfulness ! God grant it may be so again. We did not hear of the certainty till the aftn. In the morning Papa and I went again to the Oval, and this time saw Charles get more than 20 runs in most beautiful style ; getting a lovely cut for 4, first ball, and a square leg hit for 3 the next.
—We got the anxious news that poor old May has got the scarlet fever, in spite of having had it slightly in '56. Her throat is bad, but the telegraph this afternoon said it was a favourable case. The 6 who have had scarlet fever have all had it favourably, and how often altogether anxiety of this sort has ended in relief and thankfulness ! God grant it may be so again. We did not hear of the certainty till the aftn. In the morning Papa and I went again to the Oval, and this time saw Charles get more than 20 runs in most beautiful style ; getting a lovely cut for 4, first ball, and a square leg hit for 3 the next.
02Jul1863, A Northern Yankee
LONDON, Thursday, July 2nd, 1863.
—A most delightful clever breakfast. At the table (1 of 3) where I was sat Papa, Mr. Monckton Milnes, Mr. Herbert of Muckross, Miss Stanley, Count Struzlecki (there is no spelling his name), and a Northern Yankee, Mr. Cyrus Field. I'm afraid I shd have preferred being disgusted with the latter ; but truth compels me to say that he was agreeable, and seemed to be candid and modest—the very last 2 qualities I shd have looked for. Also free from twang properly speaking, tho' his accent and pronunciation were curious. He said "poblic," "Onquestionably," "South Car'lina," and once "no thing" in 2 distinct words. He spoke with contempt of Lincoln to whose inanity he attributed the duration of the war, said that he wished no ex-president cd be re-elected, or given any government office, as according to what it is now, presidents are more occupied in the effort to secure future votes than in their duty to the country. This he implied: and said the whole war might have been crushed in the bud, if President Buchanan had not been thinking of the Southern votes. A nice state of things indeed ! The expenses of the war hitherto amount to half our national debt ; but he said much of the money spent circulated profitably in the country.
Beautiful select concert at the Aumales' to which Papa and I went, kindly lifted by Lord Harrowby. Mario, Grisi, Alboni and Delle Sedie sang, and Thalberg played ; and tho' Grisi's voice is much gone, and Mario's high notes a little strained sometimes, it was glorious. The Duc de Chartres [FN: perhaps Duc de Guise?] was there with his nice young bride : also the Comte de Paris ; it was nice to see the two brothers' evident affection for each other. Ld. Amberley [FN: Son of Earl Russell, the Prime Minister, and father of the present Earl and Mr. Bertrand Russell.] took me to supper ; a very small, scrubby-looking youth, but full of intelligence and with pretty manners.
—A most delightful clever breakfast. At the table (1 of 3) where I was sat Papa, Mr. Monckton Milnes, Mr. Herbert of Muckross, Miss Stanley, Count Struzlecki (there is no spelling his name), and a Northern Yankee, Mr. Cyrus Field. I'm afraid I shd have preferred being disgusted with the latter ; but truth compels me to say that he was agreeable, and seemed to be candid and modest—the very last 2 qualities I shd have looked for. Also free from twang properly speaking, tho' his accent and pronunciation were curious. He said "poblic," "Onquestionably," "South Car'lina," and once "no thing" in 2 distinct words. He spoke with contempt of Lincoln to whose inanity he attributed the duration of the war, said that he wished no ex-president cd be re-elected, or given any government office, as according to what it is now, presidents are more occupied in the effort to secure future votes than in their duty to the country. This he implied: and said the whole war might have been crushed in the bud, if President Buchanan had not been thinking of the Southern votes. A nice state of things indeed ! The expenses of the war hitherto amount to half our national debt ; but he said much of the money spent circulated profitably in the country.
Beautiful select concert at the Aumales' to which Papa and I went, kindly lifted by Lord Harrowby. Mario, Grisi, Alboni and Delle Sedie sang, and Thalberg played ; and tho' Grisi's voice is much gone, and Mario's high notes a little strained sometimes, it was glorious. The Duc de Chartres [FN: perhaps Duc de Guise?] was there with his nice young bride : also the Comte de Paris ; it was nice to see the two brothers' evident affection for each other. Ld. Amberley [FN: Son of Earl Russell, the Prime Minister, and father of the present Earl and Mr. Bertrand Russell.] took me to supper ; a very small, scrubby-looking youth, but full of intelligence and with pretty manners.
26Jun1863, The Guards' Ball
LONDON, Friday, June 26th, 1863.
—At 11 we went to the great thing of the season : the Guards' ball, in what was the English picture-gallery of the Exhibition, given to the Prince and Princess. It was all on a royal scale ; and I shan't soon forget the beautiful effect, when T.R.H.'s went away, of the procession streaming through the antechambers and down the flag-emblazoned staircase lined with picked Guardsmen ; "God save the Queen" going on the while. The Princess looked lovely and as if she enjoyed herself, but pale. I didn't dance "nor didn't expect to" The Royal quadrille was often a lovely sight, being composed of many beauties : Charlotte Spencer, Ly. Adelaide Talbot, Ly. Mary Craven, the Dss. of Manchester, Princess Mary, etc. Lord Dunmore dancing with the Prss. was a sight to see of good looks and perfect manners.
—At 11 we went to the great thing of the season : the Guards' ball, in what was the English picture-gallery of the Exhibition, given to the Prince and Princess. It was all on a royal scale ; and I shan't soon forget the beautiful effect, when T.R.H.'s went away, of the procession streaming through the antechambers and down the flag-emblazoned staircase lined with picked Guardsmen ; "God save the Queen" going on the while. The Princess looked lovely and as if she enjoyed herself, but pale. I didn't dance "nor didn't expect to" The Royal quadrille was often a lovely sight, being composed of many beauties : Charlotte Spencer, Ly. Adelaide Talbot, Ly. Mary Craven, the Dss. of Manchester, Princess Mary, etc. Lord Dunmore dancing with the Prss. was a sight to see of good looks and perfect manners.
25Jun1863, Stage Stories from Charles Kean
LONDON, Thursday, June 25th, 1863.
—Hot. The Duchesses of Sutherland and Argyll, the Duke of Argyll, Charles Kean, the Cambridge Public Orator, Dr. Stanley, Papa, etc., came to the clever breakfast. The Exhibition building and what is to be done with it was the prevailing topic : rather a dull one. After bkft, however, Agnes and I had Kean to ourselves, and he was very entertaining with stage anecdotes and experiences. Said nobody would guess what an inclination to laugh comes over actors at the most awful moments. As when Garrick was playing King Lear (the last thing I should have thought he ever cd do, by the bye), a butcher in the pit, who had with him a dog which stood with its forepaws on the seat in front contemplating the stage, took off his wig to cool his head, and having no peg, put it for a moment on the dog's head. As Garrick advanced, preparatory to falling on his knees and uttering the tremendous curse on Goneril, he caught the eye of the bewigged dog ; and went into such hysterics of laughing that he had to go off the stage. I received the last quarterly allowance I shall ever receive from Papa's poor pinched pocket, I suppose ! And I floundered about in my accounts as usual. At 6 we rode with Willy and saw the Prince riding with Althorp and Col. Keppel. Mr. Baird joined us—I broke my stirrup strap but can luckily manage without : so we put it into Willy's pocket, and went on unheeding.
—Hot. The Duchesses of Sutherland and Argyll, the Duke of Argyll, Charles Kean, the Cambridge Public Orator, Dr. Stanley, Papa, etc., came to the clever breakfast. The Exhibition building and what is to be done with it was the prevailing topic : rather a dull one. After bkft, however, Agnes and I had Kean to ourselves, and he was very entertaining with stage anecdotes and experiences. Said nobody would guess what an inclination to laugh comes over actors at the most awful moments. As when Garrick was playing King Lear (the last thing I should have thought he ever cd do, by the bye), a butcher in the pit, who had with him a dog which stood with its forepaws on the seat in front contemplating the stage, took off his wig to cool his head, and having no peg, put it for a moment on the dog's head. As Garrick advanced, preparatory to falling on his knees and uttering the tremendous curse on Goneril, he caught the eye of the bewigged dog ; and went into such hysterics of laughing that he had to go off the stage. I received the last quarterly allowance I shall ever receive from Papa's poor pinched pocket, I suppose ! And I floundered about in my accounts as usual. At 6 we rode with Willy and saw the Prince riding with Althorp and Col. Keppel. Mr. Baird joined us—I broke my stirrup strap but can luckily manage without : so we put it into Willy's pocket, and went on unheeding.
24Jun1863, The Beau Monde Responds
LONDON, Wednesday, June 24th, 1863. S. John Baptist.
—Six letters of congratulation poured down upon me, which, added to what greets me everywhere in the beau monde, make me feel very much as if I were going to be married.
—Six letters of congratulation poured down upon me, which, added to what greets me everywhere in the beau monde, make me feel very much as if I were going to be married.
22Jun1863, So Know All Men
LONDON, Monday, June 22nd, 1863.
—The Belmores came to luncheon. After which came Granny and At. K., bringing with them the Queen's official offer of the post to me, through the Duchess of Wellington, Mistress of the Robes. So know all men by these presents that I am a Maid-of-Honour. This is a momentous event in my life, and I am quite tired of ruminating and speculating about it.
—The Belmores came to luncheon. After which came Granny and At. K., bringing with them the Queen's official offer of the post to me, through the Duchess of Wellington, Mistress of the Robes. So know all men by these presents that I am a Maid-of-Honour. This is a momentous event in my life, and I am quite tired of ruminating and speculating about it.
21Jun1863, A Confirmatory Letter
LONDON, 3rd Sunday after Trinity, June 21st, 1863.
— Maid-of-honourums : a confirmatory letter came from Ly. Augusta.
— Maid-of-honourums : a confirmatory letter came from Ly. Augusta.
20Jun1863, Maid-of-honourums
LONDON, Saturday, June 20th, 1863.
—I breakfasted in G. St., and we talked a good deal Maid-of-honourums.
—I breakfasted in G. St., and we talked a good deal Maid-of-honourums.
Friday, December 19, 2008
19Jun1863, A Maid-of-Honour !!!!!!!
LONDON, Friday, June 19th, 1863.
—I went to luncheon in St. St., and there was told a wonderful bit of news. Ly. Augusta Bruce has written to Granny to ask whether, on a vacancy occurring, and the Queen being graciously pleased to offer it, there wd be any objection to my accepting the post of Maid-of-Honour ! ! ! ! ! ! ! And after some consultation, an answer was sent, signifying my grateful willingness. The very anticipation is so overpowering that I have had a headache all the aftn and I certainly dread the prospect, viewing my perpetual blunders, and the probable cuts into Hagley holidays and Papa. But ! £400 a year ! I shall be more than off his hands, and there is much that " I look the look over " (a case of dropping asleep ! "look forward to" I meant).
—I went to luncheon in St. St., and there was told a wonderful bit of news. Ly. Augusta Bruce has written to Granny to ask whether, on a vacancy occurring, and the Queen being graciously pleased to offer it, there wd be any objection to my accepting the post of Maid-of-Honour ! ! ! ! ! ! ! And after some consultation, an answer was sent, signifying my grateful willingness. The very anticipation is so overpowering that I have had a headache all the aftn and I certainly dread the prospect, viewing my perpetual blunders, and the probable cuts into Hagley holidays and Papa. But ! £400 a year ! I shall be more than off his hands, and there is much that " I look the look over " (a case of dropping asleep ! "look forward to" I meant).
18Jun1863, Shaking Hands with the Princess
LONDON, Thursday, June 18th, 1863.
—Lovely hot day. The Prince and Princess came to Dr. Stanley's garden, to see the tent which the latter slept in in the East, and we, the select few on the lawn, of course looked at both to our heart's content. And Atie. P. had the presence of mind to present me to the Princess ! who shook hands with me. My curtseys were beautiful, but 0 dear ! I couldn't make out what she said to me, with her low peculiar utterance and foreign accent. Luckily Agnes interpreted for me. Afterwards we went to see Magdalen, etc., and then saw T.R.H.'s go away, and the town, as one may say, visibly collapse after all the excitement.
—Lovely hot day. The Prince and Princess came to Dr. Stanley's garden, to see the tent which the latter slept in in the East, and we, the select few on the lawn, of course looked at both to our heart's content. And Atie. P. had the presence of mind to present me to the Princess ! who shook hands with me. My curtseys were beautiful, but 0 dear ! I couldn't make out what she said to me, with her low peculiar utterance and foreign accent. Luckily Agnes interpreted for me. Afterwards we went to see Magdalen, etc., and then saw T.R.H.'s go away, and the town, as one may say, visibly collapse after all the excitement.
17Jun1863, Sleeping on the Floor
OXFORD, Wednesday, June 17th, 1863.—
Very lovely and hot. Darling old Meriel is 23 to-day. Agnes and I spent a most notably sleepless and unquiet night ; the garret where we were put being rather close, the bed bumpy, hard, and too small, and Agnes, as a rule, unable to sleep well with a bedfellow. So we got alternately on to the floor full length, tucked up in a chair, listened to the innumerable clocks, and went into a succession of giggles, which helped us through many a weary hour. Finding the floor made me ache all over, and the chair was little better, I managed about 4 o'clock to lie down across the foot of the bed, and the contrast was so delicious, that an hour of comparative comfort and some sleep followed. And the night ended at last leaving us in an exhausted and stiffened state. We breakfasted very jovially with Stephy, meeting Johnny and Edward. Got prosperously into the theatre, where the reception of their R.H.'s was as uproarious and enthusiastic as yesterday. I didn't stay out the prize recitations, but got escorted home by John. Then came a State banquet at All Souls', to which it was a great honour to be asked, and afterwards we went to the Deanery garden, where the Prince came, and played with immense zest, boyishness, good nature, and some skill, at ball with his equerries and friends, using a croquet ball, and getting his fingers battered many a time, and once his nose ! A select circle of tufts were there Lords Newry, Parker [FN: Space left for other names not filled in.] ; also Ld. Albert Leveson-Gower. Thence we stumped off on foot to see the boat procession, which was a great success, in the lovely weather. High tea, and the Christ Ch. ball. We feasted our eyes on the Princess.
I was asked to dance by Lords Hamilton and Adair, Messrs. Parker, Warren, Wood, innom°. [FN: I.e. innominato, somebody whose name she did not know.] Ag. danced with the Prince.
Very lovely and hot. Darling old Meriel is 23 to-day. Agnes and I spent a most notably sleepless and unquiet night ; the garret where we were put being rather close, the bed bumpy, hard, and too small, and Agnes, as a rule, unable to sleep well with a bedfellow. So we got alternately on to the floor full length, tucked up in a chair, listened to the innumerable clocks, and went into a succession of giggles, which helped us through many a weary hour. Finding the floor made me ache all over, and the chair was little better, I managed about 4 o'clock to lie down across the foot of the bed, and the contrast was so delicious, that an hour of comparative comfort and some sleep followed. And the night ended at last leaving us in an exhausted and stiffened state. We breakfasted very jovially with Stephy, meeting Johnny and Edward. Got prosperously into the theatre, where the reception of their R.H.'s was as uproarious and enthusiastic as yesterday. I didn't stay out the prize recitations, but got escorted home by John. Then came a State banquet at All Souls', to which it was a great honour to be asked, and afterwards we went to the Deanery garden, where the Prince came, and played with immense zest, boyishness, good nature, and some skill, at ball with his equerries and friends, using a croquet ball, and getting his fingers battered many a time, and once his nose ! A select circle of tufts were there Lords Newry, Parker [FN: Space left for other names not filled in.] ; also Ld. Albert Leveson-Gower. Thence we stumped off on foot to see the boat procession, which was a great success, in the lovely weather. High tea, and the Christ Ch. ball. We feasted our eyes on the Princess.
I was asked to dance by Lords Hamilton and Adair, Messrs. Parker, Warren, Wood, innom°. [FN: I.e. innominato, somebody whose name she did not know.] Ag. danced with the Prince.
16Jun1863, Cheers for the Prince
OXFORD, Tuesday, June 16th, 1863.
—An almost unbroken soak of small, soft, penetrating rain, cruelly taking from one's enjoyment, and 0 how one hates one's unavoidable smartness in weather when a short print petticoat and waterproof cloak and hood wd be the only comfortable garments ! Nevertheless great have been to-day's enjoyments. We went 1st to the Deanery to see the lovely rooms prepared for T.R.H.'s, and soon after saw them arrive in Tom Quad. I saw them quite beautifully walk up to the Deanery, and for the 1st time realized the loveliness of the Princess, her noble, innocent, and peculiarly dignified expression, her winning grace, and her most beautiful smile. She gave away the prizes standing at the top of one of the flights of steps, under an awning. At about ¼ to 3, Agnes and I found ourselves wedged into a corner of the Ladies' Gallery in the theatre, close to one of the rostrums, and albeit we had nothing particular to sit on, and but little to stand on, we saw and heard famously. And never shall I forget the astounding cheers when the great doors were opened, and our Princess walked up ! As the Prince appeared immediately after her train, the cheers ceased only for the whole mass of voices to join in " God save the Queen " with a mighty shout ; and this was the sublimest thing, in its intense effect upon one, that I have ever heard. Afterwards the tremendous cheers began again and again ; till the theatre and everyone in it was ready to burst ; of course there was plenty of noise besides, and more, and more unruly, than at Cambridge, but this is all I care to remember.
—An almost unbroken soak of small, soft, penetrating rain, cruelly taking from one's enjoyment, and 0 how one hates one's unavoidable smartness in weather when a short print petticoat and waterproof cloak and hood wd be the only comfortable garments ! Nevertheless great have been to-day's enjoyments. We went 1st to the Deanery to see the lovely rooms prepared for T.R.H.'s, and soon after saw them arrive in Tom Quad. I saw them quite beautifully walk up to the Deanery, and for the 1st time realized the loveliness of the Princess, her noble, innocent, and peculiarly dignified expression, her winning grace, and her most beautiful smile. She gave away the prizes standing at the top of one of the flights of steps, under an awning. At about ¼ to 3, Agnes and I found ourselves wedged into a corner of the Ladies' Gallery in the theatre, close to one of the rostrums, and albeit we had nothing particular to sit on, and but little to stand on, we saw and heard famously. And never shall I forget the astounding cheers when the great doors were opened, and our Princess walked up ! As the Prince appeared immediately after her train, the cheers ceased only for the whole mass of voices to join in " God save the Queen " with a mighty shout ; and this was the sublimest thing, in its intense effect upon one, that I have ever heard. Afterwards the tremendous cheers began again and again ; till the theatre and everyone in it was ready to burst ; of course there was plenty of noise besides, and more, and more unruly, than at Cambridge, but this is all I care to remember.
15Jun1863, Meeting Howard and Jowett
OXFORD, Monday, June 15th, 1863.
—We came away last of all, and arrived here (at Dr. Stanley's) about 5, on a notable visit, viz. to celebrate Commemoration and the Prince and Princess of Wales' coming—he to receive a D.C.L. degree. These kind people have packed unheard-of numbers into their ingenious little house : the Stanleys of Alderley (minus parents), the Dufferins, and others besides are here. Ly. Dufferin has a gentle, winning countenance and manner, but is not pretty. A large dinner-party, cleverly divided between hall and dining-room. I sat between Ld. Dufferin, who was extremely agreeable, and Mr. Howard, [FN: No doubt George Howard, afterwards 9th Ear of Carlisle, a great lover of art.] who can talk to any degree about drawing ! In the evening amongst others came the too-famous Mr. Jowett, whose mild intellectual face wd not lead one to suspect him to be one of the tamperers with the Faith, as, however, he must be called.
—We came away last of all, and arrived here (at Dr. Stanley's) about 5, on a notable visit, viz. to celebrate Commemoration and the Prince and Princess of Wales' coming—he to receive a D.C.L. degree. These kind people have packed unheard-of numbers into their ingenious little house : the Stanleys of Alderley (minus parents), the Dufferins, and others besides are here. Ly. Dufferin has a gentle, winning countenance and manner, but is not pretty. A large dinner-party, cleverly divided between hall and dining-room. I sat between Ld. Dufferin, who was extremely agreeable, and Mr. Howard, [FN: No doubt George Howard, afterwards 9th Ear of Carlisle, a great lover of art.] who can talk to any degree about drawing ! In the evening amongst others came the too-famous Mr. Jowett, whose mild intellectual face wd not lead one to suspect him to be one of the tamperers with the Faith, as, however, he must be called.
14Jun1863, Paradise and Heaven
CLIVEDEN, 2nd Sunday after Trinity, June 14th, 1863.
—Hot with soft rain ; lovely afternoon, but felt thundery. My experience hitherto of peculiarly grand country places (and this is grand, though not large) certainly gives me no favourable impression of their churchums. Some of the party went to Cookham, and most to S. George's, Windsor, in the aftn ; but Agnes and I were doomed twice to a dreary bare room where service goes on pending the restoration of Hedzor Church : no chanting, a barrel-organ, laborious, longwinded, and truly dreadful hymn-singing, and in the morning no sermon owing to the poor clergyman's being ill. The aftn sermon, however, was good, on Watching and Praying. A. and I walked down to the river afterwards, views peaceful and lovely. Also we capped Sunday verses, and read aloud a good sermon of Jebb's. The Duchess of Argyll's wonderful cleverness is delightful to listen to ; and most gracefully it sits upon her, as she looks up with her shining eyes, and in that low gentle voice comes out with such knowledge of books, events, and politics. Meanwhile the perfect taste, refinement, and luxury of the place almost oppresses me. When one lives in Paradise, how hard it must be to ascend in heart and mind to Heaven !
—Hot with soft rain ; lovely afternoon, but felt thundery. My experience hitherto of peculiarly grand country places (and this is grand, though not large) certainly gives me no favourable impression of their churchums. Some of the party went to Cookham, and most to S. George's, Windsor, in the aftn ; but Agnes and I were doomed twice to a dreary bare room where service goes on pending the restoration of Hedzor Church : no chanting, a barrel-organ, laborious, longwinded, and truly dreadful hymn-singing, and in the morning no sermon owing to the poor clergyman's being ill. The aftn sermon, however, was good, on Watching and Praying. A. and I walked down to the river afterwards, views peaceful and lovely. Also we capped Sunday verses, and read aloud a good sermon of Jebb's. The Duchess of Argyll's wonderful cleverness is delightful to listen to ; and most gracefully it sits upon her, as she looks up with her shining eyes, and in that low gentle voice comes out with such knowledge of books, events, and politics. Meanwhile the perfect taste, refinement, and luxury of the place almost oppresses me. When one lives in Paradise, how hard it must be to ascend in heart and mind to Heaven !
13Jun1863, America: North vs South
CLIVEDEN, Saturday, June 13th, 1863.
—Set off (beyond blowing) to Cliveden—connected in my mind, for ever I shd think, with old M.'s engagement, and our very shy and very lovely visit here just aftr. There are here the Argylls, Ld. Richard Cavendish, the Wm. Cowpers, Ly. C. Grosvenor, and poor Mr. William Harcourt,[FN: Afterwards Sir William, the statesman.] who 4 months ago lost his young wife in her 2nd confinement, their first beautiful baby having died the year before. It does make one's heart ache to think of such grief ; and his whole look and manner touch one extremely, the more because he joins in conversation, and puts on no affectations of sorrow ; but his face tells it all. The little baby lives. During dinner America was the topic : the Duke and Duchess are Northern ! in their sympathies : as there was no zealous Southerner to give battle, I did not come in for a regular elaborate argument about it, which I long to hear, that I may make some head and tail of the subject. Mr. Harcourt said slavery was the cause of the rupture, but abolition was not the object of it.
—Set off (beyond blowing) to Cliveden—connected in my mind, for ever I shd think, with old M.'s engagement, and our very shy and very lovely visit here just aftr. There are here the Argylls, Ld. Richard Cavendish, the Wm. Cowpers, Ly. C. Grosvenor, and poor Mr. William Harcourt,[FN: Afterwards Sir William, the statesman.] who 4 months ago lost his young wife in her 2nd confinement, their first beautiful baby having died the year before. It does make one's heart ache to think of such grief ; and his whole look and manner touch one extremely, the more because he joins in conversation, and puts on no affectations of sorrow ; but his face tells it all. The little baby lives. During dinner America was the topic : the Duke and Duchess are Northern ! in their sympathies : as there was no zealous Southerner to give battle, I did not come in for a regular elaborate argument about it, which I long to hear, that I may make some head and tail of the subject. Mr. Harcourt said slavery was the cause of the rupture, but abolition was not the object of it.
11Jun1863, Only Two Dances
LONDON, Thursday, June 11th, 1863. S. Barnabas.
— An amusing ball, unlike the general run, at Miss Coutts's ; there was at first not a partner to be seen ! and when a few did turn up, they wouldn't dance with me. Consequently my two dances were with an innominato and Ld. Feilding.
— An amusing ball, unlike the general run, at Miss Coutts's ; there was at first not a partner to be seen ! and when a few did turn up, they wouldn't dance with me. Consequently my two dances were with an innominato and Ld. Feilding.
08Jun1863, A Page-of-Honour
LONDON, Monday, June 8th, 1863.
—. . . Then with Papa to St. St., to see Arthur [FN: He was a Page-of-Honour.] in his Court costume for the levee. (Query, is he to hold up the Prince's coat-tails?) I must say he looked bewitching, in his red George II coat faced with gold, his white silk tights and stockings, his red-heeled, buckled shoes, his cocked hat, shoulder-knot of satin ribbon, lace ruffles, and rapier ! He stepped into the pompous Royal coach which came for him with amazing dignity.
—. . . Then with Papa to St. St., to see Arthur [FN: He was a Page-of-Honour.] in his Court costume for the levee. (Query, is he to hold up the Prince's coat-tails?) I must say he looked bewitching, in his red George II coat faced with gold, his white silk tights and stockings, his red-heeled, buckled shoes, his cocked hat, shoulder-knot of satin ribbon, lace ruffles, and rapier ! He stepped into the pompous Royal coach which came for him with amazing dignity.
02Jun1863, America and Heaven
LONDON, Tuesday, June 2nd, 1863.
—I sat next an exceedingly agreeable Mr. Bourke, who has seen a good deal of America. He said the people were quite as hateful as books describe them. And he told me of one horrible thing : they dare to push their democracy into their very ideas of Heaven ; i.e. they will never give to the Almighty the title of "King of Kings," or any other which implies sovereign authority, as being contrary to their notions of universal equality ! !
—I sat next an exceedingly agreeable Mr. Bourke, who has seen a good deal of America. He said the people were quite as hateful as books describe them. And he told me of one horrible thing : they dare to push their democracy into their very ideas of Heaven ; i.e. they will never give to the Almighty the title of "King of Kings," or any other which implies sovereign authority, as being contrary to their notions of universal equality ! !
26May1863, Smiling Loveliness
HAGLEY, Tuesday, May 26th, 1863.
—Sarina [FN: Sarina James, daughter of 1st Lord Northbourne : afterwards wife of Sir Arthur Godley, created Lord Kilbracken in 1909.] and I with the little boys had a charming walk thro' Wickberry wood and over the obelisk hill : 0 dear, dear ! the soft smiling loveliness of everything ! and the springtide of the trees, grass and garden gives a positive exhilaration to one's feelings. This summer, I think, will seem a double one to me.
—Sarina [FN: Sarina James, daughter of 1st Lord Northbourne : afterwards wife of Sir Arthur Godley, created Lord Kilbracken in 1909.] and I with the little boys had a charming walk thro' Wickberry wood and over the obelisk hill : 0 dear, dear ! the soft smiling loveliness of everything ! and the springtide of the trees, grass and garden gives a positive exhilaration to one's feelings. This summer, I think, will seem a double one to me.
17May1863, Dirty Gloves
LONDON, Sunday after Ascension, May 17th, 1863.
—Thence to Chapel Royal ; I grieve to say that I cannot so abstract myself as to feel like a Christian in church, when I form part of that select circle of the nobility who sit in the Peeresses' boudoir ; and I was nearly as painfully conscious of a pair of dirty gloves as if I had been at a concert. Oh dear ! there are things allowed by our Church which one wd be ashamed of a dissenter or Romanist knowing !
We went thence to St. St. for the evening, and now Papa has walked me home. Not having been once on wheels, I must have walked about 7 miles.
—Thence to Chapel Royal ; I grieve to say that I cannot so abstract myself as to feel like a Christian in church, when I form part of that select circle of the nobility who sit in the Peeresses' boudoir ; and I was nearly as painfully conscious of a pair of dirty gloves as if I had been at a concert. Oh dear ! there are things allowed by our Church which one wd be ashamed of a dissenter or Romanist knowing !
We went thence to St. St. for the evening, and now Papa has walked me home. Not having been once on wheels, I must have walked about 7 miles.
16May1863, The Drawing Room
LONDON, Saturday, May 16th, 1863.
— Some rain : soft and pleasant. I breakfasted in G. St., and saw old M. set off for the drawing-room, looking her very best, in blue and silver. She was tired to death, having to spend six hours in the performance ; which we happy entrée people [FN: The Gladstones, of course, had the entrée.] achieved in little more than an hour. It bewilders me to think that, at the last drawing-room I was at, the Queen stood there ; the unexampled sunshine of her life yet uneclipsed, and her husband beside her. This one was held by the Princess of Wales, who looked pale and not so lovely as she is generally thought ; but very sweet and winning. Prss. Alice shook hands with me. There were 5 curtseys to be made, as, besides those, there were there Pr. of Wales, and the Cambridges.
— Some rain : soft and pleasant. I breakfasted in G. St., and saw old M. set off for the drawing-room, looking her very best, in blue and silver. She was tired to death, having to spend six hours in the performance ; which we happy entrée people [FN: The Gladstones, of course, had the entrée.] achieved in little more than an hour. It bewilders me to think that, at the last drawing-room I was at, the Queen stood there ; the unexampled sunshine of her life yet uneclipsed, and her husband beside her. This one was held by the Princess of Wales, who looked pale and not so lovely as she is generally thought ; but very sweet and winning. Prss. Alice shook hands with me. There were 5 curtseys to be made, as, besides those, there were there Pr. of Wales, and the Cambridges.
13May1863, Alone in a Cab
LONDON, Wednesday, May 13th, 1863.
—Bkfast in G. St., whence I went alone in a cab, with nothing but a footman, to Shoolbred's again, for the N. room carpet, which I forgot like an idiot yesterday. Willy was presented in his brand new Deputy Lieutenant's uniform. He, his parents and Agnes, had the honour of going to a wonderfully select ball at Pam's, to meet the Prince and Princess.
—Bkfast in G. St., whence I went alone in a cab, with nothing but a footman, to Shoolbred's again, for the N. room carpet, which I forgot like an idiot yesterday. Willy was presented in his brand new Deputy Lieutenant's uniform. He, his parents and Agnes, had the honour of going to a wonderfully select ball at Pam's, to meet the Prince and Princess.
10May1863, Four Sermons
LONDON, 5th Sunday after Easter, May 10th, 1863.
—Same weather ; finer than yesterday. Whereas in London I generally hear but one sermon in church, to-day I have heard three. Papa came as usual, and we all went to Whitehall, where Canon Stanley preached beautifully on the Triumphs of Death. S. James in the aft : the Bishop of London preached on the use of the historic books of the Bible. Thence I went to St. St., where Mrs. Talbot called to see me, and I went at 7 with her and Ldy Wharncliffe and daughter (the latter really recovered) to a delightful, hearty, congregational Service at S. Peter's, Windmill St., where they have just set up a new organ. Good sermon by Mr. Kempe on Church music. Papa dropped me at home, and so it fell out that I came in for prayers here, and a fourth sermon, a short striking one, Uncle W.'s own, on the Ascension.
—Same weather ; finer than yesterday. Whereas in London I generally hear but one sermon in church, to-day I have heard three. Papa came as usual, and we all went to Whitehall, where Canon Stanley preached beautifully on the Triumphs of Death. S. James in the aft : the Bishop of London preached on the use of the historic books of the Bible. Thence I went to St. St., where Mrs. Talbot called to see me, and I went at 7 with her and Ldy Wharncliffe and daughter (the latter really recovered) to a delightful, hearty, congregational Service at S. Peter's, Windmill St., where they have just set up a new organ. Good sermon by Mr. Kempe on Church music. Papa dropped me at home, and so it fell out that I came in for prayers here, and a fourth sermon, a short striking one, Uncle W.'s own, on the Ascension.
09May1863, Dining at the Gladstones
LONDON, Saturday, May 9th, 1863.
—Agnes and I dined with the P. Gladstones en famille ; while uncle and aunt dined at Marlborough House, and came away raving of the Princess of course !
—Agnes and I dined with the P. Gladstones en famille ; while uncle and aunt dined at Marlborough House, and came away raving of the Princess of course !
04May1863, A Speech by Uncle William
LONDON, Monday, May 4th, 1863.
—We drove a little, and then ! went to the House of Commons and heard Uncle William's splendid speech in defence of his extraordinary proposal of income-taxing charities. He bore down all before him while he spoke ; defending himself, as none but he can do, by dint of his marvellous eloquence and ingenuity, and by the evident strength and depth of his own convictions, which gave tenfold power to all he said. But I can well believe the opposition, when it calls the scheme "monstrous." The cry against it is tremendous : an enormous deputation waited upon him this afternoon, headed by the D. of Cambridge and the 2 Archbishops, the House was nearly to a man against him, and so (though his speech converted some), he withdrew the motion.
We went, somewhat exhausted in mind and body, to Ly. H. Vane's ball after this. I danced with Messrs. Lascelles and Wortley, Lord Cowper, and was engaged to Lord Lennox, when we had to go. But there ! I haven't mentioned that the Princess of Wales came quite incog. with 2 ladies, to hear the debate ! and had to go before the speech. We saw her lovely, fair, gracious profile very well.
—We drove a little, and then ! went to the House of Commons and heard Uncle William's splendid speech in defence of his extraordinary proposal of income-taxing charities. He bore down all before him while he spoke ; defending himself, as none but he can do, by dint of his marvellous eloquence and ingenuity, and by the evident strength and depth of his own convictions, which gave tenfold power to all he said. But I can well believe the opposition, when it calls the scheme "monstrous." The cry against it is tremendous : an enormous deputation waited upon him this afternoon, headed by the D. of Cambridge and the 2 Archbishops, the House was nearly to a man against him, and so (though his speech converted some), he withdrew the motion.
We went, somewhat exhausted in mind and body, to Ly. H. Vane's ball after this. I danced with Messrs. Lascelles and Wortley, Lord Cowper, and was engaged to Lord Lennox, when we had to go. But there ! I haven't mentioned that the Princess of Wales came quite incog. with 2 ladies, to hear the debate ! and had to go before the speech. We saw her lovely, fair, gracious profile very well.
02May1863, The Prince of Wales Bows
LONDON, Saturday, May 2nd, 1863.
—Rode with Agnes. As we cantered up Constitution Hill, we saw a young man riding in front of us, who proved to be the Prince of Wales ; only one gentleman with him, and a groom. And near the Marble Arch, a little phaeton with pair of ponies driven by a very pretty young lady, passed us : somebody in deep mourning was with her. The carriage looked like a Royal one ; and we have nearly made up our minds that the young lady was the Princess ; the only objection being that she was not very like her ! Coming back, the Prince of Wales passed us, and made us a beautiful bow. We saw him within the gates of Marlborough House, where they are just established.
Ly. Pam's [FN: Lady Palmerston.] party very full : I saw Lord Robt. Cecil,[FN: Afterwards Lord Salisbury, the Prime Minister.] who is supposed to have written a keen, clever, and cutting article abt this governt. in the Quarterly some time ago ; "Four Years of a Reforming Administration."
—Rode with Agnes. As we cantered up Constitution Hill, we saw a young man riding in front of us, who proved to be the Prince of Wales ; only one gentleman with him, and a groom. And near the Marble Arch, a little phaeton with pair of ponies driven by a very pretty young lady, passed us : somebody in deep mourning was with her. The carriage looked like a Royal one ; and we have nearly made up our minds that the young lady was the Princess ; the only objection being that she was not very like her ! Coming back, the Prince of Wales passed us, and made us a beautiful bow. We saw him within the gates of Marlborough House, where they are just established.
Ly. Pam's [FN: Lady Palmerston.] party very full : I saw Lord Robt. Cecil,[FN: Afterwards Lord Salisbury, the Prime Minister.] who is supposed to have written a keen, clever, and cutting article abt this governt. in the Quarterly some time ago ; "Four Years of a Reforming Administration."
01May1863, May Day and King Lear
LONDON, Friday, May Day, 1863. SS. Philip and James.
—I had the immense treat of going with Mrs. Watson and Miss Boyle to hear F. Kemble read "King Lear," as I did once before, in '56, I think. I cried horribly.
—I had the immense treat of going with Mrs. Watson and Miss Boyle to hear F. Kemble read "King Lear," as I did once before, in '56, I think. I cried horribly.
27Apr1863, Princess's wedding gifts
LONDON, Monday, April 27th, 1863.
—Still warmer. The lilacs are all out. We went to the Kensington Museum to see the Princess's wedding gifts, which were hardly worth the exertion. Most of the jewels have been taken away, and many things were in very bad taste. Afterwards we went to breakfast at Ld. Grosvenor's : such luxurious splendour their house is full of ; it looked like fairy-land. Saw their eldest children, Lord Belgrave, a fine fellow of ten, very tall, and a little like Cousin Ebbett ! and Lady Elizabeth, a most lovely angel-faced little thing of six, like the Duchess of Argyll. She came softly in in her tiny riding-habit.
—Still warmer. The lilacs are all out. We went to the Kensington Museum to see the Princess's wedding gifts, which were hardly worth the exertion. Most of the jewels have been taken away, and many things were in very bad taste. Afterwards we went to breakfast at Ld. Grosvenor's : such luxurious splendour their house is full of ; it looked like fairy-land. Saw their eldest children, Lord Belgrave, a fine fellow of ten, very tall, and a little like Cousin Ebbett ! and Lady Elizabeth, a most lovely angel-faced little thing of six, like the Duchess of Argyll. She came softly in in her tiny riding-habit.
24Apr1863, New Hats
LONDON, Friday, April 24th, 1863.
—At. C. picked me up, and we went to S. James at 11, after which we went with the girls and shopped with extraordinary vigour and success : got them and myself hats of the high-crowned fashion, which in its extreme (but ours are moderate) is suggestive of something between a bandit and a Tyrolese.
—At. C. picked me up, and we went to S. James at 11, after which we went with the girls and shopped with extraordinary vigour and success : got them and myself hats of the high-crowned fashion, which in its extreme (but ours are moderate) is suggestive of something between a bandit and a Tyrolese.
11Apr1863, The Valse
HAGLEY, Saturday, April 11th, 1863.
—I have mastered the Scotch reel, and Charles has fairly learnt to valse.
—I have mastered the Scotch reel, and Charles has fairly learnt to valse.
Friday, February 01, 2008
10Mar1863, The Wedding of the Prince of Wales
LONDON, Tuesday, March 10th, 1863.
—The great day of the Prince of Wales' marriage to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. I must try and put down a detailed account, for of course this day has been one in a thousand, and it can hardly be that one life-time should include another pageant so great, magnificent, and stately, combined as it is in this case with so much that is true and beautiful and deeply moving. In short, a pageant with inward as well as outward beauty ! Agnes and her sisters, Toney Gladstone and I, got excellent places in the nave of S. George's Chapel, after some difficulties on the way. The seats in the nave, when we came in, were not half filled ; but by the end of the two hours that we waited, every place was taken. I can't describe the glowing effect of the tiers of bright colour, immensely heightened by the uniformed grandees that kept passing through, the Beefeaters and gold-encrusted trumpeters, and the heralds in their tabards, which are only worn when the Sovereign is present at great State occasions. From time to time gorgeous duchesses, etc., every one in full Court dress (except the train) and diamonds, passed down the nave ; but only to look about them, as they had seats in the choir. About 11½ the Archbishop of Canterbury, and all the officiating Bishops and clergy, of whom the Bishop of Oxford and the Dean of Windsor were in robes of the Order of the Garter, passed into the choir by the N. transept door and later all the Knights of the Garter, in their splendid blue velvet robes. But all this was only preparing one ! Abt 12½ the Danish Prince and Princesses and suite went up the nave into the choir ; and very soon after we heard " God save the Queen," faintly, but quite audibly, played over and over again outside the Chapel, and in the middle of its glorious music, which always overcomes me with its pride and pathos—a burst of cheers. That went through me, somehow, most of all. Then there was a silence of expectation, till the band quickly formed at the W. door, and the 1st procession came in, preceded by the drums and trumpets. This was all the Royal family : the Princess of Prussia, leading her little son, Prince William ; Princess Louis of Hesse, their husbands, Princesses Helena, Louise and Beatrice, and Princes Arthur and Leopold ; Prince Alfred, alas ! kept away by his illness, which he had not quite recovered. All looked graceful and Royal indeed ! Princess Royal become exactly like the Queen, whom in a manner she represented. She looked a little sad, and was the one who cried most during the Service. Princess Alice looked wonderfully well, though her confinement is to be next month : both the younger ones grown pretty, with their fair bright faces, and the tiny one of all, though small and white, very winning and darling. After these had disappeared into the choir, the Lord Chamberlain, preceded by the heralds, left the Chapel, to bring the bridegroom. And very soon after, the trumpets and drums again sounded joyously, the officers of the Prince's household marched in, all glittering in uniform, and then ! as the trumpets filed off into the transepts, and the organ pealed, the Prince of Wales, in the robes of the Order of the Garter, entered the nave ; the blue velvet cloak giving height and dignity to his figure ; his face a little pale, but bright, gentle, and gracious, in its youth and happiness : his bows right and left full of royal grace, his whole manner beautiful and regal. When this procession had passed, the Lord Chamberlain again went out, and this time the clang of the trumpets was followed by the organ and orchestra thundering out the " Wedding March " in Athalie ; and the Bride whom all England was greeting, and for whom the prayers of millions were going up ; our pride and hope ; in all the beauty of her youth, her sweet face bent down, her small head crowned with orange-flower, her step queenly, and her whole look the perfection of maiden grace, entered the nave. Her white train was carried by eight bridesmaids, daughters of the Dukes of Buccleuch and St. Albans, and of Lords Westminster, Elgin, Listowel, Hardwicke, Cawdor, Clarendon, Mount-Edgcumbe and Cowley. 2 of these are in by mistake : which I don't know. And now the Service began, the Archbishop's sonorous voice was so clear, that, having prayer-books, Agnes and I were able to follow it all ; and wonderfully striking it was to hear the simple solemn words, which bless quiet marriages in little country churches, spoken here in the face of all the splendour and pomp of England, and addressed to these two descendants of kings. I know this is a trite thought, but it is a grand one ; and may one not hope that in many hearts it awoke the earnest longing prayer that the King of Kings, thus acknowledged, would pour down upon them the blessing without which vain and false indeed would be all this rejoicing and all our loyal hopes. A beautiful solemn chorale of the Prince Consort's was sung, Jenny Lind's glorious notes ringing above all, and the Deus Misereatur chanted. And the Service ended with the great blessing : " The Peace of God . . ." Then followed a short pause, while the joyful bells chimed, and the guns fired from the Castle. The first was fired immediately after their hands were joined. And now all in the nave rose, while the " Mount of Olives " Hallelujah burst from the orchestra, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, this time heading the procession, left the choir, followed by the whole gorgeous array. Both looked less agitated ; the Princess ventured to raise her eyes, and the beaming, proud happiness on the Prince's face was a joy to see. All this was what we in the nave saw ; but ah me ! what it must have been to have been in the choir ! All agree in saying that the Prince's manner, in the trying minutes that he had to wait alone at the altar, was perfect in its simple, unaffected seriousness. The solemn and most moving point in all the ceremony was the presence of the Queen, who took no public part, but sat in her place (visible to all in the choir) at the N. of the altar, in her widow's weeds. To her the Prince looked up as soon as he reached the altar, and she seemed to bless and pray for them. She bore up through all, crying only very little, though it must have filled her with mournful memories and sad yearnings ; for oh, it would have been a day without a cloud, if his presence had been there ! As it was, the sight of her, around whom all centres, the head and Queen of it all, in her deep sorrow and loneliness, cast a heavy shadow over the sunny hope and joy. May the marriage only be to her a blessed source of cheering and comfort, that her evening time may be light !
The Bride trembled extremely at first, but was heard giving her troth in a clear childlike voice, with a slightly foreign accent. The Prince's " I will " was distinct and emphatic. The Queen knelt, burying her face in her hands, during the concluding blessing. And so—it was over ! Oh that our prayers may prevail ! that Thou wouldst indeed bless them !
Granny had the honour of being with the Queen.
From 8½ to 3½ in the morning Atie. Pussy, Miss Gladstone, Mrs. Talbot, John, Edward, and I, were struggling through the mighty crowds, seeing the illuminations, in a great van. We cd not get into the City, and so failed to see S. Paul's, which was illuminated, but it proved a failure. We saw the W. end illuminations well, but it wasn't worth the hours of jam and wedge. A great sight, however, for never was such universal and vehement rejoicing : millions of excited people, all wonderfully good humoured and well behaved. The Talbots got home abt 3, walking from Waterloo Bridge, where we came to a hopeless stick, but finally got home by the Strand. What an endless acct ! and yet I have not mentioned half, either of facts or feelings. Bright sunny weather till late. Fine night.
—The great day of the Prince of Wales' marriage to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. I must try and put down a detailed account, for of course this day has been one in a thousand, and it can hardly be that one life-time should include another pageant so great, magnificent, and stately, combined as it is in this case with so much that is true and beautiful and deeply moving. In short, a pageant with inward as well as outward beauty ! Agnes and her sisters, Toney Gladstone and I, got excellent places in the nave of S. George's Chapel, after some difficulties on the way. The seats in the nave, when we came in, were not half filled ; but by the end of the two hours that we waited, every place was taken. I can't describe the glowing effect of the tiers of bright colour, immensely heightened by the uniformed grandees that kept passing through, the Beefeaters and gold-encrusted trumpeters, and the heralds in their tabards, which are only worn when the Sovereign is present at great State occasions. From time to time gorgeous duchesses, etc., every one in full Court dress (except the train) and diamonds, passed down the nave ; but only to look about them, as they had seats in the choir. About 11½ the Archbishop of Canterbury, and all the officiating Bishops and clergy, of whom the Bishop of Oxford and the Dean of Windsor were in robes of the Order of the Garter, passed into the choir by the N. transept door and later all the Knights of the Garter, in their splendid blue velvet robes. But all this was only preparing one ! Abt 12½ the Danish Prince and Princesses and suite went up the nave into the choir ; and very soon after we heard " God save the Queen," faintly, but quite audibly, played over and over again outside the Chapel, and in the middle of its glorious music, which always overcomes me with its pride and pathos—a burst of cheers. That went through me, somehow, most of all. Then there was a silence of expectation, till the band quickly formed at the W. door, and the 1st procession came in, preceded by the drums and trumpets. This was all the Royal family : the Princess of Prussia, leading her little son, Prince William ; Princess Louis of Hesse, their husbands, Princesses Helena, Louise and Beatrice, and Princes Arthur and Leopold ; Prince Alfred, alas ! kept away by his illness, which he had not quite recovered. All looked graceful and Royal indeed ! Princess Royal become exactly like the Queen, whom in a manner she represented. She looked a little sad, and was the one who cried most during the Service. Princess Alice looked wonderfully well, though her confinement is to be next month : both the younger ones grown pretty, with their fair bright faces, and the tiny one of all, though small and white, very winning and darling. After these had disappeared into the choir, the Lord Chamberlain, preceded by the heralds, left the Chapel, to bring the bridegroom. And very soon after, the trumpets and drums again sounded joyously, the officers of the Prince's household marched in, all glittering in uniform, and then ! as the trumpets filed off into the transepts, and the organ pealed, the Prince of Wales, in the robes of the Order of the Garter, entered the nave ; the blue velvet cloak giving height and dignity to his figure ; his face a little pale, but bright, gentle, and gracious, in its youth and happiness : his bows right and left full of royal grace, his whole manner beautiful and regal. When this procession had passed, the Lord Chamberlain again went out, and this time the clang of the trumpets was followed by the organ and orchestra thundering out the " Wedding March " in Athalie ; and the Bride whom all England was greeting, and for whom the prayers of millions were going up ; our pride and hope ; in all the beauty of her youth, her sweet face bent down, her small head crowned with orange-flower, her step queenly, and her whole look the perfection of maiden grace, entered the nave. Her white train was carried by eight bridesmaids, daughters of the Dukes of Buccleuch and St. Albans, and of Lords Westminster, Elgin, Listowel, Hardwicke, Cawdor, Clarendon, Mount-Edgcumbe and Cowley. 2 of these are in by mistake : which I don't know. And now the Service began, the Archbishop's sonorous voice was so clear, that, having prayer-books, Agnes and I were able to follow it all ; and wonderfully striking it was to hear the simple solemn words, which bless quiet marriages in little country churches, spoken here in the face of all the splendour and pomp of England, and addressed to these two descendants of kings. I know this is a trite thought, but it is a grand one ; and may one not hope that in many hearts it awoke the earnest longing prayer that the King of Kings, thus acknowledged, would pour down upon them the blessing without which vain and false indeed would be all this rejoicing and all our loyal hopes. A beautiful solemn chorale of the Prince Consort's was sung, Jenny Lind's glorious notes ringing above all, and the Deus Misereatur chanted. And the Service ended with the great blessing : " The Peace of God . . ." Then followed a short pause, while the joyful bells chimed, and the guns fired from the Castle. The first was fired immediately after their hands were joined. And now all in the nave rose, while the " Mount of Olives " Hallelujah burst from the orchestra, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, this time heading the procession, left the choir, followed by the whole gorgeous array. Both looked less agitated ; the Princess ventured to raise her eyes, and the beaming, proud happiness on the Prince's face was a joy to see. All this was what we in the nave saw ; but ah me ! what it must have been to have been in the choir ! All agree in saying that the Prince's manner, in the trying minutes that he had to wait alone at the altar, was perfect in its simple, unaffected seriousness. The solemn and most moving point in all the ceremony was the presence of the Queen, who took no public part, but sat in her place (visible to all in the choir) at the N. of the altar, in her widow's weeds. To her the Prince looked up as soon as he reached the altar, and she seemed to bless and pray for them. She bore up through all, crying only very little, though it must have filled her with mournful memories and sad yearnings ; for oh, it would have been a day without a cloud, if his presence had been there ! As it was, the sight of her, around whom all centres, the head and Queen of it all, in her deep sorrow and loneliness, cast a heavy shadow over the sunny hope and joy. May the marriage only be to her a blessed source of cheering and comfort, that her evening time may be light !
The Bride trembled extremely at first, but was heard giving her troth in a clear childlike voice, with a slightly foreign accent. The Prince's " I will " was distinct and emphatic. The Queen knelt, burying her face in her hands, during the concluding blessing. And so—it was over ! Oh that our prayers may prevail ! that Thou wouldst indeed bless them !
Granny had the honour of being with the Queen.
From 8½ to 3½ in the morning Atie. Pussy, Miss Gladstone, Mrs. Talbot, John, Edward, and I, were struggling through the mighty crowds, seeing the illuminations, in a great van. We cd not get into the City, and so failed to see S. Paul's, which was illuminated, but it proved a failure. We saw the W. end illuminations well, but it wasn't worth the hours of jam and wedge. A great sight, however, for never was such universal and vehement rejoicing : millions of excited people, all wonderfully good humoured and well behaved. The Talbots got home abt 3, walking from Waterloo Bridge, where we came to a hopeless stick, but finally got home by the Strand. What an endless acct ! and yet I have not mentioned half, either of facts or feelings. Bright sunny weather till late. Fine night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)