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22 February 1892 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Monday. 22nd February [1892]. Henry had such a severe cold that he had to give up going to the Dss of Genoa’s ball tonight. Ola & I went to it accompanied by Count Belmondo for whom we called on the way. On arriving Ola had to go to the Private apartment to be presented– I went straight into the rooms where the other ladies were– At 11 the D & Dss came out to the ball room & the music began. I was told off to dance in the quadrille d’honneur with Genl Billia the Genl in command here—& for some time he could not be found. At last the poor old gentleman was dragged forth & lamented to me that he knew so little about dancing—& had he thought he would have had to dance he would have taken 2 or 3 lessons! However we got through it very well & then rested on our oars. The ball was a large one– Every lady had a little leather carnet given her with the programme of the dances in it. The room was well lighted—the floor good & the dresses pretty. The Dss of Genoa looked ghostly white. She wore pale pink. At 1 there was supper– Genl Cagni was told off to take me in & we sat at a small table with the Dss of Genoa– On the other side of me there was, Genl Mathieu commanding at Udine– At our table was also Selvatico (the Sindaco), Css Brandolin. At the Duke’s table sat Css Papadopoli, Css Serego, the Prefet & his wife, Count Brandolin &c. There were other small tables round the room & in the other rooms which were quickly filled by couples– The men who had no lady to take to supper were served at a buffet– The supper began with Risotto rather a heavy plat & altho’ there were a quantity of servants in red livery the service was badly done—& the food was not well done. We dragged thro’ 1½ hour over it & were glad when it was over tho’ our 2 Genls managed to keep up a lively conversation & to make the Dss laugh– In the course of the evening when the Dss did not dance she sat on a gilt armchair & people went up to converse with her– I was requested to go & speak to her & found it very awkward speaking over the back of her chair & having to lean down to catch what she said. With us our Princesses either stand to speak with people or else make them sit by her– After supper Ola & I came home & it was past 3 before we were in bed. Henry was awake—his cold being very troublesome & his cough bad. | |
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