'To his own birthday [August 21] we had the general invitation for the evening, and the old trio went from Boston House at seven, and got back by two. The noble Castle, so lit up, was a magnificent sight. The Queen was quite the Queen, for it was very mixed society--too much so for Royal presence. The good-humoured King asks everybody, and it was a crowd! But she sat with the Royal Duchesses only, attended by her ladies, and she was dressed much finer than her usual style. She twice conversed with us, and when she left the room came up to us, shook each by the hand, and was so sorry we had to go home so far.
'My brother and Mrs. Clitherow called at Windsor to take leave before we left home for so many weeks, and after luncheon with her and the King, she took them into her own room to see a bust of the little niece that she nursed with such motherly affection, Princess Louise, and then gave them two prints of herself and two of Prince George of Cambridge, the best likeness I have seen of her. She said, "One for Miss Clitherow, the other for you two, because you are as one." All she does in such a gracious, pretty manner.'
In the winter the Clitherows spent three days at Brighton, dining each day at the Pavilion. The King was remarkably well, but the Queen unfortunately was confined to her room, and was only able to see Mrs. Clitherow on one evening. 'Then,' Miss Clitherow adds:
'She could really enjoy her society, which in the drawing-room is impossible. Grandees must come in your way. Lady Falkland only was with her, which made a trio.
'I hope you and your belongings are well, and, with our united, kind regards,
'Believe me, 'Sincerely yours, 'MARY CLITHEROW.'
DINNER TO THEIR MAJESTIES AT BOSTON HOUSE
OUR next glimpse of their Majesties is not _from_, but _at_ Boston House. This unsought honour was rather deprecated, though thoroughly appreciated by their hosts, who, in spite of their intimacy with the King and Queen, never made any pretension to be more than simple gentlefolk. Colonel Clitherow was the first commoner whom William IV. so honoured, probably the only one, and instances of other monarchs doing the like must be few and far between. In this case, doubtless, both their Majesties regarded it as an act of simple friendship, and not in any way as one of condescension.
