Lacock
5th July 1838
My Dear Horatia
Last Thursday Ela <1> came into the room saying I think the queen <2> is going to be crowned today – But now she treats it as an affair long past, & says, The queen had her crown on, one day in London.
Her aunts being gone is a great loss to her.
She has got hold of a picture of Mary queen of Squats.<3> I must endeavour to correct the pronunciation, for among all the faults imputed to Mary I never heard that she deserved that reproach.
If you were to come now you would see the Acacias in full bloom, the evening breeze is deliciously perfumed with Syringas
Your affte
Henry
Horatia
Notes:
1. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.
2. Victoria (1819–1901), Queen of the United Kingdom (1837–1901), Empress of India (1876–1901); she was crowned on 28 June 1838.
3. Mary or Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots (1542–1587).