The Lounger at the Club wishes Lady M—— a speedy recovery. If he becomes aware of any further information which might shed more light on this most unfortunate, not to say intriguing turn of events, rest assured our readers will be the very first to know.

Princess Louise to Lady Margaret

Princess Louise to Lady Margaret

Osborne House, Isle of Wight, 31 July 1865

My Very Dearest M.,

What on earth have you done!!!! Your letter arrived yesterday, but needless to say, news of your plight preceded it by some days. I knew at once there must be a scandalous reason for your sudden departure from the metropolis—a view, in case you’ve not seen it, that the somewhat lurid Illustrated London News shares. Why did you not heed my warnings about the press? I told you, M., the price of fame is relentless scrutiny. The newspapers love nothing better than to knock someone from her pedestal, especially when they put her there in the first place. This tale your parents put about of a sudden illness will not be believed. (Though Her Majesty did believe it. Her many chins were shaking with disapproval at the suddenness of your departure, for you know how little my mother tolerates illness as an excuse for avoiding one’s obligations.)

What on earth possessed you to take such extreme measures as to run off? I know you had reservations about the gentleman in question, but I thought you had resigned yourself to taking him on. I cannot condone your behaviour, though I am slightly in awe of your courage. I know that a lecture from me is not what you want to hear, but I would not be your friend if I refrained. You have broken almost every rule of court life and conduct, and you will be crucified if that is discovered. It matters not a whit that you hold Killin in such distaste that you couldn’t bring yourself to marry him. Were he a monster, you would still be castigated for defying your father, and Killin is not a monster.