More Archie problems and a visit to the Queen of Oude
February 1857. The problems with the settlements dominate Charlotte and Archie’s relationship, and a rift seems to be developing between them. However, Charlotte is temporarily distracted by a visit to the exotic Queen of Oude, currently residing in London.
19th
[Archie] came in an excited state of mind, in consequence of having drank very strong tea at Mrs Lowe’s last night and this morning. He told me he had consulted Mr L. about the settlements; Mr L. told him he was very handsomely treated considering he was settling nothing on me, but advised him to consult some well known clever lawyer who had no interest in either party, and tell him the substance of the Contract and get his decision. So [Archie] wanted me to admit Mr Cookson & get his opinion “in a friendly manner” however I cd not do that; nor wd it do for [Archie] & me to go together to Mr C’s house, as he half proposed!! He said he wd sign nothing his father did not approve of, & said that my money being so tied up was not right, as I might wish to alter the distribution, supposing some of my children were undutiful, or my 2nd son an idiot. In fact, it is required that I shd be able to leave all my fortune to my eldest son, if I die before [Archie], wh: is just what I do not think just, as the poor younger ones are not otherwise provided for. He said, my settlements were paving the way to litigation & a separation; while I told him that to prevent these dreadful chances, was the very reason they were so arranged; but in vain; my opinion seems to go for nought as rather, he evidently will not believe that I had any voice in the matter. He also accused Mr K. of having an interest in preventing my marriage; disapproved of my trustees, whom I have chosen, as either too old, or too interested &c. At last, I had to go & dress for the Queen of Oude.* Archie was asked to come to dinner, & show us to our carriage. Sholta & I then drove to the Miss Campbells in Park street, & followed their carriage to Harley House, where her Majesty resides. The Hon: Mrs Abbott, and the youngest Miss Campbell, were one party. We were ushered first into a drawing room, where we were recd by Mrs Brandon, the interpreter; a very nice looking person. Soon after, came some very smart people, and 3 Spanish ladies, an old lady, her daughter (in black, with black mantilla) & Granddaughter, a very pretty girl, in green, with beautiful white mantilla, & fan. One or two Indians appeared in gold tissue, & faded cashmere shawls tied tightly round their loins. They were a sort of coffee colour not good looking. After a time, the 2d drawing room was thrown open to make room. We had to give our cards to Mrs Brandon. After a time we were ushered up stairs, dreadfully dirty, with these men rushing up & down A door was opened and we discovered the Queen crouching on a low divan, with one of her sons sitting at her right hand. We went forward, made a low curtsy, & shook hands with her & her son, & were then desired to sit in a circle before them. Her Majesty is a little plain copper coloured old woman; her feet & limbs were wrapped in a kind of gold tissue, & satin, & a blue cashmere shawl, with a good deal of gold in the border, thrown round the upper part of her body. She does not receive gentlemen, but does not wear a veil before her son & male attendants. Her son is a fine looking man; he was the only one at all handsomely dressed, & had a good deal of gold tissue about him, & precious stones in his cap or turban. There was one other female sitting down, the rest were standing. They talked through Mrs Brandon to the company, & were quite willing to enter into conversation with any one. The Queen told us that she was very happy to see so many come to visit her, & would have enjoyed seeing so many, under different circumstances, but at present, her spirits were too low, in consequence of the lawsuit, to enjoy anything. She & her son seemed to admire the pretty Spaniard, requested her to come forward, & talked to her & her mother a great deal. She presented some of us with pamphlets about Oude that we might take them home to our husbands to send, & judge for themselves, of the justice of her cause &c. After a time we rose; her Majesty signified her consent to our departure, we curtseyed & left the room, & soon after left the house & went to the Miss Campbells to talk over everything. Saw the eldest for the 1st time. Talked a long time, then home. Recd a letter from Mr K enclosing one from Mr Wms telling of Capt: D’s visit to him, in wh: the latter hinted the marriage might go off, & that he would not agree to the present settlements. Both he & Mr K seem to think very badly of it, & that it is a mercenary affair altogether. I felt it a great shock, & am much vexed at Capt: D even allowing his father to persuade him to this conduct, for I can not believe that it is his own doing. To-night I feel more angry than anything else, but felt rather deceived when I saw Captain Dunbar at dinner. I do like him very much, but he is full of the settlements, which oozed out now and then. It was a very uncomfortable evening, & I felt it possible it may be the last we shall meet under present circumstances; as Catty thinks it best to forbid him the entrée of the house at present to show that they will not look over this conduct in me either.
Notes
Queen of Oude
Oude was a British spelling of Awadh, in Bengal. In 1856 the East India Company had annexed the state of Awadh and placed it under the control of Sir Henry Lawrence; this was one of the principal catalysts for the Indian Revolt of 1857. The Queen was in London with her eldest son to present a petition to parliament on behalf of her husband the King, who was suspected of taking side with the rebels.
