Sophia Matilda, the King of Hanover, and the Princess
Elizabeth (Landgravine of Hesse-Homburg).]

_Queen Victoria to Queen Adelaide._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th November 1839._

MY DEAR AUNT,--Your constant kindness and the affection you have ever
shown me make me certain that you will take much interest in an event
which so nearly concerns the future happiness of my life; I cannot,
therefore, any longer delay to inform you of my intended marriage with
my Cousin Albert. The merits of his character are so well known to all
who are acquainted with him, that I need say no more than that I feel
as assured of my own happiness as I can be of anything here below, and
only hope that I may be able to make him as happy as he deserves to
be. It was both my duty and my inclination to tell you of this as
soon as it was determined upon; but, as it is not to be yet publicly
announced I beg you not to mention it except to our own Family. I
thank you much for your kind letter, and rejoice to hear you have
enjoyed yourself so much. Believe me, always, your very affectionate
Niece,

VICTORIA R.

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _18th November 1839._

The Queen just writes two lines to send Lord Melbourne the
accompanying civil letter from the Queen Dowager, and to give him an
account of the visit of the Cambridges. They were all very kind and
civil, George grown but not embellished, and much less reserved with
the Queen, and evidently happy to be _clear_ of me. He gave a very
indifferent account of the King of Greece, but a favourable one of the
Queen.

The Duchess said she had expected the Queen would marry Albert, and
was not surprised at the event. They were very discreet and asked no
questions, but described the Duchess of Gloucester to be _suffering_
much from the necessity of keeping the secret.

The weather cleared up, and the Queen has just returned from a walk.
She hopes Lord Melbourne got safe to London in spite of the wet
and the water on the road; and she hopes he will take great care of
himself. She would be thankful if he would let her know to-morrow if
he will dine with her also on Thursday or not.

[Pageheading: LETTERS TO PRINCE ALBERT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _19th November 1839_.

MY DEAR UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind letter of the 5th, received
last week. I am in a great hurry, and therefore have only time to
wri