LONDON, February 26th, 1866.
—London House. I have undertaken to go once a fortnight to St. George's-in-the-East workhouse.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
22Feb1866, Funds for Princess Helena
LONDON, February 22nd, 1866.
—I got smuggled into the House, and heard Uncle Wm. speak upon the Queen's messages about granting money to Princess Helena on her marriage, and to Prince Alfred on his coming-of-age. He did it well, speaking of what Princess Helena had been to the Queen, which I know something of. She is to have £6,000 a year, and £30,000 down, which is rather stingy, considering how poor her marriage is : Prince Alfred £15,000 a year. Then Uncle Wm. delivered "a fine panegyric" on Lord Palmerston, proposing a monument to him in the Abbey. He did it very well. Then came Jamaica and Cattle-plague ; dull enough. We dined quite promiscuous at Ly. James' ; as did the Gladstones, and I enjoyed hearing and seeing something of Uncle Wm. again. He is certainly not yet overdone by the Leadership ! but in great force.
—I got smuggled into the House, and heard Uncle Wm. speak upon the Queen's messages about granting money to Princess Helena on her marriage, and to Prince Alfred on his coming-of-age. He did it well, speaking of what Princess Helena had been to the Queen, which I know something of. She is to have £6,000 a year, and £30,000 down, which is rather stingy, considering how poor her marriage is : Prince Alfred £15,000 a year. Then Uncle Wm. delivered "a fine panegyric" on Lord Palmerston, proposing a monument to him in the Abbey. He did it very well. Then came Jamaica and Cattle-plague ; dull enough. We dined quite promiscuous at Ly. James' ; as did the Gladstones, and I enjoyed hearing and seeing something of Uncle Wm. again. He is certainly not yet overdone by the Leadership ! but in great force.
18Feb1866, Cockney Damsels
LONDON, February 18th, 1866.
—Bright pleasant frost : a real enjoyment it was. Mazy and I fired away a class at one of the S. Martin's schools ; I was a good deal taken off my legs by the coolness and talkativeness of my pale-faced cockney damsels who were very ready to put me in the right way. The row was great, and my numbers unmanageable, so I did not make a satisfactory start. S. Martin's in the morning (as it always is, unless I say to the contrary) ; Mr. Helps called, and made us late for 3 o'clock Abbey ; so we poked in upon M. and then pounded off to S. Paul's, where was a big congregation. Two pretty baptisms which brought tears to my eyes, so foolishly did I long to see a baby of our own christened.
—Bright pleasant frost : a real enjoyment it was. Mazy and I fired away a class at one of the S. Martin's schools ; I was a good deal taken off my legs by the coolness and talkativeness of my pale-faced cockney damsels who were very ready to put me in the right way. The row was great, and my numbers unmanageable, so I did not make a satisfactory start. S. Martin's in the morning (as it always is, unless I say to the contrary) ; Mr. Helps called, and made us late for 3 o'clock Abbey ; so we poked in upon M. and then pounded off to S. Paul's, where was a big congregation. Two pretty baptisms which brought tears to my eyes, so foolishly did I long to see a baby of our own christened.
16Feb1866, Cattle Plague Rages
LONDON, February 16th, 1866.
—Cattle-plague rages in the House : a very stringent Bill is being passed, forbidding all movement of cattle along railways, and ordering the immediate slaughter of all diseased beasts. It is poor, science having entirely failed to find a remedy. There is rather a plausible one up just now, discovered by a Mr. Worms ; a mixture of onions and asafoetida (nice it must be !), but people don't trust it. We dined at home, then F. to the House till 1.
—Cattle-plague rages in the House : a very stringent Bill is being passed, forbidding all movement of cattle along railways, and ordering the immediate slaughter of all diseased beasts. It is poor, science having entirely failed to find a remedy. There is rather a plausible one up just now, discovered by a Mr. Worms ; a mixture of onions and asafoetida (nice it must be !), but people don't trust it. We dined at home, then F. to the House till 1.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
13Feb1866, The Lower Class and the Upper Class
LONDON, February 13th, 1866.
—I crammed my day pretty full. First did books ; then went to Mrs. Humphrey's who took me to see their capital schools ; mem. especially, a little school held in the roof of a mission-chapel lately built in a squalid street, where they get hold of wretched neglected children. At, 12 I found myself with the Mesd. Talbot in their delightful soup-kitchen, which they have set up in Westminster. Poor people (not beggars) are given tickets, on showing which and paying a sum not exceeding 2d. they get good meat, soup, beef-tea, or pudding of at least twice the value of what they pay. Fred is going to be treasurer. Got home to luncheon, where we entertained Mr. St. Aubyn who is going to be married. May Lascelles came to see me about 4, after which I smiled for a few minutes upon a little tea-business at Auntie P.'s, and then drove off to S. Ann's National Schools, Limehouse, where a most charming, successful "mission tea-party" was held, under the auspices of my dear Miss Lilley, and the other good folk. Was glad to see Sarah Dorrington the 2nd mission woman looking busy and bright, but, alas ! not well. There were 210 women and 49 babies ! I poured out for one table. Had to go off directly after tea, hearing only one chorus, to my grief : but as it was, in spite of getting home by superhuman exertions in 35 minutes, I arrived after 8, with His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, the Secretary of War, the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, and Mr. Charles Howard, M.P., to entertain at dinner. I was a little jeered. But would not have missed the tea-party.
—I crammed my day pretty full. First did books ; then went to Mrs. Humphrey's who took me to see their capital schools ; mem. especially, a little school held in the roof of a mission-chapel lately built in a squalid street, where they get hold of wretched neglected children. At, 12 I found myself with the Mesd. Talbot in their delightful soup-kitchen, which they have set up in Westminster. Poor people (not beggars) are given tickets, on showing which and paying a sum not exceeding 2d. they get good meat, soup, beef-tea, or pudding of at least twice the value of what they pay. Fred is going to be treasurer. Got home to luncheon, where we entertained Mr. St. Aubyn who is going to be married. May Lascelles came to see me about 4, after which I smiled for a few minutes upon a little tea-business at Auntie P.'s, and then drove off to S. Ann's National Schools, Limehouse, where a most charming, successful "mission tea-party" was held, under the auspices of my dear Miss Lilley, and the other good folk. Was glad to see Sarah Dorrington the 2nd mission woman looking busy and bright, but, alas ! not well. There were 210 women and 49 babies ! I poured out for one table. Had to go off directly after tea, hearing only one chorus, to my grief : but as it was, in spite of getting home by superhuman exertions in 35 minutes, I arrived after 8, with His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, the Secretary of War, the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, and Mr. Charles Howard, M.P., to entertain at dinner. I was a little jeered. But would not have missed the tea-party.
12Feb1866, Ambassador Charles Adams
LONDON, February 12th, 1866.
—We had luncheon at the Speaker's, meeting the Adams (American Minister) and Dr. Vaughan. Mrs. Adams tickled me by saying "vāgăries" and "dēcŏrous." . . . Workhouse. Went to the House to hear Cattle-plague debate. We dined snug together, then F. to the House again, and I to Dudley House ball with the Gladstones, which felt rather mad. Ly. Dudley too lovely.
—We had luncheon at the Speaker's, meeting the Adams (American Minister) and Dr. Vaughan. Mrs. Adams tickled me by saying "vāgăries" and "dēcŏrous." . . . Workhouse. Went to the House to hear Cattle-plague debate. We dined snug together, then F. to the House again, and I to Dudley House ball with the Gladstones, which felt rather mad. Ly. Dudley too lovely.
10Feb1866, Religion-that-will-suit-all-creeds
LONDON, February 10th, 1866.
—Wonderfully warm : the poor silly buds are on the burst. We chose a pretty quaint bit of old china for a tardy wedding-present to Lady Granville. F. dined in full figg at the Speaker's. I sponged a dinner at the G.'s, where were Glynne uncles ; the Rev. one high gee Convocation, as is his wont ! I can't but be sorry (daresay I'm wrong) at Convocation snubbing down all and any "conscience" clause by a great majority. The plain justice of giving dissenters (whose tax-paying goes to support the school) the option of withdrawing their children from the religious instruction of a Church school, while they profit by the secular, in the few cases where it is impossible for them to have a school of their own, seems undeniable. The mass of the clergy will stop their ears to the whole thing. If they won't propose or admit any right "conscience" clause like what I have described, they will have some horrid religion-that-will-suit-all-creeds one forced upon them willy-nilly [FN: "Came too true" (added later).].
—Wonderfully warm : the poor silly buds are on the burst. We chose a pretty quaint bit of old china for a tardy wedding-present to Lady Granville. F. dined in full figg at the Speaker's. I sponged a dinner at the G.'s, where were Glynne uncles ; the Rev. one high gee Convocation, as is his wont ! I can't but be sorry (daresay I'm wrong) at Convocation snubbing down all and any "conscience" clause by a great majority. The plain justice of giving dissenters (whose tax-paying goes to support the school) the option of withdrawing their children from the religious instruction of a Church school, while they profit by the secular, in the few cases where it is impossible for them to have a school of their own, seems undeniable. The mass of the clergy will stop their ears to the whole thing. If they won't propose or admit any right "conscience" clause like what I have described, they will have some horrid religion-that-will-suit-all-creeds one forced upon them willy-nilly [FN: "Came too true" (added later).].
07Feb1866, Cavendish to the War Office
LONDON, February 7th, 1866.
—Cavendish got a mysterious scrap from Ld. Granville yesterday or the day before, containing the words : "Of course I congratulate you." Not being aware that he was going to be married, the Markiss was puzzled ; but lo and behold ! the cat is out and he succeeds Ld. De Grey in the War Office, to the satisfaction of all parties, which is a fine thing for a man of 32. He has gained a well-deserved character for hard work and knowledge of his business as Under Secretary. Lord Dufferin succeeds him. The Duke dined with us, and looked over the moon and very proud ; also Uncle G.and Eddy dined, and we were very snug.
—Cavendish got a mysterious scrap from Ld. Granville yesterday or the day before, containing the words : "Of course I congratulate you." Not being aware that he was going to be married, the Markiss was puzzled ; but lo and behold ! the cat is out and he succeeds Ld. De Grey in the War Office, to the satisfaction of all parties, which is a fine thing for a man of 32. He has gained a well-deserved character for hard work and knowledge of his business as Under Secretary. Lord Dufferin succeeds him. The Duke dined with us, and looked over the moon and very proud ; also Uncle G.and Eddy dined, and we were very snug.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
06Feb1866, The Queen Opens Parliament
LONDON, February 6th, 1866.
—A notable red-letter day. The dear Queen opened Parliament in person for the first time since her widowhood ; going in great state, drawn by 8 cream-colours, all her other carriages with 6 horses ; a large escort attending her. I went to the terrace of No. 11 and saw famously. She looked out, and bowed incessantly—her own gracious bow ; the enthusiasm was great among the big crowd ; and she had "Queen's weather." Arthur, to his great delight, was in waiting, and arrayed himself here, which gave much enjoyment to our household ! According to his report, the Queen wore pale lilac (qu. grey ?) silk, but according to Papa, it was black, and according to others it was to have been purple velvet ; so my ideas are not very clear on the subject. As she seated herself on the Throne it appears that she wrapped herself in the state mantle which was laid ready for her. She did not read the Speech herself : it was uncommonly long. My great excitement of hearing F. move the Address came off about 5. He was nervous, but got through it very well ; his voice much better and clearer than I expected, and plenty in his speech, which has received enough compliments to turn my head : "full of thought"—"the stuff to make a good speaker"—"the best mover and seconder speeches in somebody's recollection." Mr. Graham, the seconder, was very successful, and a good deal the most fluent. The funny thing was that old Yankee Freddy entirely forgot to allude to the American peace and the abolition of slavery ! after carefully preparing his say on that point. But he spoke nearly 1/2 an hour, which was long enough. Great is my repose and relief to-night, and I am proud of my Fred. He went off to the House after dinner, a fate which must inevitably befall me very often, and I sat solitary.
—A notable red-letter day. The dear Queen opened Parliament in person for the first time since her widowhood ; going in great state, drawn by 8 cream-colours, all her other carriages with 6 horses ; a large escort attending her. I went to the terrace of No. 11 and saw famously. She looked out, and bowed incessantly—her own gracious bow ; the enthusiasm was great among the big crowd ; and she had "Queen's weather." Arthur, to his great delight, was in waiting, and arrayed himself here, which gave much enjoyment to our household ! According to his report, the Queen wore pale lilac (qu. grey ?) silk, but according to Papa, it was black, and according to others it was to have been purple velvet ; so my ideas are not very clear on the subject. As she seated herself on the Throne it appears that she wrapped herself in the state mantle which was laid ready for her. She did not read the Speech herself : it was uncommonly long. My great excitement of hearing F. move the Address came off about 5. He was nervous, but got through it very well ; his voice much better and clearer than I expected, and plenty in his speech, which has received enough compliments to turn my head : "full of thought"—"the stuff to make a good speaker"—"the best mover and seconder speeches in somebody's recollection." Mr. Graham, the seconder, was very successful, and a good deal the most fluent. The funny thing was that old Yankee Freddy entirely forgot to allude to the American peace and the abolition of slavery ! after carefully preparing his say on that point. But he spoke nearly 1/2 an hour, which was long enough. Great is my repose and relief to-night, and I am proud of my Fred. He went off to the House after dinner, a fate which must inevitably befall me very often, and I sat solitary.
05Feb1866, Arnt Suverland is ill
LONDON, February 5th, 1866.
—We went to luncheon at Aunt Caroline's. They are all uneasy about the Dow. Duchess of Sutherland's [FN: Wife of the 2nd Duke : sister of Lord Frederick's mother.] health. Instead of the unwieldy title I might perhaps adopt Freddy's "Arnt Suverland." But I have always held her in awe, in spite of, or because of, her gentle, Royal sort of kindness.
—We went to luncheon at Aunt Caroline's. They are all uneasy about the Dow. Duchess of Sutherland's [FN: Wife of the 2nd Duke : sister of Lord Frederick's mother.] health. Instead of the unwieldy title I might perhaps adopt Freddy's "Arnt Suverland." But I have always held her in awe, in spite of, or because of, her gentle, Royal sort of kindness.
01Feb1866, The Great Man Gives Fred a Speech
LONDON, February 1st, 1866.
—We went across the way, and F. had a sit with Uncle Wm. who gave him the heads of the Queen's Speech ; which are ticklish enough to handle, what with Fenianism, Jamaica, Cattle-plague, and Reform Bill. Would it were all triumphantly over ! Fenianism, though apparently aimless and frantic as to organisation and object, is a terrible symptom of the miserable cankers of Ireland. The hope about vaccination is pretty nearly at an end. More than 10,000 beasts were attacked by the last week's return. Farmers and even gentry are ruined or 1/2 ruined. Cheshire is the worst county. Joints of beef are 1s. a lb., which is a cheat just now, as the market is full of meat ; but by and bye higher prices are inevitable.
F. went to a meeting about improving poor people's houses in Westminster, and to the House for the 1st time as M.P. to help re-elect the Speaker. I drove with Auntie P. and Mary (the great man with us part of the way, in high force) in the well-known old park, with a handful of riders adorning it already.
—We went across the way, and F. had a sit with Uncle Wm. who gave him the heads of the Queen's Speech ; which are ticklish enough to handle, what with Fenianism, Jamaica, Cattle-plague, and Reform Bill. Would it were all triumphantly over ! Fenianism, though apparently aimless and frantic as to organisation and object, is a terrible symptom of the miserable cankers of Ireland. The hope about vaccination is pretty nearly at an end. More than 10,000 beasts were attacked by the last week's return. Farmers and even gentry are ruined or 1/2 ruined. Cheshire is the worst county. Joints of beef are 1s. a lb., which is a cheat just now, as the market is full of meat ; but by and bye higher prices are inevitable.
F. went to a meeting about improving poor people's houses in Westminster, and to the House for the 1st time as M.P. to help re-elect the Speaker. I drove with Auntie P. and Mary (the great man with us part of the way, in high force) in the well-known old park, with a handful of riders adorning it already.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
29Jan1866, A Merry Servants' Ball
HOLKER, January 29th, 1866.
—A most merry, successful servants' ball came off in the corridor downstairs, reminding me of old Hagley doings. Dear me ! my last was at the coming of age ! For the 1st time in my life, indulged in polkas and other whisks, with Frank and Eddy, and enjoyed them hugely. Little Mary Cavendish [FN: Daughter of the 2nd Lord Chesham and, later, wife of Lady Frederick's eldest brother, Lord Cobham.] danced delightfully.
—A most merry, successful servants' ball came off in the corridor downstairs, reminding me of old Hagley doings. Dear me ! my last was at the coming of age ! For the 1st time in my life, indulged in polkas and other whisks, with Frank and Eddy, and enjoyed them hugely. Little Mary Cavendish [FN: Daughter of the 2nd Lord Chesham and, later, wife of Lady Frederick's eldest brother, Lord Cobham.] danced delightfully.
27Jan1866, A Charming Ride
26Jan1866, Flookburgh Remains
HOLKER, January 26th, 1866.
—After luncheon, Flookburgh remains, viz. dear doting Betty Moore, late washerwoman, and dreadfully dirty Agnes Haddath, bedridden.
—After luncheon, Flookburgh remains, viz. dear doting Betty Moore, late washerwoman, and dreadfully dirty Agnes Haddath, bedridden.
25Jan1866, Never Ending Shooting is a Tax
HOLKER, January 25th, 1866.
-The never-ending, still-beginning shooting, which becomes a serious tax to pay for the necessity of ducal preserves. Uncle Rd. and I walked by the park and fields to Flookburgh, where I hooked on to Lou, and we did a selection of poor folk ; viz. Mesdames Ellen Rose, Betty Turman, Cornthwaite, Bradley, Cooperthwaite, and wonderful old Geoffrey, who will stick to his assertion that he came to Flookburgh in Sir Something Lowther's time.
-The never-ending, still-beginning shooting, which becomes a serious tax to pay for the necessity of ducal preserves. Uncle Rd. and I walked by the park and fields to Flookburgh, where I hooked on to Lou, and we did a selection of poor folk ; viz. Mesdames Ellen Rose, Betty Turman, Cornthwaite, Bradley, Cooperthwaite, and wonderful old Geoffrey, who will stick to his assertion that he came to Flookburgh in Sir Something Lowther's time.
17Jan1866, All Expecting, Ah Dear Me
HOLKER, January 17th, 1866.
—Ld. Stanhope, who flatters me with his attentions, sent me some letters that passed between certain French big-wigs and the then Ld. Stanhope in 1792, of which he has just had 50 copies printed ; they have not much in them, but I feel much grattered and flattified. Ly. Henry Scott, Ly. Granville, and Ly. Dudley are all said to be expecting babies. Ah, dear me !
—Ld. Stanhope, who flatters me with his attentions, sent me some letters that passed between certain French big-wigs and the then Ld. Stanhope in 1792, of which he has just had 50 copies printed ; they have not much in them, but I feel much grattered and flattified. Ly. Henry Scott, Ly. Granville, and Ly. Dudley are all said to be expecting babies. Ah, dear me !
14Jan1866, A Tiff With Morgan
HOLKER, January 14th, 1866.
—I verily believe I have never mentioned F.'s having got the oppressive honour of moving the Address before him ! My day much overclouded by a tiff with Morgan, serious enough to entail upon her a talking-to from Fred and a threat of giving her warning ; but the sky is all clear again this evening ; and possibly all the clearer !
—I verily believe I have never mentioned F.'s having got the oppressive honour of moving the Address before him ! My day much overclouded by a tiff with Morgan, serious enough to entail upon her a talking-to from Fred and a threat of giving her warning ; but the sky is all clear again this evening ; and possibly all the clearer !
18Jan1866, Eddy and Emma visit
12Jan1866, Finished "Kenilworth"
HOLKER, January 12th, 1866.
—Yesterday I finished "Kenilworth," which excited and interested me fully as much as when I was 14 ; perhaps more, as it has haunted me at night.
—Yesterday I finished "Kenilworth," which excited and interested me fully as much as when I was 14 ; perhaps more, as it has haunted me at night.
Monday, April 27, 2009
11Jan1866, Goschen and Peel Promoted
HOLKER, January 11th, 1866.
—There is good deal of talk about Mr. Goschen being made something (FN: Chancellor) of the Duchy of Lancaster, unbeknown to Lord Russell's colleagues, and not having had time to do much to deserve it. Sir R. Peel over the moon at having been made K.C.B.
—There is good deal of talk about Mr. Goschen being made something (FN: Chancellor) of the Duchy of Lancaster, unbeknown to Lord Russell's colleagues, and not having had time to do much to deserve it. Sir R. Peel over the moon at having been made K.C.B.
06Jan1866, Cattle Plague
HOLKER, January 6th, 1866.
—The cattle-plague is fearful, more than 7,600 attacked a week, by the last return. We tremble for the beautiful herd of shorthorn cows and bulls here ; but it is not in the near neighbourhood. Worcestershire has been wonderfully free ; but it is bad on one of the Hawarden farms. Many places are forbidding all transfer of cattle. There is a notion that it is small-pox.
—The cattle-plague is fearful, more than 7,600 attacked a week, by the last return. We tremble for the beautiful herd of shorthorn cows and bulls here ; but it is not in the near neighbourhood. Worcestershire has been wonderfully free ; but it is bad on one of the Hawarden farms. Many places are forbidding all transfer of cattle. There is a notion that it is small-pox.
05Jan1866, Reading "Kenilworth"
HOLKER, January 5th, 1866.
—I began dear "Kenilworth" for the 2nd time, the 1st being at St. Leonard's in the happy spring of 1856.
—I began dear "Kenilworth" for the 2nd time, the 1st being at St. Leonard's in the happy spring of 1856.
04Jan1866, Deserve to be Destroyed
HOLKER, January 4th, 1866.
—Fearful accounts in the Times of the state of London houses for the poor. If something is not done, the country will deserve to be destroyed.
—Fearful accounts in the Times of the state of London houses for the poor. If something is not done, the country will deserve to be destroyed.
02Jan1866, The Downfall of Slavery
HOLKER, January 2nd, 1866.
—It is wrong to set out on the New Year without thinking of the great event of 1865: the American war ending with the downfall of Slavery. It is nothing short of a fulfilment of the words : "With men it is impossible : but with God all things are possible."
Of course there is awful perplexity and misery connected with the coloured people ; but one may trust that God, Who has worked one miracle for them, will make a way for bringing good and blessing upon their future. The worst fear at present seems to be of their dying out in the mysterious way uncivilized nations have before, when attempts have been made to make them live on equal terms with civilized men.
—It is wrong to set out on the New Year without thinking of the great event of 1865: the American war ending with the downfall of Slavery. It is nothing short of a fulfilment of the words : "With men it is impossible : but with God all things are possible."
Of course there is awful perplexity and misery connected with the coloured people ; but one may trust that God, Who has worked one miracle for them, will make a way for bringing good and blessing upon their future. The worst fear at present seems to be of their dying out in the mysterious way uncivilized nations have before, when attempts have been made to make them live on equal terms with civilized men.
01Jan1866, One Thing Wanting to Us
HOLKER, New Year's Day, 1866.
—God grant us another year of peaceful happiness, if it be His Will, and the one thing wanting to us. Emma has that precious hope for which I long sadly.
—God grant us another year of peaceful happiness, if it be His Will, and the one thing wanting to us. Emma has that precious hope for which I long sadly.
31Dec1865, Nice Little Boys
HOLKER, December 31st, 1865.
—I had a class (before morning church) at the school, of nice little boys, 2 or 3 very intelligent
—I had a class (before morning church) at the school, of nice little boys, 2 or 3 very intelligent
29Dec1865, Xmas Charities
HOLKER, December 29th, 1865.
—I took Lou's place in giving away Xmas charities of sheeting, blankets, flannel, etc., to divers poor folk, under the excellent Mrs. Birkett's eye. Got into the p. carriage in an interval of fine weather with Lord Rd. and drove to call on Mrs. Hubberty, but we were well wetted with driving rain. The poor little skeleton child is dead. Palgrave, Milton, letter-sorting. We had a snug little tea in our room, and entertained Cavendish, to my pride.
—I took Lou's place in giving away Xmas charities of sheeting, blankets, flannel, etc., to divers poor folk, under the excellent Mrs. Birkett's eye. Got into the p. carriage in an interval of fine weather with Lord Rd. and drove to call on Mrs. Hubberty, but we were well wetted with driving rain. The poor little skeleton child is dead. Palgrave, Milton, letter-sorting. We had a snug little tea in our room, and entertained Cavendish, to my pride.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
19Dec1865, The Little Boys Arrive
15Dec1865, General Mourning for the King of the Belgians
HAWARDEN, December 15th, 1865.
—The King of the Belgians is dead, and there is a general mourning for 10 days. The Queen will nevertheless appear at the opening of Parliament, but will not read the Speech, or wear the robes (which are to be laid on the throne !). A great thing it is, however.
We turned a "little dancing" into a mad and scampering little ball, which ended with an uproarious country dance, a final waltz, and "God save the Queen."
—The King of the Belgians is dead, and there is a general mourning for 10 days. The Queen will nevertheless appear at the opening of Parliament, but will not read the Speech, or wear the robes (which are to be laid on the throne !). A great thing it is, however.
We turned a "little dancing" into a mad and scampering little ball, which ended with an uproarious country dance, a final waltz, and "God save the Queen."
09Dec1865, The Jamaica Massacre
HAWARDEN, December 9th, 1865.
—The Jamaica massacre, in which it seems 2,000 blacks have been killed to revenge the deaths of 18 whites, was much talked of.
—The Jamaica massacre, in which it seems 2,000 blacks have been killed to revenge the deaths of 18 whites, was much talked of.
07Dec1865, A Meeting at Idle
ESHOLT, December 7th, 1865.
—Good-bye to Chatsworth and our smartest month of the year. I am in love with Ly. Dalkeith, and bewitched with Ly. Dufferin. We came here (the Fairbairns) for a Mechanics' Institute meeting at Idle—a big, overgrown, manufacturing village, with 9,000 people in it, but no particular streets. I was much delighted with the warmth and heartiness of the audience, all apparently working folk. My Fred spoke well. One old gentleman, in broad Yorkshire, got into such cloudland about Freddy's future among Cabinets and Councils that I feared he would come down with a bump ; but it rather thrilled me !
—Good-bye to Chatsworth and our smartest month of the year. I am in love with Ly. Dalkeith, and bewitched with Ly. Dufferin. We came here (the Fairbairns) for a Mechanics' Institute meeting at Idle—a big, overgrown, manufacturing village, with 9,000 people in it, but no particular streets. I was much delighted with the warmth and heartiness of the audience, all apparently working folk. My Fred spoke well. One old gentleman, in broad Yorkshire, got into such cloudland about Freddy's future among Cabinets and Councils that I feared he would come down with a bump ; but it rather thrilled me !
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
04Dec1865, Poodle Byng's 81st Birthday Dinner
CHATSWORTH, December 4th, 1865.—Poodle Byng is 81 to-day : we drank his health at dinner, and he made a good little speech, returning thanks. He remembers dancing at Devinshire House 72 years ago, when the late Duke was 3 or 4 years old. He was born long before the great Fr. Revolution was even thought of. To-day he walked up to the Stand, and a good deal besides, but he seems altered and rather stiffened. Lou, Emma, and I presented him with a photograph stand containing our 3 selves.
Monday, April 20, 2009
03Dec1865, A Dear Happy Day
CHATSWORTH, December 3rd, 1865.
—A dear happy day, full of help and blessing. My Sundays have not the delight they used to have in beautiful services, but this makes me the more appreciate the feeling of refreshment and renewal, when it comes ; for it must be straight from Heaven, I hope. We read Vaughan and "Xtian Year."
—A dear happy day, full of help and blessing. My Sundays have not the delight they used to have in beautiful services, but this makes me the more appreciate the feeling of refreshment and renewal, when it comes ; for it must be straight from Heaven, I hope. We read Vaughan and "Xtian Year."
02Dec1865, Too Much of a Massacre
CHATSWORTH, December 2nd, 1865.
—I went with Claud and Fr. Howd. to see the cover shooting which was too much of a massacre to be quite pleasing.
—I went with Claud and Fr. Howd. to see the cover shooting which was too much of a massacre to be quite pleasing.
30Nov1865, Fred's Birthday
CHATSWORTH, November 30th, 1865.
—My darling Fred 29 to-day : it seems a little old to me, alack ! I gave him a pair of muffatees, which have cost me gigantic efforts ! God grant us our heart's desire, if it is His Will, to make a new sunshine over Fred's next birthday.
—My darling Fred 29 to-day : it seems a little old to me, alack ! I gave him a pair of muffatees, which have cost me gigantic efforts ! God grant us our heart's desire, if it is His Will, to make a new sunshine over Fred's next birthday.
28Nov1865, Lacaita Delights with 'Cinque Maggio'
CHATSWORTH, November 28th, 1865.
—Sir James Lacaita delighted many of us with a spout of Tasso, but especially with the glorious "Cinque Maggio."
—Sir James Lacaita delighted many of us with a spout of Tasso, but especially with the glorious "Cinque Maggio."
27Nov1865, Lord Houghton Spouts His Poetry
CHATSWORTH, November 27th, 1865.
—Lord Houghton spouted 2 of his bits of poetry, but ill. "Long ago" is lovely.
—Lord Houghton spouted 2 of his bits of poetry, but ill. "Long ago" is lovely.
25Nov1865, My Wisest Advice
CHATSWORTH, November 25th, 1865.
—Evening whist, with the Houghtons and Mr. Howard, while the rest of the world, except the Duke, Ly. Newburgh, Aunt Fanny, and old slowcoach Fred, played billiard-battle : even Lord Stanley. [FN: The statesman ; afterwards 15th Earl of Derby : not a person much given to the lighter side of life.] Freddy Howard has much touched my heart by an outpour of his fervent attachment to a Miss Horrocks whom he met abroad. It seems he was a little snubbed by authorities, which he thought hard "when people come to a certain age." He is barely 19 ! and the damsel 20. I gave him my wisest advice : specially to wait till he was two-and-twenty before considering himself of a certain age.
—Evening whist, with the Houghtons and Mr. Howard, while the rest of the world, except the Duke, Ly. Newburgh, Aunt Fanny, and old slowcoach Fred, played billiard-battle : even Lord Stanley. [FN: The statesman ; afterwards 15th Earl of Derby : not a person much given to the lighter side of life.] Freddy Howard has much touched my heart by an outpour of his fervent attachment to a Miss Horrocks whom he met abroad. It seems he was a little snubbed by authorities, which he thought hard "when people come to a certain age." He is barely 19 ! and the damsel 20. I gave him my wisest advice : specially to wait till he was two-and-twenty before considering himself of a certain age.
22Nov1865, Dudley Marries Moncrieffe
CHATSWORTH, November 22nd, 1865.
—Yesterday Lord Dudley married Miss Georgina Moncrieffe, a beautiful girl under 20. Charles was best man ! but must have looked more like the bridegroom.
—Yesterday Lord Dudley married Miss Georgina Moncrieffe, a beautiful girl under 20. Charles was best man ! but must have looked more like the bridegroom.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
16Nov1865, Meriel Expecting No. 5
CHATSWORTH, November 16th, 1865.
—Dear old Meriel and John came. She looks very well, though, alas ! No. 5 hopes to arrive next June. It is a sad trial to the poor old thing, who would stop very willingly at 4 ; and would have been satisfied to have no children at all, which is all but inconceivable to me.
—Dear old Meriel and John came. She looks very well, though, alas ! No. 5 hopes to arrive next June. It is a sad trial to the poor old thing, who would stop very willingly at 4 ; and would have been satisfied to have no children at all, which is all but inconceivable to me.
15Nov1865, Trevelyan's 'Cawnpore'
CHATSWORTH, November 15th, 1865.
—I finished Mr. Trevelyan's book, "Cawnpore," which is fearfully graphic and said to be entirely accurate. I can remember, even in the midst of our own great grief in the autumn of 1857, the frightful heart-rending news from India, and specially the massacre of women and children : the outcries for vengeance, and the day of humiliation. It has left a horror and shudder at India in my heart which I can never get rid of.
—I finished Mr. Trevelyan's book, "Cawnpore," which is fearfully graphic and said to be entirely accurate. I can remember, even in the midst of our own great grief in the autumn of 1857, the frightful heart-rending news from India, and specially the massacre of women and children : the outcries for vengeance, and the day of humiliation. It has left a horror and shudder at India in my heart which I can never get rid of.
10Nov1865, Lord Boyle and Heart Ache
CHATSWORTH, November 10th, 1865.
—Poor Lord Boyle [FN: Afterwards 5th Earl of Shannon. He had lately lost his wife, who had been Lady Blanche Lascelles, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Harewood.] poured out to me some of his terrible trials, and made my heart ache. His home miserable, from the unkindness and extravagance of his parents—himself with no occupation, and with the light of his eyes gone. His children, poor little fellows, seem to be more anxiety than pleasure to him now that they are motherless, as is very natural. It is most piteous.
—Poor Lord Boyle [FN: Afterwards 5th Earl of Shannon. He had lately lost his wife, who had been Lady Blanche Lascelles, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Harewood.] poured out to me some of his terrible trials, and made my heart ache. His home miserable, from the unkindness and extravagance of his parents—himself with no occupation, and with the light of his eyes gone. His children, poor little fellows, seem to be more anxiety than pleasure to him now that they are motherless, as is very natural. It is most piteous.
31Oct1865, Snap-dragon and Salt
CHATSW ORTH, October 31st, 1865.
—My Fred went with the others to shoot, and then to Leeds, where he was to hold forth on Schools of Art ; and be back to-night at one. The Cawdors and two daughters, Aunt Fanny, husband and daughters, and Mr. Philips came. Lord Cawdor, his daughters told me, is so colour-blind that they have to hide the red sealing-wax when they are in mourning for fear of his using it ; and he sees no difference between people's ordinary complexion and that which snap-dragon and salt gives them ! We walked about the garden. I finished Pusey, and feel perhaps more dismayed than ever at the terrible state of the Roman Church, and yet somehow more hopeful of reunion following upon its reformation : the loving-hearted, earnest, sanguine character of Dr. Pusey shines through the whole book, the more striking combined as it is with such theological learning and research —and it kindles one into hope.
—My Fred went with the others to shoot, and then to Leeds, where he was to hold forth on Schools of Art ; and be back to-night at one. The Cawdors and two daughters, Aunt Fanny, husband and daughters, and Mr. Philips came. Lord Cawdor, his daughters told me, is so colour-blind that they have to hide the red sealing-wax when they are in mourning for fear of his using it ; and he sees no difference between people's ordinary complexion and that which snap-dragon and salt gives them ! We walked about the garden. I finished Pusey, and feel perhaps more dismayed than ever at the terrible state of the Roman Church, and yet somehow more hopeful of reunion following upon its reformation : the loving-hearted, earnest, sanguine character of Dr. Pusey shines through the whole book, the more striking combined as it is with such theological learning and research —and it kindles one into hope.
Friday, April 17, 2009
24Oct1865, Old Accounts of Wellington's Death
FRYSTON, October 24th, 1865.
—Mild pleasant day. I looked through the newspaper accounts of the Duke of Wellington's funeral, which Lord Houghton has kept. I am so glad I can so clearly remember Papa looking into the old school-room out of his old little study to tell us of the Duke's death, and Mamma writing to us about the funeral which I longed to see. This death of Lord Palmerston's makes nothing like the same impression that that did, or the Prince's.
—Mild pleasant day. I looked through the newspaper accounts of the Duke of Wellington's funeral, which Lord Houghton has kept. I am so glad I can so clearly remember Papa looking into the old school-room out of his old little study to tell us of the Duke's death, and Mamma writing to us about the funeral which I longed to see. This death of Lord Palmerston's makes nothing like the same impression that that did, or the Prince's.
23Oct1865, A Visit to Lord Houghton's
FRYSTON, October 23rd, 1865.
—We left beautiful Castle Howard, and came here, to Lord Houghton's, in time for luncheon. Drove with Ly. H. afterwards : the country flat, but with one pleasant wide view. I made great friends of the 3 children, Anicia, Florence, and Robin [FN: Now Marquess of Crewe.]. Three nice old moths are here, aunts of Lord H. The Queen has appointed Ld. Russell to form a ministry, to the violent rage of the Times. Letters : to and from Papa and Lou.
—We left beautiful Castle Howard, and came here, to Lord Houghton's, in time for luncheon. Drove with Ly. H. afterwards : the country flat, but with one pleasant wide view. I made great friends of the 3 children, Anicia, Florence, and Robin [FN: Now Marquess of Crewe.]. Three nice old moths are here, aunts of Lord H. The Queen has appointed Ld. Russell to form a ministry, to the violent rage of the Times. Letters : to and from Papa and Lou.
22Oct1865, Unsatisfactory Church Arrangements
CASTLE HOWARD, October 22nd, 1865.
—We went in the morning to an awful little apartment which calls itself Coneysthorpe Chapel, and which certainly adds another to my list of unsatisfactory church arrangements at great places. However, the place does not belong to Lord Carlisle. I felt as if I must have got into a meeting-house ! ...
I walked with F. to see the mausoleum, a terribly grim building, without anything about it to remind one of Christianity or of the Resurrection, unless it might be the lovely view from it.
—We went in the morning to an awful little apartment which calls itself Coneysthorpe Chapel, and which certainly adds another to my list of unsatisfactory church arrangements at great places. However, the place does not belong to Lord Carlisle. I felt as if I must have got into a meeting-house ! ...
I walked with F. to see the mausoleum, a terribly grim building, without anything about it to remind one of Christianity or of the Resurrection, unless it might be the lovely view from it.
21Oct1865, A Walk to the Pheasantry
CASTLE HOWARD, October 21st, 1865.
—Directly after luncheon I went to the station on the car, and brought back my Fred, and my sunshine of sunshine with him. We had a little walk to the pheasantry. Miss Kinnaird is here, a pleasant, agreeable old lady, of an old-fashioned depth of Low-Churchism which amuses me.
—Directly after luncheon I went to the station on the car, and brought back my Fred, and my sunshine of sunshine with him. We had a little walk to the pheasantry. Miss Kinnaird is here, a pleasant, agreeable old lady, of an old-fashioned depth of Low-Churchism which amuses me.
19Oct1865, Lord Palmerston Has Died
CASTLE HOWARD, October 19th, 1865.
—Lord Palmerston died yesterday morning. He would have been 81 to-morrow ; and it is wonderful to think of a man's dying in office who was born before the fall of the old French monarchy, and was in office before Uncle William was born. He caught cold out driving, being already ill with disease of the bladder. It is piteous to think of poor old Lady Palmerston. She wished him to give up office in the summer. It is hoped that the Queen will send for Lord Russell ; but there is no one now to advise her, and how terribly she must want the Prince ! ...
The Guardian gave an awful account of the state of religion in Italy : Mariolatry more and more absorbing all the devotion of the people.
—Lord Palmerston died yesterday morning. He would have been 81 to-morrow ; and it is wonderful to think of a man's dying in office who was born before the fall of the old French monarchy, and was in office before Uncle William was born. He caught cold out driving, being already ill with disease of the bladder. It is piteous to think of poor old Lady Palmerston. She wished him to give up office in the summer. It is hoped that the Queen will send for Lord Russell ; but there is no one now to advise her, and how terribly she must want the Prince ! ...
The Guardian gave an awful account of the state of religion in Italy : Mariolatry more and more absorbing all the devotion of the people.
17Oct1865, She Dresses Madly, Unbecrinolined
CASTLE HOWARD, October 17th, 1865.
—Rained most of the day. Nevertheless I could take in a good deal of the beauty of the place, as the Admiral, [FN: The Hon. Edward Howard, son of the 6th and father (sic, he was an uncle) of the 9th Earl of Carlisle, afterwards Lord Lanerton.] Fred, and I walked about the gardens in the afternoon. The inside of the house disappointed me, as the hall and gallery seem to be the only fine rooms ; but the pictures are something. The outside I thought very handsome, and more graceful and ornamental than Chatsworth. We went over the house in the morning ; F. has not been here since just after the late Duke's death, when his grandmother Carlisle was still alive, in '58. I was introduced to Rosalind's baby, [FN: Now Lady Mary Murray.] a nice, fat, thriving thing, with a promise of pretty eyes, but otherwise not lovely ; very forward and lively, and delighted with her tub. Rosalind is only 20 : she is an original little person, and half attracts and half repels one with her ways and words ; she dresses madly in odd-coloured gowns with long trains, which cling around her unbecrinolined.
—Rained most of the day. Nevertheless I could take in a good deal of the beauty of the place, as the Admiral, [FN: The Hon. Edward Howard, son of the 6th and father (sic, he was an uncle) of the 9th Earl of Carlisle, afterwards Lord Lanerton.] Fred, and I walked about the gardens in the afternoon. The inside of the house disappointed me, as the hall and gallery seem to be the only fine rooms ; but the pictures are something. The outside I thought very handsome, and more graceful and ornamental than Chatsworth. We went over the house in the morning ; F. has not been here since just after the late Duke's death, when his grandmother Carlisle was still alive, in '58. I was introduced to Rosalind's baby, [FN: Now Lady Mary Murray.] a nice, fat, thriving thing, with a promise of pretty eyes, but otherwise not lovely ; very forward and lively, and delighted with her tub. Rosalind is only 20 : she is an original little person, and half attracts and half repels one with her ways and words ; she dresses madly in odd-coloured gowns with long trains, which cling around her unbecrinolined.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
16Oct1865, A Visit to Castle Howard
CASTLE HOWARD, October 16th, 1865.
—Came to Castle Howard of which I have heard so much since our marriage, especially from the Lascelles since Lord Carlisle's death, [FN: The 7th Earl, twice Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.] that it saddens me to have no old memories of my own clinging to it. His life seems to have been one of those that gilds all the lives among which it is cast, as Mamma's and Aunt Lavinia's did.
—Came to Castle Howard of which I have heard so much since our marriage, especially from the Lascelles since Lord Carlisle's death, [FN: The 7th Earl, twice Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.] that it saddens me to have no old memories of my own clinging to it. His life seems to have been one of those that gilds all the lives among which it is cast, as Mamma's and Aunt Lavinia's did.
15Oct1865, A Peal in Honour of Lou
HARDWICK, October 15th, 1865.
—Afternoon sermon on the godly helped in temptations. They sang a wedding hymn and rang a peal in honour of Lou. A yellow dog appeared in the pew, and would make himself agreeable, the more he was requested to withdraw.
—Afternoon sermon on the godly helped in temptations. They sang a wedding hymn and rang a peal in honour of Lou. A yellow dog appeared in the pew, and would make himself agreeable, the more he was requested to withdraw.
09Oct1865, Blessings and Sunshine are Outpoured
HARDWICK, October 9th, 1865.
—A little before 6 took place the exciting arrival of Frank and Lou from Chatsworth. Two little arches greeted them, and they were dragged up to the house door, and famously cheered. Nothing could look happier and brighter than dear Lou, and it is too nice and refreshing to see her just like herself and falling back into her old ways, with only the difference of so much new happiness. Blessings and sunshine are outpoured upon us all round !
—A little before 6 took place the exciting arrival of Frank and Lou from Chatsworth. Two little arches greeted them, and they were dragged up to the house door, and famously cheered. Nothing could look happier and brighter than dear Lou, and it is too nice and refreshing to see her just like herself and falling back into her old ways, with only the difference of so much new happiness. Blessings and sunshine are outpoured upon us all round !
08Oct1865, A Prayer for the Cattle-Plague
HARDWICK, October 8th, 1865.
—A prayer was used by authority, for deliverance from the cattle-plague, and from the threatened cholera. God grant it !
—A prayer was used by authority, for deliverance from the cattle-plague, and from the threatened cholera. God grant it !
06Oct1865, Regal Style
HARDWICK, October 6th, 1865.
—We came to Hardwick, in the same regal style as last year : special train, swarms of horses, dogs, carriages, and servants, and barouche and four to meet us at Chesterfield.
—We came to Hardwick, in the same regal style as last year : special train, swarms of horses, dogs, carriages, and servants, and barouche and four to meet us at Chesterfield.
02Oct1865, Sixteen Flookburghers
HOLKER, October 2nd, 1865.
—I went with Mr. Rigg to about 16 Flookburghers ; liked many of them. Old Geoffrey Thompson, who is over 90, said he could remember the time of Sir William Lowther, but I fear it is a delusion, as he died more than 100 years ago. "Lords?" he said: "I remember 5 lords at Holker."
I saw a terrible sight : a child of 12 or 13, who has been wasting away for nearly a year : does not look more than 6, and her poor little arms and legs were like claws : no flesh whatever : the large joints and the bones barely covered with skin : I could not have believed thinness could be so fearful to look at.
—I went with Mr. Rigg to about 16 Flookburghers ; liked many of them. Old Geoffrey Thompson, who is over 90, said he could remember the time of Sir William Lowther, but I fear it is a delusion, as he died more than 100 years ago. "Lords?" he said: "I remember 5 lords at Holker."
I saw a terrible sight : a child of 12 or 13, who has been wasting away for nearly a year : does not look more than 6, and her poor little arms and legs were like claws : no flesh whatever : the large joints and the bones barely covered with skin : I could not have believed thinness could be so fearful to look at.
29Sep1865, New Bessemer Process of Making Steel
HOLKER, Michaelmas Day, 1865.
—Rather raw and nasty. Eddy and Emma, Freddy and I, May, Walter, Lord Richard, and Mr. Grey went to Barrow and saw the new Bessemer process of making steel out of Haematite iron ore : too interesting and wonderful, especially the great blast of air by which the carbon is driven out of the ore : the contact of the two gases making the most tremendous white-hot fire. The hammering delightful too. The town is spreading out and springing up vigorously, and gathers population tolerably fast. The great docks making strides.
—Rather raw and nasty. Eddy and Emma, Freddy and I, May, Walter, Lord Richard, and Mr. Grey went to Barrow and saw the new Bessemer process of making steel out of Haematite iron ore : too interesting and wonderful, especially the great blast of air by which the carbon is driven out of the ore : the contact of the two gases making the most tremendous white-hot fire. The hammering delightful too. The town is spreading out and springing up vigorously, and gathers population tolerably fast. The great docks making strides.
28Sep1865, Letters from Lou
HOLKER, September 28th, 1865.
—I had a great treat of a nice, dear, warm letter from Frank, in answer to a bit to Lou that I went and wrote as soon as her back was turned. He said she was so overtired and excited as to be almost hysterical yesterday, poor dear ; but he had made her lie down on the sofa, where she had gone sound asleep. His letter was full of tenderness for her, and of happiness. F. made me take it to the Duke in his room : the 1st time I have gone to him there ! but despair and bewilderment of soul made me desperate ! and I marched in. The letter quite overcame him. He gave me a dear one from Lou to him to read, which was full of happiness ("I am very, very happy"), but also full of loving sorrow at leaving her father. Now one may think of her calmed down and resting in the wonderful joy that is like no other.
—I had a great treat of a nice, dear, warm letter from Frank, in answer to a bit to Lou that I went and wrote as soon as her back was turned. He said she was so overtired and excited as to be almost hysterical yesterday, poor dear ; but he had made her lie down on the sofa, where she had gone sound asleep. His letter was full of tenderness for her, and of happiness. F. made me take it to the Duke in his room : the 1st time I have gone to him there ! but despair and bewilderment of soul made me desperate ! and I marched in. The letter quite overcame him. He gave me a dear one from Lou to him to read, which was full of happiness ("I am very, very happy"), but also full of loving sorrow at leaving her father. Now one may think of her calmed down and resting in the wonderful joy that is like no other.
Monday, April 13, 2009
26Sep1865, Lou and Frank are Married
HOLKER, September 26th, 1865.
—Frank and Lou were married in Cartmel Church, and, 0 dear, I am almost too tired and pompé to say anything about it. But must. The weather quite perfect ; warm and serene and sunny, and with breeze enough to wave the flags with which house, church, and villages were adorned. Nothing could have been nicer than the feeling shown by all the people : it went through and through one. The day, of course, managed to be endless ; every hour taking 2 hours to pass ; owing to the big intervals between acts. The church was carpeted with red-cloth and looked its best. I did not expect to be upset by the service which is a calming thing, I think ; but when dear Lou came up the choir with the poor Duke, to the sound of a beautiful wedding-hymn, and one looked at her dear, tall, bending figure standing by her father, to whom she has been all the world !—Cavendish's face, too, struck me and moved me exceedingly—full of deep feeling which I had never seen called forth in him before. My poor Fred's love for her I knew all about, and pretty well Eddy's too ; so that I did not wonder at their regularly crying—and could only be a little glad that they have wives to comfort them ! I can't go into all the details of the cheers, the crowds, and the triumphant arches : everything meant the same : true, loving enthusiasm. It was a pretty compliment to Frank, the sticking up in the arches divers little ships, full rig—but he was rather distressed at one being a merchantman. When we got home, following immediately after the Duke (who drove back with Cavendish and Eddy—without her, 0 dear !), and I came upon him standing alone in the corridor, if you had shot me I couldn't have helped it, I went up and kissed him and squeezed his hand. It was the very spot where he kissed me so kindly when Freddy first brought me to Holker, and ever since Lou has been a sister to me. Then I made Frank kiss me, which he did very warmly. She kept herself composed with some difficulty, and broke down more than once in private ; especially when Cavendish went to her room before, and was much overcome himself. Most of us went to the tenants' dinner which I would not have missed for anything. The Duke could not trust himself to go, so Cavendish returned thanks for him, his voice trembling, and his face quite white. What he said was perfect, in its simplicity and depth of feeling : it gives me a new affection for him, showing me how tender his heart is. Freddy and Eddy each had to say a word or two of thanks for their healths being drunk. Fred spoke very well. At last came the going away, and I realized fully for the first time how terribly we shall all miss her, and Freddy and I went upstairs and cried frightfully. The three kept much with their father, and it was very comforting to see them with him, and to know that they are almost like daughters to him.
For about 24 hours, I should say, judging by the exhaustion that followed, we stood on a bench against the garden wall, being great audience to games ; and finally the evening blew up in fireworks, and that's all I can put down about it. P.S.---Lord Granville was married to his 18-year-old bride to-day : and they telegraphed congratulations, which were returned.
25Sep1865, Honour to the Grim Last Evening
24Sep1865, We Were a Vast Army
HOLKER, September 24th, 1865.
—Our big numbers divided themselves between Cartmel and Flookburgh : I walked to Cartmel. Escorted old Lady Ellesmere to Flookb., in the afternoon ; was a little afraid of her, but found her a kind, decided, pretty old lady. Lou paid me a little visit in my room. We were a vast army streaming in to prayers from 2 ends of the passage. These days are rather dreadful and bewildering, and I shan't dislike finding myself in next week. Read some "Pensées de Pascal," with which I was much delighted.
—Our big numbers divided themselves between Cartmel and Flookburgh : I walked to Cartmel. Escorted old Lady Ellesmere to Flookb., in the afternoon ; was a little afraid of her, but found her a kind, decided, pretty old lady. Lou paid me a little visit in my room. We were a vast army streaming in to prayers from 2 ends of the passage. These days are rather dreadful and bewildering, and I shan't dislike finding myself in next week. Read some "Pensées de Pascal," with which I was much delighted.
23Sep1865, Lou's Wedding Gifts
HOLKER, September 23rd, 1865.
—Arrived the two Ladies Ellesmere, Lord Ellesmere, Ly. Blanche, the Enfields, and Uncle Richard ; and we are 27 in the house. Presents of the kind that sink deepest into one's heart came in : a beautiful quaint little gold tea-service and a silver tray from Keighley and other places, an ivory Prayer Book from the Flookburgh school, and a diamond and ruby necklace from Chatsworth ! We all dawdled rather : sat outside, entertained arrivals, etc. Fawcett, [FN: 2 I.e. his "Political Economy."] however ! The table at dinner had to be put with one end in the bow-window.
—Arrived the two Ladies Ellesmere, Lord Ellesmere, Ly. Blanche, the Enfields, and Uncle Richard ; and we are 27 in the house. Presents of the kind that sink deepest into one's heart came in : a beautiful quaint little gold tea-service and a silver tray from Keighley and other places, an ivory Prayer Book from the Flookburgh school, and a diamond and ruby necklace from Chatsworth ! We all dawdled rather : sat outside, entertained arrivals, etc. Fawcett, [FN: 2 I.e. his "Political Economy."] however ! The table at dinner had to be put with one end in the bow-window.
19Sep1865, Lou's Trousseau Arrives
HOLKER, September 19th, 1865.
—Folk drove, couples coupled. We had a delightful series of scampers on a fine long strip of sand near Park Head : Kinataloon gave Lou's horse a slight kick, but no harm came of it. Palgrave and dear Paradise Lost. . . .
Lou's trousseau has arrived, and causes great excitement : she showed off to us a specially charming plush gown, in colour very like a mouse-coloured Scotch bullock. It is curious how quietly and humdrummily we manage to slip on from day to day.
—Folk drove, couples coupled. We had a delightful series of scampers on a fine long strip of sand near Park Head : Kinataloon gave Lou's horse a slight kick, but no harm came of it. Palgrave and dear Paradise Lost. . . .
Lou's trousseau has arrived, and causes great excitement : she showed off to us a specially charming plush gown, in colour very like a mouse-coloured Scotch bullock. It is curious how quietly and humdrummily we manage to slip on from day to day.
12Sep1865, Lord Russell's Book a Bore
HOLKER, September 12th, 1865.
—We had 2 pulls at discarded Lord Russell [FN: That is, a book of his.] who is rather a bore.
—We had 2 pulls at discarded Lord Russell [FN: That is, a book of his.] who is rather a bore.
09Sep1865, Dismay Over Lord Granville's Marriage
HOLKER, September 9th, 1865.
—I meditated over money matters, for once, with agreeable results. . .
There is some dismay over Lord Granville's marriage : such frightful disparity of years : the poor little body will be in all human probability a widow before she is 40 ; they say she is full of fun and high spirits.
—I meditated over money matters, for once, with agreeable results. . .
There is some dismay over Lord Granville's marriage : such frightful disparity of years : the poor little body will be in all human probability a widow before she is 40 ; they say she is full of fun and high spirits.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
08Sep1865, Lord Granville Engaged, Rather Awful
HOLKER, September 8th, 1865.
—We heard of a very interesting marriage : Lord Granville to a pretty Scotch Miss Campbell, only 17 and just out. 33 years between them ! rather awful. Lou put out her wedding presents ; the upper servants have given her a pretty silver inkstand, the under ones here a charming wooden blotting-book cornered with silver.
—We heard of a very interesting marriage : Lord Granville to a pretty Scotch Miss Campbell, only 17 and just out. 33 years between them ! rather awful. Lou put out her wedding presents ; the upper servants have given her a pretty silver inkstand, the under ones here a charming wooden blotting-book cornered with silver.
07Sep1865, Cavendish Sees Our Room
HOLKER, September 7th, 1865.
—I poked up Cavendish, and we took him to see our dear little room after tea ; he had not seen it before. Was struck. We had a pleasant brotherly little dinner.
—I poked up Cavendish, and we took him to see our dear little room after tea ; he had not seen it before. Was struck. We had a pleasant brotherly little dinner.
05Sep1865, My Old Birthday
BOLTON, September 5th, 1865.
—My old birthday, making me 24. I am not quite ½ way to 30 from 20, which proves that I am not so old as might be. And being married has in some ways made me feel younger —partly from the long holyday so much of my new life has been, partly from being the youngest of my new nears and dears (in both which respects things make a great contrast with my Hagley life), but perhaps mostly from the blessed satisfied sense of dependence on one who is as my own self to me, and without whom I should feel lost. Ah ! how difficult it is to keep this great blessedness subordinate to the feeling akin to it, but higher and more divine !—the Love which leads to the Peace that passeth understanding, and for which, over and above all this wealth of human love, one's inner soul is for ever hungering and thirsting.
—My old birthday, making me 24. I am not quite ½ way to 30 from 20, which proves that I am not so old as might be. And being married has in some ways made me feel younger —partly from the long holyday so much of my new life has been, partly from being the youngest of my new nears and dears (in both which respects things make a great contrast with my Hagley life), but perhaps mostly from the blessed satisfied sense of dependence on one who is as my own self to me, and without whom I should feel lost. Ah ! how difficult it is to keep this great blessedness subordinate to the feeling akin to it, but higher and more divine !—the Love which leads to the Peace that passeth understanding, and for which, over and above all this wealth of human love, one's inner soul is for ever hungering and thirsting.
04Sep1865, More News on the Atlantic Cable
BOLTON, September 4th, 1865.
—Shooting not out of the common : Charles did well at Nelly Park, killing right and left, twice running. Total bag, 120 brace. Have I ever mentioned what was amiss with the Atlantic cable? It broke in mid-Atlantic, from fraying against a part of the machinery, while being hauled in to mend a fault ; again and again they grappled for it, and dropped it after dragging it up a great distance, the hauling ropes breaking, till all the rope was exhausted. And now we are to try again next spring, and, failing the present one, to buy another. All went well but for certain defects in the hauling-in machinery. Two defects in the cable itself had been set right.
—Shooting not out of the common : Charles did well at Nelly Park, killing right and left, twice running. Total bag, 120 brace. Have I ever mentioned what was amiss with the Atlantic cable? It broke in mid-Atlantic, from fraying against a part of the machinery, while being hauled in to mend a fault ; again and again they grappled for it, and dropped it after dragging it up a great distance, the hauling ropes breaking, till all the rope was exhausted. And now we are to try again next spring, and, failing the present one, to buy another. All went well but for certain defects in the hauling-in machinery. Two defects in the cable itself had been set right.
03Sep1865, Eastern Church Communion
BOLTON, September 3rd, 1865.
—Some of the Eastern Church have lately admitted English Churchmen to Communion : a blessed thing. No Holy Communion here to-day, alas !
—Some of the Eastern Church have lately admitted English Churchmen to Communion : a blessed thing. No Holy Communion here to-day, alas !
30Aug1865, Bleak Stories in the News
BOLTON, August 30th, 1865.
—There have been fearful cholera ravages at Constantinople. Constance Kent has made a detailed confession of her cool, well-planned, and most devilish murder of her baby-brother ; hideous enough ; the genuine repentance of such a nature is little short of a miracle, and will make a lasting impression, one may well hope, after the silly panic about popery, sisterhoods, and confessionals has died out. There have been other murders, too heart-sickening to comment on : a woman called Windsor convicted, who made a trade of killing babies for a few pounds, when wretched mothers wished to get rid of them ; another woman murdered her infant by breaking one of its bones daily ; a man has killed his wife and child and his three illegitimate children, with the barest shadow of motive.
—There have been fearful cholera ravages at Constantinople. Constance Kent has made a detailed confession of her cool, well-planned, and most devilish murder of her baby-brother ; hideous enough ; the genuine repentance of such a nature is little short of a miracle, and will make a lasting impression, one may well hope, after the silly panic about popery, sisterhoods, and confessionals has died out. There have been other murders, too heart-sickening to comment on : a woman called Windsor convicted, who made a trade of killing babies for a few pounds, when wretched mothers wished to get rid of them ; another woman murdered her infant by breaking one of its bones daily ; a man has killed his wife and child and his three illegitimate children, with the barest shadow of motive.
28Aug1865, Cattle Epidemic, Nevy at Sea
BOLTON, August 28th, 1865.
—The Duke had to go to a Skipton meeting, with a view to taking steps about the frightful new cattle epidemic which is spreading over the country. (À propos of that, there is also much fear of cholera, which has been making one of its marches over Europe ; and the harvest is in danger from the late rain, so there are breakers ahead ; and the prayer against plague, pestilence, and famine has terrible meaning.)
The other gentlemen shot about Aigill, and got nearly 100 brace ; F. much the best : 27½ brace. I have a heart-pinch this evening, thinking of Nevy's first night at sea. It will possibly be 4 years before we see him again, and what may they not bring forth !
—The Duke had to go to a Skipton meeting, with a view to taking steps about the frightful new cattle epidemic which is spreading over the country. (À propos of that, there is also much fear of cholera, which has been making one of its marches over Europe ; and the harvest is in danger from the late rain, so there are breakers ahead ; and the prayer against plague, pestilence, and famine has terrible meaning.)
The other gentlemen shot about Aigill, and got nearly 100 brace ; F. much the best : 27½ brace. I have a heart-pinch this evening, thinking of Nevy's first night at sea. It will possibly be 4 years before we see him again, and what may they not bring forth !
25Aug1865, More Birds Killed
BOLTON, August 25th, 1865.
—It was Crook Rise again to-day, and still more birds were killed : about 508. F. the 2nd biggest bag : 68.
—It was Crook Rise again to-day, and still more birds were killed : about 508. F. the 2nd biggest bag : 68.
20Aug1865, Cake in our Pockets
BOLTON, August 20th, 1865.
—Drove to call on Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Benson, the latter of whom treated us to gooseberry wine and sponge cake. We disposed of most of the cake into our pockets surreptitiously.
—Drove to call on Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Benson, the latter of whom treated us to gooseberry wine and sponge cake. We disposed of most of the cake into our pockets surreptitiously.
19Aug1865, The Great Crook Rise Day
BOLTON, August 19th, 1865.
—At last, a lovely serene day without a drop of rain. Very fortunate, for the great Crook Rise day. They set off at 9½ ; we drove to Thorpe Fell and came in for the last drive before luncheon, which did not come off till 3. We saw 3 drives afterwards. The sport was glorious, and the total the biggest ever known here : viz. 2502 brace. Fred's was the 3rd best bag : 37½ brace. We did not dine till 9.
—At last, a lovely serene day without a drop of rain. Very fortunate, for the great Crook Rise day. They set off at 9½ ; we drove to Thorpe Fell and came in for the last drive before luncheon, which did not come off till 3. We saw 3 drives afterwards. The sport was glorious, and the total the biggest ever known here : viz. 2502 brace. Fred's was the 3rd best bag : 37½ brace. We did not dine till 9.
16Aug1865, Unpolished Ways Preferred to Semi-Gentility
BOLTON, August 16th, 1865.
—Lou and I did not go up to the moors, but paid visits to 10 cottages : the folk at Halton most pleasant, attractive people, their nice unpolished ways a good deal more to my taste than Worcestersh. propriety and semi-gentility. One poor old, old man cannot at all get over the death of his wife in the spring, and sobbed piteously at the sight of Lou who took me to see them both last August. They had been married above 50 years.
—Lou and I did not go up to the moors, but paid visits to 10 cottages : the folk at Halton most pleasant, attractive people, their nice unpolished ways a good deal more to my taste than Worcestersh. propriety and semi-gentility. One poor old, old man cannot at all get over the death of his wife in the spring, and sobbed piteously at the sight of Lou who took me to see them both last August. They had been married above 50 years.
15Aug1865, Reading 'Policial Economy' and 'Arabia'
BOLTON, August 15th, 1865.
—Rained with little cessation till past four : no shooting. F. and I had some tiny honeymoon sits and a walk to the Terrace. I have begun Fawcett a 2nd time, meaning really to give my mind to as much as it is up to of Political Economy. Also we read together Palgrave's "Arabia." Womankind drove in 2 vehicles, and walked, to the Strid, the Valley of Desolation, and round by Barden. The waterfall was at its best, foaming and leaping down : the bottled-porter colour exactly !
—Rained with little cessation till past four : no shooting. F. and I had some tiny honeymoon sits and a walk to the Terrace. I have begun Fawcett a 2nd time, meaning really to give my mind to as much as it is up to of Political Economy. Also we read together Palgrave's "Arabia." Womankind drove in 2 vehicles, and walked, to the Strid, the Valley of Desolation, and round by Barden. The waterfall was at its best, foaming and leaping down : the bottled-porter colour exactly !
10Aug1865, Investing in Haematite
08Aug1865, No Longer Terrified of the Duke
HOLKER, August 8th, 1865.
—Arrived after sunset, a lovely evening, about 8½. I little thought last August 8th of arriving here that day year with Eddy married and Lou engaged ! Certainly it is better than if I was only just launched ; I think the Duke is a little fond of me now, and at all events I have ceased to be terrified at him! I am sure it is a break to him when F. and I turn up.
—Arrived after sunset, a lovely evening, about 8½. I little thought last August 8th of arriving here that day year with Eddy married and Lou engaged ! Certainly it is better than if I was only just launched ; I think the Duke is a little fond of me now, and at all events I have ceased to be terrified at him! I am sure it is a break to him when F. and I turn up.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
03Aug1865, Eddy and Emma are Married
LONDON, August 3rd, 1865.
—Which he did. Dear Eddy and Emma's wedding-day ; reminding me much of mine, especially as I wore for the 1st time since, the lovely gown and cloak I went away in ! It was at St. Michael's, Chester Square. A little faint sunshine struggled out just at the right time ; but most of the day was dark and pouring. Emma looked nicer than I have ever seen her. There was very little crying, and all went well but the weather ; I feel for them arriving at Chiswick (whither they drove, as we did) without being able to plunge into the glorious summer brightness and peace which greeted us. Oh, how I hope and pray for them that they may be as happy as we are !
—Which he did. Dear Eddy and Emma's wedding-day ; reminding me much of mine, especially as I wore for the 1st time since, the lovely gown and cloak I went away in ! It was at St. Michael's, Chester Square. A little faint sunshine struggled out just at the right time ; but most of the day was dark and pouring. Emma looked nicer than I have ever seen her. There was very little crying, and all went well but the weather ; I feel for them arriving at Chiswick (whither they drove, as we did) without being able to plunge into the glorious summer brightness and peace which greeted us. Oh, how I hope and pray for them that they may be as happy as we are !
02Aug1865, Happy Expectation
LONDON, August 2nd, 1865.
—Went to bed pretty tired, with the happy expectation of seeing my Fred turn up about 4 a.m.
—Went to bed pretty tired, with the happy expectation of seeing my Fred turn up about 4 a.m.
28Jul1865, Idle But Moving Thoughts
HAGLEY, July 28th, 1865.
—This glorious summer has seldom failed to bring us bright days whenever we most wanted them : the morning was perfect, and the view was. After church, soon after 12, we all went up the dear obelisk hill ; and in the afternoon, Clent Hill. The view rather hazed over after 3, but it was very nice. A good deal cooler. I am very happy in the thought of Lou associating Hagley with all her own deep happiness now ; and have a feeling the old place, which has seen such a long sunny day of married blessedness in the past, must shed brightness over them. For the same reason I love to think of our own beautiful Whitsuntide here. The spire — 0 to think I haven't mentioned it !—is finished up to the golden cock at top, and one longs to tear down the scaffolding, which remains up for some last touches. From all sorts of points of view, it comes in beautifully (the spire, not the scaffolding !), and what a thing it is to see the dear church complete ! Very idle but moving thoughts cross one from time to time, of how it would please and interest darling Mamma to come down to us again for a little while, just to see the changes ; which, thank God, have been mostly such happy ones. How she would have loved Meriel's little children ! and the sight of her own boys growing up into such comforts to Papa — his great joy and pride. But such thoughts must not dwell with one, remembering how her own deep earthly affections, though not weakened or changed, were absorbed in the hope of what we now trust is her Everlasting Joy : the Presence of our Lord.
—This glorious summer has seldom failed to bring us bright days whenever we most wanted them : the morning was perfect, and the view was. After church, soon after 12, we all went up the dear obelisk hill ; and in the afternoon, Clent Hill. The view rather hazed over after 3, but it was very nice. A good deal cooler. I am very happy in the thought of Lou associating Hagley with all her own deep happiness now ; and have a feeling the old place, which has seen such a long sunny day of married blessedness in the past, must shed brightness over them. For the same reason I love to think of our own beautiful Whitsuntide here. The spire — 0 to think I haven't mentioned it !—is finished up to the golden cock at top, and one longs to tear down the scaffolding, which remains up for some last touches. From all sorts of points of view, it comes in beautifully (the spire, not the scaffolding !), and what a thing it is to see the dear church complete ! Very idle but moving thoughts cross one from time to time, of how it would please and interest darling Mamma to come down to us again for a little while, just to see the changes ; which, thank God, have been mostly such happy ones. How she would have loved Meriel's little children ! and the sight of her own boys growing up into such comforts to Papa — his great joy and pride. But such thoughts must not dwell with one, remembering how her own deep earthly affections, though not weakened or changed, were absorbed in the hope of what we now trust is her Everlasting Joy : the Presence of our Lord.
27Jul1865, Back Home to Hagley
HAGLEY, July 27th, 1865.
—The Duke, Lou, and Frank arrived by the same train as we did. Oh, how entirely mad and inside-out I felt ! half receiving them at Hagley, and half being a guest like them : so much a bit of Hagley still, that I am always saying "we" do this and that here, and yet in another point of view more belonging to them than to it.
—The Duke, Lou, and Frank arrived by the same train as we did. Oh, how entirely mad and inside-out I felt ! half receiving them at Hagley, and half being a guest like them : so much a bit of Hagley still, that I am always saying "we" do this and that here, and yet in another point of view more belonging to them than to it.
23Jul1865, Sir Lacaita Reads "Cinque Maggio"
CHATSWORTH, July 23rd, 1865.
—I made Sir James [FN: Sir James Lacaita who was Librarian at Chatsworth. The "Cinque Maggio" is, of course, the famous poem of Manzoni on the death of Napoleon.] read us the "Cinque Maggio," which he did very finely ; but it was difficult to follow.
—I made Sir James [FN: Sir James Lacaita who was Librarian at Chatsworth. The "Cinque Maggio" is, of course, the famous poem of Manzoni on the death of Napoleon.] read us the "Cinque Maggio," which he did very finely ; but it was difficult to follow.
22Jul1865, Constance Kent Pled Guilty
CHATSWORTH, July 22nd, 1865.
—Drove one of a new pair of ponies, to be dubbed Sussex and Success in honour of Eddy ; Miss Success went very well. We drove over a poor little swallow (of all wonderful things to do !) which was lying, hurt I suppose, in the middle of the road. Constance Kent has pled Guilty, and been condemned to death, but will, I believe, certainly not be hung.
—Drove one of a new pair of ponies, to be dubbed Sussex and Success in honour of Eddy ; Miss Success went very well. We drove over a poor little swallow (of all wonderful things to do !) which was lying, hurt I suppose, in the middle of the road. Constance Kent has pled Guilty, and been condemned to death, but will, I believe, certainly not be hung.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
20July1865, No-poperyums
CHATSWORTH, July 20th, 1865.
—The Royal Navy went away, Lou driving him to the station ; a very improper proceeding. Late in the evening came Cavendish, with hopeful accounts of U. Wm.'s S. Lancashire prospects. I walked about the kitchen-garden with the Duke, Fred, and the scientific Mr. Taplin ; and ate a good deal of fruit. The Guardian almost speechless with rage at the Oxford election. There is much fear that ridiculous old Locock (I only quiz him on this occasion : we owe him a great deal) will beat Sir John Simeon in the Isle of Wight ; folk have the No-poperyums to such a degree.
—The Royal Navy went away, Lou driving him to the station ; a very improper proceeding. Late in the evening came Cavendish, with hopeful accounts of U. Wm.'s S. Lancashire prospects. I walked about the kitchen-garden with the Duke, Fred, and the scientific Mr. Taplin ; and ate a good deal of fruit. The Guardian almost speechless with rage at the Oxford election. There is much fear that ridiculous old Locock (I only quiz him on this occasion : we owe him a great deal) will beat Sir John Simeon in the Isle of Wight ; folk have the No-poperyums to such a degree.
19Jul1865, On Terms of Great Intimacy
CHATSWORTH, July 19th, 1865.
—We three drove to Eyam, tucking a big R.N. Captain into the little dicky of the p. carriage beside Lou ; the said man and I are already on terms of great intimacy and mutual quizzing. I wrote to Granny fishing for an invitation to Hagley for him next week ! My Fred spouted to me a grand speech Uncle W. has made at a Liverpool meeting ; having gone to stand for S. Lancashire. He is late in the field ; but the enthusiasm was glorious.
—We three drove to Eyam, tucking a big R.N. Captain into the little dicky of the p. carriage beside Lou ; the said man and I are already on terms of great intimacy and mutual quizzing. I wrote to Granny fishing for an invitation to Hagley for him next week ! My Fred spouted to me a grand speech Uncle W. has made at a Liverpool meeting ; having gone to stand for S. Lancashire. He is late in the field ; but the enthusiasm was glorious.
18Jul1865, Uncle William Not Returned
CHATSWORTH, July 18th, 1865.
—This naval person has brought rain and clouds in his train ; nevertheless he and Lou managed to find the weather fine enough for divers tête-à-têtes in the garden. We thought the less of them to-day from the election news being exciting. Eddy has won by nearly 200, therefore the 3 brethren are now all county M.P.s, and will all 3 distinguish themselves I trust. I build Castles in the air of Uncle W. Prime Minister, with Cavendish Secretary of War, Freddy Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Eddy Home Secretary [FN: This bold prophecy was nearly fulfilled. Gladstone became Prime Minister in 1868, Hartington Secretary of War in 1866, and Gladstone more than once said that if Frederick Cavendish had been alive in 1886 he would have offered him the Exchequer. And Hartington was offered the Prime Ministership in 1887.]; or, further on still, Cavendish Prime Minister. But to descend to earth meanwhile, the unworthy University has driven out Uncle William by 186 votes, after his 18 years' representation of it ; revealing that it is not worthy of the greatest statesman in England. Oh, it is disgraceful and pitiable ! Gathorne Hardy, a good, respectable, slow-coach Conservative, comes in with Sir W. Heathcote, who heads the poll by a great deal.
—This naval person has brought rain and clouds in his train ; nevertheless he and Lou managed to find the weather fine enough for divers tête-à-têtes in the garden. We thought the less of them to-day from the election news being exciting. Eddy has won by nearly 200, therefore the 3 brethren are now all county M.P.s, and will all 3 distinguish themselves I trust. I build Castles in the air of Uncle W. Prime Minister, with Cavendish Secretary of War, Freddy Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Eddy Home Secretary [FN: This bold prophecy was nearly fulfilled. Gladstone became Prime Minister in 1868, Hartington Secretary of War in 1866, and Gladstone more than once said that if Frederick Cavendish had been alive in 1886 he would have offered him the Exchequer. And Hartington was offered the Prime Ministership in 1887.]; or, further on still, Cavendish Prime Minister. But to descend to earth meanwhile, the unworthy University has driven out Uncle William by 186 votes, after his 18 years' representation of it ; revealing that it is not worthy of the greatest statesman in England. Oh, it is disgraceful and pitiable ! Gathorne Hardy, a good, respectable, slow-coach Conservative, comes in with Sir W. Heathcote, who heads the poll by a great deal.
17Jul1865, This Horrible Interloper
CHATSWORTH, July 17th, 1865.
—Grey and ugly all day, which was unpoetical, as the romance came to an upshot, Captain Egerton turning up this afternoon and spending an incomprehensibly long time with Lou in the stately garden. Oh, dear me ! I could fancy the statues looking out of spirits at the sight of this horrible interloper ! but it is all right and good and happy. May and I watched the fly drive up, and the Captain puzzled us by marching to the Porter's lodge, collecting his thoughts maybe, or perhaps in search of the Duke. With whom by and bye he appeared in front of the perron. Duke, May, and I disappeared, and left the two with nobody but Fiz en tiers, at the Granville Corner. And so it is all settled, and I have had a cry, and mean to be—am—very happy at it. We talked electionums between acts, as F. and I used to talk Garibaldiums ! Sat very tight all the evening for news of Eddy and Sussex, but none came. And now in about 2 hours I am hoping and longing to see Fred, who didn't think Capt. Egerton could have turned up to-day, and to whom I trust I shall have the telling of the news.
—Grey and ugly all day, which was unpoetical, as the romance came to an upshot, Captain Egerton turning up this afternoon and spending an incomprehensibly long time with Lou in the stately garden. Oh, dear me ! I could fancy the statues looking out of spirits at the sight of this horrible interloper ! but it is all right and good and happy. May and I watched the fly drive up, and the Captain puzzled us by marching to the Porter's lodge, collecting his thoughts maybe, or perhaps in search of the Duke. With whom by and bye he appeared in front of the perron. Duke, May, and I disappeared, and left the two with nobody but Fiz en tiers, at the Granville Corner. And so it is all settled, and I have had a cry, and mean to be—am—very happy at it. We talked electionums between acts, as F. and I used to talk Garibaldiums ! Sat very tight all the evening for news of Eddy and Sussex, but none came. And now in about 2 hours I am hoping and longing to see Fred, who didn't think Capt. Egerton could have turned up to-day, and to whom I trust I shall have the telling of the news.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
16Jul1865, The Duke Invites the Captain
CHATSWORTH, July 16th, 1865.
—I came down first to breakfast, and, the Duke arriving next, I had the courage to speak of the great news, and to say something of what the loss to him must be. Indeed that is a thought I can't bear to face ; but one trusts it will be smoothed down to us all somehow ! and he is happy in her happiness, as who could help being ? The Duke wrote to the Captain recommending him to come here ; so we may expect a very interesting week. One can't manage aft. church, it being at the cruel hour of 2½, and the walk a 2 hour's one. Psalms and Lessons with my Fred. St. Thomas à Kempis.
—I came down first to breakfast, and, the Duke arriving next, I had the courage to speak of the great news, and to say something of what the loss to him must be. Indeed that is a thought I can't bear to face ; but one trusts it will be smoothed down to us all somehow ! and he is happy in her happiness, as who could help being ? The Duke wrote to the Captain recommending him to come here ; so we may expect a very interesting week. One can't manage aft. church, it being at the cruel hour of 2½, and the walk a 2 hour's one. Psalms and Lessons with my Fred. St. Thomas à Kempis.
15Jul1865, Fred is Elected, Lou is Engaged
HEADINGLEY, July 15th, 1865.—An exciting and wonderful day ! First, my Fred's election (unopposed) as one of the members for the new N. division of the W. Riding together with Sir F. Crossley. Fred spoke on the hustings for about ½ an hour, and was cheered immensely, and altogether most delightfully received. All he said was full of energy and conviction, and proved to one (what I knew already) the strength and depth and enthusiasm of his faith in the people, and of his love of truth and liberty. Perhaps he won't turn out eloquent : his style is too stern, and his voice, especially his curious "th" and "r," against him ; he expresses himself sometimes abruptly, and sometimes his ideas come too fast for his words and make him confused ; but at all events he is original, and eager, and to the point ; and by every tone and word shows that he means and feels what he says. Never have I gone through such excitement, or felt so proud ! The climax was dear old Mr. Thompson proposing 3 cheers for me, whereat I was ready to burst ! Old Fred brought pretty strongly before them his Liberalism ! but he has caution and humility and toleration as checks.
But all this is eclipsed by the news that greeted us here. Captain Egerton [FN: The Hon. Francis Egerton, son of the 1st Earl of Ellesmere, ; afterwards an admiral and M.P.] has written to the Duke asking to be allowed to ask Lou to marry him ; and darling Lou is as happy as happy can be.
He cannot be good enough for her ! but I do hope and believe will make her very happy ; and it is nice to find I am really most beautifully unselfish, for in spite of what the loss of her will be to me, I know too well the blessedness of the joy not to rejoice for her with all my heart. And I am too pompé to say anything more.
But all this is eclipsed by the news that greeted us here. Captain Egerton [FN: The Hon. Francis Egerton, son of the 1st Earl of Ellesmere, ; afterwards an admiral and M.P.] has written to the Duke asking to be allowed to ask Lou to marry him ; and darling Lou is as happy as happy can be.
He cannot be good enough for her ! but I do hope and believe will make her very happy ; and it is nice to find I am really most beautifully unselfish, for in spite of what the loss of her will be to me, I know too well the blessedness of the joy not to rejoice for her with all my heart. And I am too pompé to say anything more.
14Jul1865, Polling for Oxford
13Jul1865, Up to the Ears in Electionums
HEADINGLEY, July 13th, 1865.
—A contrast ! Here we are up to the ears in electionums. Arrived in Leeds which we found inundated by triumphant Blues, the Conservative candidate Beecroft having come in at the head of the poll ; Baines (proposer of a £6 franchise) next, and poor Lord Amberley being beaten rather hollow. Said Lord A. and his wife are staying here ; and take their defeat with admirable good temper and philosophy. We did not leave Bolton till 3. Walked before luncheon in pretty Wood, and back by the Terrace. Alas ! alas ! poor old John is beaten hollow at Malmesbury. Willy has come in for Chester, which I am glad of.
—A contrast ! Here we are up to the ears in electionums. Arrived in Leeds which we found inundated by triumphant Blues, the Conservative candidate Beecroft having come in at the head of the poll ; Baines (proposer of a £6 franchise) next, and poor Lord Amberley being beaten rather hollow. Said Lord A. and his wife are staying here ; and take their defeat with admirable good temper and philosophy. We did not leave Bolton till 3. Walked before luncheon in pretty Wood, and back by the Terrace. Alas ! alas ! poor old John is beaten hollow at Malmesbury. Willy has come in for Chester, which I am glad of.
Monday, April 06, 2009
12Jul1865, Mill and Hughes Return
BOLTON, July 12th, 1865.
—F. is over the moon at divers Liberals having been returned in London ; especially Mill the philosopher and Hughes the author of "Tom Brown." Mill's return notable from his having refused either to solicit votes or to spend a farthing himself. . . .
After luncheon, up we went to dear Glorious Hazlewood ; the view clearer than I ever remember seeing it, and my familiarity with it all, as is always the case with "things of beauty," making it strike and delight me more than ever. As in old music,
Ever in its melodious store
Finding a spell unheard before.
We had one delightful sit on the heather, which is beginning to blossom, when I lay back looking straight up into the lovely sky, conscious of the breezy, undulating expanse all round, and of my own happiness, so that my heart rather overflowed !
—F. is over the moon at divers Liberals having been returned in London ; especially Mill the philosopher and Hughes the author of "Tom Brown." Mill's return notable from his having refused either to solicit votes or to spend a farthing himself. . . .
After luncheon, up we went to dear Glorious Hazlewood ; the view clearer than I ever remember seeing it, and my familiarity with it all, as is always the case with "things of beauty," making it strike and delight me more than ever. As in old music,
Ever in its melodious store
Finding a spell unheard before.
We had one delightful sit on the heather, which is beginning to blossom, when I lay back looking straight up into the lovely sky, conscious of the breezy, undulating expanse all round, and of my own happiness, so that my heart rather overflowed !
09Jul1865, Very Honeylunar
BOLTON, July 9th, 1865.
—We sat much in the dear little stone court before the house ; also on the terrace ; and walked to the Strid. Very honeylunar ! Read Goulburn, Keble, Thomas à Kempis ; all 3 with my Fred.
—We sat much in the dear little stone court before the house ; also on the terrace ; and walked to the Strid. Very honeylunar ! Read Goulburn, Keble, Thomas à Kempis ; all 3 with my Fred.
07Jul1865, A Good Drawing in Punch
LONDON, July 7th, 1865.
—Cavendish dined, to my great satisfaction ; Auntie P. and Mary came in afterwards. There has been an exceedingly good drawing in Punch of "Mamma Russell and Mamma Gladstone" (the statesmen, in bonnets) teaching their respective babies to walk, alluding to Lord Amberley and Willy standing for Leeds and Chester.
—Cavendish dined, to my great satisfaction ; Auntie P. and Mary came in afterwards. There has been an exceedingly good drawing in Punch of "Mamma Russell and Mamma Gladstone" (the statesmen, in bonnets) teaching their respective babies to walk, alluding to Lord Amberley and Willy standing for Leeds and Chester.
05Jul1865, First Catch Your Hare
LONDON, July 5th, 1865.
—Had the accountums in the morning ; find we have spent £121 (inclusive of a good many small extras) on housekeeping since we set up. This I must cut down ! We dined at D. House, where was a family dinner, with a tail, in honour of Eddy and Emma ; as last year of us, when I remember undergoing much in the way of introductions. Hideous reports are about that the Conservatives are getting up a contest for us, but first catch your hare—they can't find anybody to undertake the inevitable beating ! Oxford, Chester, and Malmesbury are all frightfully doubtful : I had all but rather Fred was beaten than Uncle W. ; he will feel it deeply, and so will she.
—Had the accountums in the morning ; find we have spent £121 (inclusive of a good many small extras) on housekeeping since we set up. This I must cut down ! We dined at D. House, where was a family dinner, with a tail, in honour of Eddy and Emma ; as last year of us, when I remember undergoing much in the way of introductions. Hideous reports are about that the Conservatives are getting up a contest for us, but first catch your hare—they can't find anybody to undertake the inevitable beating ! Oxford, Chester, and Malmesbury are all frightfully doubtful : I had all but rather Fred was beaten than Uncle W. ; he will feel it deeply, and so will she.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
04Jul1865, Duke of Newcastle and His Miserable Daughter
LONDON, July 4th, 1865.
—Lou picked me up at 2, and we went (with 40 or 50 other folk) to St. George's Hill [FN: St. George's Hill, near Weybridge, later Lady Louisa's own home, after her marriage.], a lovely heathy place, all fragrant with bracken and honeysuckle and firs, where Ly. Blanche Egerton and her brothers picnicked us. Old Ly. Ellesmere also was there ; and young Ld. Ellesmere ; and a very pretty, noble-looking, open-faced fair boy of 16. I saw much of Tallee, and had a little bit of capping with her. Also saw dear Miss Dennett, now a little old lady, with traces in her worn face of the wretched life she must have had, striving to make peace between the poor Duke of Newcastle in his fatal anger and mismanagement, and his miserable daughter, when her whole self-will was set upon that tragical marriage. Lovely little Lady Dalkeith [FN: Daughter of the 1st Duke of Abercorn and wife of the 6th Duke of Buccleuch. ] and certain pretty unmarried sisters of hers— etc., etc., were there.
—Lou picked me up at 2, and we went (with 40 or 50 other folk) to St. George's Hill [FN: St. George's Hill, near Weybridge, later Lady Louisa's own home, after her marriage.], a lovely heathy place, all fragrant with bracken and honeysuckle and firs, where Ly. Blanche Egerton and her brothers picnicked us. Old Ly. Ellesmere also was there ; and young Ld. Ellesmere ; and a very pretty, noble-looking, open-faced fair boy of 16. I saw much of Tallee, and had a little bit of capping with her. Also saw dear Miss Dennett, now a little old lady, with traces in her worn face of the wretched life she must have had, striving to make peace between the poor Duke of Newcastle in his fatal anger and mismanagement, and his miserable daughter, when her whole self-will was set upon that tragical marriage. Lovely little Lady Dalkeith [FN: Daughter of the 1st Duke of Abercorn and wife of the 6th Duke of Buccleuch. ] and certain pretty unmarried sisters of hers— etc., etc., were there.
02Jul1865, At Church with a Roman Catholic
LONDON, July 2nd, 1865.
—All Saints, where I sat by a poor woman, who said she was a Roman Catholic, and that "you Puseyites are almost the same as Catholics" ; to which I demurred. She joined in much of the Service when I gave her my book, and sung both the beautiful hymns very much out of tune, with great fervour.
—All Saints, where I sat by a poor woman, who said she was a Roman Catholic, and that "you Puseyites are almost the same as Catholics" ; to which I demurred. She joined in much of the Service when I gave her my book, and sung both the beautiful hymns very much out of tune, with great fervour.
01Jul1865, Nevy Returns to Hagley
LONDON, July 1st, 1865.
—I came back at 5½ to say good-bye to Nevy, who went to Hagley. He has been most delightful and companionable, what with his fun, his cleverness, his pleasant, good tone, and his love of music, which has resulted in the mansion echoing with all sorts, parts, and fragments of song and anthem.
—I came back at 5½ to say good-bye to Nevy, who went to Hagley. He has been most delightful and companionable, what with his fun, his cleverness, his pleasant, good tone, and his love of music, which has resulted in the mansion echoing with all sorts, parts, and fragments of song and anthem.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)