Royalty
A DANCE WITH THE DUKE
ADELAIDE
(of Saxe-Meiningen, 1792-1849, Queen of William IV, Adelaide, Australia is named after her)
Charming Autograph Letter Signed 'Adélaide', as the young Duchess of Clarence, in French
with transcription and translation, to 'Ma chère Princesse', saying she is very sorry... to learn by your note that you were not well yesterday Evening... I am very glad... you retired when you found yourself unwell, and I pray you, Madame, to do so every time you feel the need, for I will be very vexed to see you suffering out of too great politeness towards myself... I... do not feel at all tired even though I danced a Waltz with the Duke of Devonshire, (William, 1790-1858, from 1811 6th Duke), and wishing her a good night and to believe me with great regard, Madame, Your very devoted ['affectionnée'] Adelaide, 3 sides 8vo., Tuesday Evening, no date, circa.1818 -
Item Date: 1820
£325
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Background
The future Queen was courted by proxy and came over on 4th July 1818 for her wedding at Kew on the 11th. The Clarences, for economy, spent their first year in Hanover, returning to live in Bushy Park House. From the Princesse having written her regrets, it seems either that Adelaide was hostess at the Ball or guest of honour, and, from the novelty of dancing with the 6th Duke, that it took place during these early years. The Waltz reached England a year or two before Waterloo and the bachelor 6th Duke arranged classes at Devonshire House for society ladies and gentlemen, to prevent their future embarrassment!
(Transcription) Je regrette bien, ma chère Princesse d'apprendre par vos lignes que vous avez été souffrante hier au Soir et j'espère que vous vous trouvez mieux aujourd'hui. Je suis bien aise que vous vous êtes retirée en vous trouvant mal et je vous prie, Madame d'en faire de même toujours [Side 2] quand vous en sentez le besoin, car je serais bien fachée de vous voir souffrir par trop grande civilité envers moi. Je me trouve très bien après le Bal et ne me sens point du tout fatiguée quoique j'ai dansé [Side 3] une Walze avec le Duc de Devonshire. En vous souhaitant une bonne nuit, je vous prie, Ma chère Princesse de me croire avec beaucoup de consideration Madame Votre bien affe[ctionn]ee Adélaide Mardi au Soir. (Translation) I am very sorry, my dear Princess, to learn by your note that you were not well yesterday Evening and I hope that you will find yourself better today. I am very glad to learn that you retired when you found yourself unwell, and I pray you, Madame, to do so every time you feel the need, for I will be very vexed to see you suffering out of too great politeness towards myself. I am very well after the Ball and do not feel at all tired even though I danced a Waltz with the Duke of Devonshire. In wishing you a good night, I pray you, Madame, to believe me with great regard Madame Your very devoted Adelaide Tuesday Evening.
Stock No. 55790
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