Part 21

Francis[295] diverted me excessively the other morning. I got up unusually late, and, whilst at my toilet, I was told he had been in the library some time. Ld. H. was still in bed, and as he is at times amusing, I sent to say I would receive him as I dressed. He came to my door, and there paused, saying, ‘Are you sure the person you sent for was _me_? Can such a favour be intended _me_? What? Will you really admit _me_ into your private room?’ When I repeated the invitation, he was delighted. He is very vain, and any distinction quite turns his head, especially from people he rather calls great folks. Ld. Ossory came soon, and asked what had happened to put Francis into such spirits, as his eyes glistened with delight.

We yesterday dined with the General in his new house, early, that we might be in time to see _Pizarro_; he is a very severe critic. He censured much, and admired some parts; indeed, the most phlegmatic censor must praise a good deal, however German rhapsody may occasionally burst out. My box was full, Grey, Tierney, Whitbread, Lds. Lorne, Bor., etc., and several who could not gain admittance. There is a report, not very improbable as to truth, about, viz., that Lord Lansdown is to marry Miss Coutts. There is very little doubt that, as far as she and her connections are concerned, the alliance will be anxiously sought for, but whether he will incur the risk and ridicule is more doubtful. As far as my wishes go, I hope neither this nor any other marriage will take place; his marrying will destroy his system of living. The _ladies_, who now accommodate all their arrangements for his convenience, will become more independent and have more leisure. Love for Ld. H. and curiosity for our society will throw them more constantly with us, and, tho’ I do not approve Ld. Wycombe’s principle to the extent he urges it, that to maintain a good understanding with his father he never will see him, yet I am convinced that to keep well with friends you should not live too much with them; for which reasons I deprecate the probability of long and frequent visits, especially as one half of my male and female intimates are placed at the top of Miss Fox’s black list, such as Ld. G. Leveson, Tierney, Mrs. W., Ly. Bess., Ly. Plymouth, Canning, Frere, etc., etc., without end.

The Beaus. returned to Moneyhill. The only possible chance I foresee in that _ménage_ for disquietude, will be his indolent, shy habits, which will rivet him more strongly to the country. The inclination for retirement will be aided by a half jealousy, a propensity he is too prone to; but children, qualms, and fright will soon diminish her power and inclination to charm. Sr. Lionel[296] came and passed the day here. His brother has married the _ci-devant_ Ly. Abercorn. Ld. A. behaved very shabbily; he chicaned about stocks and pounds sterling. Sr. L. has been kind and friendly; tho’ he is rough and selfish, he is capable of doing good-hearted actions. Ld. Hobart, Mr. Adderley came to tell me, is to be married on Saturday; Miss Eden is the bride. She is handsome and sensible.

[Sidenote: AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE]

A very old acquaintance called here yesterday: I regretted not seeing him--Bob Markham,[297] a great friend of poor Ld. Henry’s[298] and as much a lover as his friendship for his friend could allow. He is married, and settled in Yorkshire. His chief merits are good-nature and a willingness to oblige; his talents are moderate, for to say the truth he is rather dull, but the strongest symptom I feel of age is a strong partiality for those I have known in earlier days. A long acquaintance is with me a passport to affection. This does not operate to exclusion of new acquaintances, as I seek them with avidity; not so much, however, for my own gratification, as from a notion that mixing with a variety of people is an advantage to Ld. H., because as he, thank God, lives constantly at home, unless I were active in collecting fresh materials for society, he might be too apt to fall into a click [_sic_], a calamity no abilities can fight against. Ideas get confined, prejudices strong, and the whole mind narrowed to the standard of your own set. Canning is an instance of the badness of that plan; his jokes are local, and unless he ‘gives his little senate laws’ he is silent. Mankind are formed to live together; the more they mix with each other the better able a man is to judge them and conduct himself; otherwise it becomes what a priest once said of the universal truth, ‘Orthodoxy is my doxy.’

The Prince has given up Lady Jersey, and is now trying to renew with Mrs. Fitzherbert. He ought to try and make his peace with heaven if he has any account to settle, as he does not look long for this mortal life.

Gilbert Wakefield was this day condemned to two years’ imprisonment in Dorset jail. The sentence is severe; one cannot but regret severities should fall upon a man of learning. The Editor of _The Courier_ was also sentenced to 6 months’ confinement and 200_l._ fine, for calling ye Emperor of Russia a _tyrant_. He seems to have been a fool to have been at the trouble of saying such a platitude; ’tis like knowing that _B_ follows _A_ in the alphabet.

_1st June,’99._--Lord Belgrave,[299] in consequence, as Lord King says, of morality and the whole duty of man being the _haut ton_, has taken up the Sunday newspapers, and on the score of their diverting people from their duty on the Sabbath wants them suppressed. Sheridan, who never lets an opportunity escape where an allusion can be made to Ld. B.’s Greek, finding Lord B. wanted time before the division on the motion, observed that the noble Viscount wanted it put off to the _Greek Calends_. And of the war, when there came up petitions from the country, Ld. Belgrave said that the signatures were not to be depended upon, as he knew many places where boys at school were made to sign--a scandalous proceeding. ‘Infamous,’ said Sheridan, ‘to take them from _their Greek_.’

Hare, Fitzpatrick, Francis, Tom Sheridan,[300] Tierney, and, by chance, my mother and Sr. Gilbert, dined here yesterday. Sheridan was to have come, but was detained in the H. of Commons by Palmer’s business. The wits and humourists were in high spirits; nothing could be pleasanter. We were persuaded to go to Ly. Heathcote’s masquerade. Some observations about me, jokes about Tierney and I conspiring together. Ly. Cholmondeley, Dss. of Gordon, very cordial; stayed most of the time by the Dss. Devon., Ly. Bessborough, Ly. Melbourne. Prince there, knew me directly; looking dreadfully ill.

_7th June._--On Saturday, 1st June, Canning, Bessbro’s, Ld. Morpeth, Bor., G. Leveson, Adderley, Sturges, G. Ellis, etc., dined; rather pleasant. In the library I had, after dinner, a long conversation with Canning. He expressed great satisfaction at acting in concert with Ld. H. about the Slave Trade, and said, from the pleasure that it gave him, he could judge how great it would be if they always agreed. He talked a good deal of the folly of Whig principles and the great families, etc. I thought I perceived, and that probably arose from some circumstance that I knew of, from his inquiry as to my politics, influence over Ld. H., etc., that he wanted rather a confidential opening from me, but however I may wish, I did not encourage it, as Ld. H. is too firmly attached to the obsolete doctrine of Whiggism to be yet open to persuasion. On Sunday I had persuaded Mr. Fox to come, but as the object was to make him meet Porson,[301] and he was prevented coming, I sent an express to stop his leaving St. Anne’s till Wednesday.

On Sunday Ly. Lucy came, Adderley, the Smiths, Hamilton, and Mackintosh. After dinner they had a very metaphysical argument upon infinity, etc., etc. On Monday Ld. H. went to the H. of Lords. Lady Lucy returned home to be with the Duchess, as it was the melancholy anniversary of poor Ld. E.’s death; only Miss Fox, Buonaiuti,[302] Drew, and self at dinner. Tuesday, King’s birthday, a review by him of the London Volunteer corps in the park. Tierney came, sat the whole morn, reading to me. He selected nonsensical passages from old poets _applicable_ he declared to his own situation. I am afraid he will annoy Mrs. T., if he continues his _devoirs_ so obsequiously. Instead of going home to prepare himself for the Budget, which was to come on next day, he returned to dinner here. We had a lively party, Ly. Lucy, Miss Fox, Capt. Murray, Lewis, Mr. Robinson, Drew, etc., Adderley. I had a violent headache. Wednesday, Mr. Fox came, Ld. Robert, and the General came to meet him; the Smiths, etc., stayed. I was obliged to go to the play, as I had promised to meet mother. The King, etc., were there. Tierney, Adderley, Lewis, and Sheridan in my box; came home and found Fox in delightful spirits. He went away the next day early. I dined at two with Drew, and set off to see sights; my _shadow_ came with us. I sent him off to dine with his wife, and went to Covent Garden. To-day, 7th June, Borino dined. I passed great part of the evening and night in the garden; the weather is delicious, and the nightingales in full vigour of song. I have not see _any_ of my own appendages to-day.

[Sidenote: HARVEY ASTON]

Harvey Aston[303] was killed in duel at Madras; it was the only one out of the number he has fought in which he was in the right. He fought successively with two of his officers, I believe, on the same day. A man to try O’Byrne’s Irishisms asked gravely in which of the duels was he killed, the first or second. ‘Aye, by my faith, I don’t know,’ replied O’Byrne. No man was ever more favoured by the ladies than H. Aston. His figure was fine and manly, but to like him was a sensual taste. Naturally good-humoured, he unfortunately was incessantly fighting; he never was angry, but always provoked others. From what I knew of him I should have described him as a vain, empty fellow; but Mr. Adderley says he knew him at Madras, and occupation brought out his understanding, and he was becoming an able and useful officer and man of business.

The loan has been raised very favourably. Stocks have risen and are expected to get to 60. Wickham’s[304] journey to Switzerland encourages the hope of peace; falsely, I fear, as I collect from my Ministerial friends that the hope of placing a King upon the throne in France is revived with ardour. The Directory are tottering, but their fall will only produce another revolutionary government, perhaps as bloody and horrible as Robespierre’s.

The spring is very tardy, vegetation is now as it was in the first week of May,’98; our garden is delicious. Drew and I have begun our lounging drives in the Green Lane in the garden chair; I have spent many a harmless, cheerful, instructive hour so. I have been out of spirits at the approach of a crisis very painful to my feelings, but my duty and justice compel me to it; I shall soon be obliged to dwell on the particulars. Heaven knows the anguish I undergo; but the less I think, the better armed with resolution shall I be for the event, let it take place as it may.

Ld. Berkeley[305] has entered his pedigree to prove his marriage 14 years ago. He has had a public marriage subsequent to that period, 7 years since. The clergyman who married him is dead; the witness is the lady’s brother, the register torn; in short, the story is dark and, I suspect, fabricated by himself, but I cannot but wish he may substantiate his pretence and prove his marriage.

_H. H. 11th June,’99._--Yesterday sentence was given upon Ld. Thanet and Fergusson. Considering the King’s answer to his letter, it appears extraordinary that so harsh a judgment should be pronounced--a year in the Tower, and a fine of 1000_l._

On Saturday, 8th June, passed the morning very pleasantly in the garden; many visitors. Dined at Lansdown House, went with my mother to the Opera. Walked most part of the way home; the nightingales delightful, weather serene. On Sunday our usual party of the Smiths; besides them some odd people, such as Sir John Riddell, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Douglas, the Bishop of Salisbury’s son. Also we had Adderley, Ly. Lucy, Cornewall, Hamilton: stayed in the garden past midnight. The harper played under the trees. Monday, my mother and Sr. Gilbert came to stay some days with us. Misses Vernon and Fox came and stayed all night. Ld. H. just gone down to the H. of Lords; the Russian subsidy. A note from Ld. Thanet to say Bob Adair is to come in for Appleby.[306]

[Sidenote: HER DAUGHTER HARRIET]

_19th June, 1799._--On this day my mother left me. During her stay I disclosed an event that has incessantly occupied my mind for now 3 years. I restored to her father my little daughter Harriet,[307] who I had concealed, pretending her dead.

When I left Florence in ’96 my situation was such that a final separation with Sir G. W. was inevitable as soon as I returned to England. The certainty of losing all my children was agonising, and I resolved to keep one in my possession, and I chose that one who, from her age and sex, required the tenderness of a mother. Besides, I was undetermined whether I could bring myself to incur the _éclat_ and anxiety that would arise from my publicly avowing my situation, and among the visionary schemes that passed in my mind there was one I dwelt upon during my dejection with a sort of pleasure. It was to retire and bury myself in some remote corner; what, then, would have been the comfort of possessing such a little partner in my solitude? In short, _necessity_ has compelled me to give her up. Here I will not disguise a feeling, whatever _tournure_ for worldly effect I may give the proceeding--nothing but the dread of discovery and involving Ld. H. in a difficulty on her and my account could have induced me voluntarily to relinquish all the schemes of happiness I had promised myself in educating and possessing her. In short, my mother avowed the whole transaction to Sir G. W., who immediately recollected and acknowledged her; he behaved extremely well. I have dwelt so long upon the subject since I have determined upon the avowal that my mind is wearied, and I shall reserve further details. She was here with my mother for two days, is now gone with her and Henry, and is without exception by far the _most_ lovely I ever beheld. She has all the beauties I had when I was very pretty, and fewer blemishes. Her complexion is fine; she has dimples, fine hair, and thick eyelashes, open chest, flat back.

_20th June._--The last week we had company. On Friday the Ladies Fitzpatrick[308] dined here, Lds. Morpeth, Boringdon, Adderley, Tierney, Amherst, and some others. Ld. Plymouth died: a great release to his wife, who will be rewarded by marrying Amherst within the year. _His_ constancy is unparalleled. On Saturday alone; went quietly to the Opera. Sunday, the event took place, and there was a sort of scene at dinner: Smith, Miss Fox, Sydney Smith, Add., Wm. Lamb, Lewis.

[Sidenote: LORD HOLLAND’S SPEECH]

Ld. Holland’s speech upon the Russian subsidy was reckoned excellent.[309] Ld. Grenville said it was the best he ever made, and one or two traced a resemblance to his uncle’s manner. There is no doubt that if he were to apply himself to a regular attendance in the H. of Lords, he would distinguish himself as a first-rate speaker. His power of mind is fully equal to excellence, but he is indolent, and wants method in his arrangement; arguments crowd upon him whilst speaking, and an overstock of matter makes him confused. On the 19th, Sr. Lionel, Mr. Add., Murray, and Mr. Dumont dined with me. Ld. H. dined with Mr. Wm. Smith. Yesterday (21st), Drew and I alone; Lord H., House of Lords. About 8 Tierney came from the H. of Commons (with Mr. Add.) after having made an excellent speech upon the state of the finances of the country; it was so good that Pitt deferred replying till Friday next, and ordered his statements to be printed. Canning is desirous of bringing Add. into Parliament as a Treasury member, and is now urging him to accept a seat for 1200_l._, to which he will be recommended as a Ministerial man; the price is rather lower than the common market traffic, but Add. judges the thing well, and is disinclined to come in with a pledge of always voting their way. He is not decided yet. A good post in India has not corrupted him; he is young enough in politics to think he may long continue open to conviction. The feeling is honest, but not durable. Canning will be glad to attach him to himself, for tho’ he is the great decrier of party, yet imperceptibly he is forming one of his own, Ellis’, Freres,[310] Sturges, _Microcosm_ Smith,[311] Leveson, and one or two more, most of whom he has brought in himself.

Ld. Wycombe asked Tierney, ‘If he had heard the romance of _our_ friend at H. House.’ The story is very much talked of, but as it is sure to be misrepresented, I had rather hear nothing of the fables engrafted on it. I only feel I have renounced a darling child, and my heart aches afresh when I think of the separation. She is so captivating. With her I feel amused, with my others I feel gratified at seeing them healthy and intelligent, but her winning manners convert the duty of maternal attention into a positive enjoyment. I delight in being with her, and think her society sufficient. Would to God I were allowed to bring her up! To-day Ld. Digby and Ly. Bessbro’ dined. We went into the garden after; stayed late. Adderley came to pass the evening and sleep. He ought for his own comfort to go to Ireland--at least, away, as he looks ill and is unhappy. I have been to blame. I delay from awkwardness, and not knowing how to check the inclination. I myself was _checked_ from the dread of appearing to consider the matter in serious light, and it has become more so to him than I could have suspected. When not here he shuts himself up alone at home, and reflects upon the foolishness of his own feelings, for foolish and hopeless must any love to me be, circumstanced as I am, loving and being beloved by the most delightful of men. I fear in my conduct I may be accused of trifling with his feelings, but I solemnly protest I had no such wish.

[Sidenote: GENERAL FITZPATRICK]

_23rd June._--On Saturday Mr. Adderley took leave of us, previous to his departure for Ireland. I was really touched at saying adieu. We came afterwards to this place--Sunning Hill, a charming little spot in Windsor Forest, which belongs to General Fitzpatrick; we remain till to-morrow. Yesterday (Sunday) Ld. H. and ye General went to St. Anne’s; Drew and myself stayed here reading and talking. Little Charles[312] is come. This is the first excursion he ever made out of his nursery; he is very tractable and happy.

To the tranquillity of this pretty retreat we owe many of those correct and beautiful verses which the General has written. It is much to be lamented that there is no collection made, as in point of wit and real taste they are unequalled. His epigrams are excellent; the one upon Ld. Carlisle’s subscribing 4000_l._ to the voluntary subscription[313] just after he had distributed a political pamphlet for sixpence is truly witty:--

My Lord subscribes four thousand pounds Produced from rich domains, While he for sixpence deals around The produce of his brains. Thus we the just proportion hit Between his fortune and his wit.

On Pitt saying what he did not intend in the H. of Commons, being drunk:--

The lying tongue, which t’other day Proved Billy Pitt’s disaster, Was so accustomed to betray, That it betrayed its master.

On Hayley’s _Triumphs of Temper_[314]:--

Your nymph her temper keeps six cantos thro’, By G--d that’s more than half your readers do.

[Sidenote: SIR PHILIP FRANCIS]

_26th._--Yesterday, 25th, we left Sunning Hill; Ld. H. went round by St. Anne’s. Mr. Secretary Windham invited him to dinner, where he went, and met Charles Sheridan.[315] Mr. Francis dined with me. He was pleased at being confidentially treated, as he called it. He is soured against Mr. Fox for various reasons. Notwithstanding he boasts that the violence of his temper prevents his being vindictive, because he ‘expectorates’ his bile at the moment; he yet retains a very settled resentment against him. One of his griefs is that he was not summoned to the meeting previous to the measure of secession. ‘_Secession_, did I say, Madam? _Dispersion_ I mean.’ Of Fox’s disposition, he says he is a man of great ‘facility,’ but no ‘cordiality.’ Perhaps the remark is not without point and justice. It is impossible to deny Francis’s great cleverness. His vivacity and fine sense survived the rolling over of many years and tens of years. His temper is irritable to madness; indeed, he is more or less always in a passion, for if he begins temperately the ardour of his imagination works him to rage before his sentence closes. He has a remarkable facility in writing all State Papers, Protests, Petitions, etc., etc. It was the desire of displaying that talent that made him advise Ld. Thanet to write to the King; at least, so those say who disapproved of the proceeding. His great intimacy with Burke enabled him to judge of the motives that actuated him to quarrel with Fox; he assured me the arrow was sped long before the French principles became the test of morality and virtue. They were a popular ground for attack, and upon them that venom burst, which had been rankling in his breast since the Regency; for at that period, in the partition of offices, etc., it appears Burke asked something, either for himself or son, which Fox denied him. From thence the enmity sprung, and was constantly fomented by a jealousy of Sheridan and various other trivial occurrences that would have passed unnoticed between sound friends, but were treasured up: ‘All his faults observed, set in a note book, learn’d and conn’d by rote, to cast into _his_ (my) teeth.’