Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII PERILOUS HONOURS (1785-1786) There is a tradition that the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Fitzherbert passed their honeymoon at her villa at Richmond. The legend also says that immediately after the ceremony they set out from Park Street for Richmond, and the road (for it was winter) was so blocked with snow as to be almost impassable. The horses broke down, and they had to sup at an inn at Hammersmith before proceeding to their destination. The honeymoon was but a brief one, for they were back in London by Christmas. The air was thick with rumour. "The lie of the day," writes Robert Hobart to the Duke of Rutland, on December 24, 1785 (after the marriage), "is that the Prince of Wales is to marry Mrs. Fitzherbert, but I believe, totally without foundation." 1 Again he writes on December 27, "The town still talk of the Prince of Wales's marriage. He has taken a box for Mrs. Fitzherbert at the Opera, and constantly passes the greater part of the night with her. I do not hear of Prince Carnaby's being yet arrived in town.2 Watt Smith3 appears already much elated with the honour that is intended, or rather the dishonour which has already attended, his family. His Royal Highness's new establishment is not yet named, but no doubt the Marchioness of Buckingham4 will be first lady of the bedchamber, and her aunt, Peg Nugent, necessary woman. If pride, arrogance, and self-sufficiency be qualities for a Popish 1 Rutland Papers, Hist. MSB. Comm. 14th Report, Appendix, Part I. 2 Sir Carnaby Haggerston, Bart., Mrs. Fitzherbert's brother-in-law, who lived at Grantham, not far from Belvoir. 3 Mrs. Fitzherbert's eldest brother. 'The Marquess of Buckingham was (1782-83) Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; the Marchioness was suspected of leanings to...