[47] Kinglake, “Invasion of the Crimea,” vol. iii, p. 348.

    Lady John to Lord John Russell

    PEMBROKE LODGE, June 8, 1855

All is more beautiful than ever this morning.  I am on my pretty red sofa looking out from my middle window in lazy luxury at oak, ivy, hawthorn, laburnum, and blue sky; not very much to be pitied, am I? except, my dearest, for the weary, weary separation that takes away the life of life—­and for my anxiety about what is to be the result of all this, which, however, I do not allow to weigh upon me.  We are in wiser hands than our own, and I should be a bad woman indeed if so much leisure did not give some good thoughts that I trust nothing can disturb....  Pray tell dear Georgy not to think any but cheerful thoughts of me, and that she can do a great deal for me by asking my friends—­Cabinet and ex-Cabinet and all sorts—­to visit me whenever they are inclined for a drive into the country and luncheon or tea among its beauties.

    PEMBROKE LODGE, July 5, 1855

    John to town and back.  He is so much here now that my life is quite
    different, and as I know he neglects no duty for the sake of
    coming, I may also allow myself to enjoy it as he does.

    PEMBROKE LODGE, July 7

Read John’s speech and the bitter comments of Cobden and Roebuck.  Whether he was right or wrong in his views of peace, or in not resigning when they were rejected by the Cabinet, he has nobly told the simple truth without gloss or extenuation.

    PEMBROKE LODGE, July 10

John writes that he saw Lord Palmerston and told him that he had thought the Austrian proposals ought to be accepted at the time; but that he did not think they ought now, after the late events of the war.  He proposed resignation if it would help the Government.  Lord Palmerston of course begged him to remain, which he will do.  The subject is more painful to me the more I think of it.

    PEMBROKE LODGE, July 12

An anxious parting with John.  He was to go straight to Lord Clarendon, to find out what portion of the dispatches Lord Clarendon was prepared to give.  His explanation to be made to-night of a sentence in his Friday’s speech, by which some of his colleagues understood him to declare his opinion to be that he thought the Austrian proposal ought now to be accepted.  He did not say so, and such an explanation is much to be lamented.  His position is very painful, and my thoughts about him more so than they have ever been, because now many of his best and truest friends grieve and are disappointed.  God grant he may have life, strength, and spirit to work on for his country till he has risen again higher than ever in her trust, esteem, and love.

    PEMBROKE LODGE, July 13