My dear Anne, As Sir William Heathcote is coming here this evening I take this opportunity of writing to you, I hope, to thank you beforehand for the letter I am to expect on Saturday. I think your Coronation Festival must have been most splendid, especially the peacocks’ feathers. You must have wanted Duke to help you arrange it all, I think. I know he always used to be famous for arrangements. ... continue reading

My dear Alice, The Times was quite right, Lucien was at the camp, though I cannot remember him. Montebello told Lord Seaton that he is very sorry to see our troops in such excellent order. The Queen looked in great good-humour, and was determined to see the men have their dinner. She came to Virginia Water with Prince Albert, who was sneezing and looking as if he had the measles. Lord and ... continue reading

Dear Miss Walker I was much interested in your letter, though I am afraid I had not heard Miss Lawrence’s name. I believe my mother left school at 14 in consequence of her father’s very sudden death, so her career there must have been a short one. I have always thought it must have been a very good school, her knowledge was so thorough, and she taught me almost entirely except a French master ... continue reading