 | Lady Layard’s Journal Go to a Date Search the Journal |
|
Previous Entry
|
Following Entry
| |
9 November 1903 — Stupinigi Palace, Turin | |
Monday. 9th November [1903]. Today I left Stupinigi. Baker packed up my things as it was settled she was to leave for Turin at 11 as I was to stay a night there at Hotel d’Europe. Just before 11 there came a knock at the door of the salon where I was sitting & the Marchesa Villamarina ushered in the Queen who after embracing me warmly presented me with a fine large white silk box beautifully embroidered by the Sorelle dell’Acqua of Milan. The Q. said it was a record of my visit to keep my Venetian beads in. She ended by saying kind things to me, hoped to see me back at Stupinigi another year & also to show me her Palace at Rome in Decr if I go there. Today the Princess Clotilde came over from Moncalieri where she lives & lunched with H.M. She is a mouse-like little old lady, a little hump backed—very simple & gentle & quiet. She was dressed in a plain black merino dress without any trimming or any white. Her white hair combed flat down & just twisted up behind her head. She was almost like a nun– She was accompanied by an old Countess—almost as old fashioned as herself but dressed in comparative splendour. The Princess sat opposite the Queen at lunch. Afterwards we sat for a little while en circle & then the Princess went away. It was pretty to see her as she got into her carriage to leave, turn round to the Queen & make her a little curtsey. H.M. had accompanied her to her carriage to bid her good bye. After this I had to prepare for my departure. The Queen bid me good bye—kissed me & said kind things. I also took leave of Marchesa Villamarina, Pss Strongoli, Count Zen & Marchese Guiccioli & returned to my apartment to put on my bonnet. My maid had left in the morng. A carriage had been ordered for 3 o’cl to convey me to Turin where I slept at the Hotel d’Europe. The poodle puppy was brought to me wh the Queen had me a present of & I drove off. Half way to Turin a motor car whizzed by & I had just time to see the Queen waving to me out of it & it was gone. I got to Turin soon after 4 & Baker & went out to take a walk & to buy a collar for Biondino & then at 7 I went to dine with the Prefect & his wife Ct & Css A. Guiccioli & there met the other brother & his handsome Levantine wife. Had a pleasant evening. I had not met the Prefect & his wife since the old days at Vescovana where we used to have such pleasant times with Countess Pisani. | |
|
Previous Entry
|
Following Entry
| |