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30 May 1907 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Thursday. 30th [May 1907]. Had a long morning learning to enamel. This being the Corpus Domini fête Connie went with Nora to try & see the procession in St Mark’s & got there at 9 just too late. I put the rooms in order, arranged flowers & furniture for tonight’s reception. The servants got the buffet in the dining room ready—all very quietly & without any fuss. They had learned this when they were in England & are really greatly improved. At 4 went out with Connie & Nora in gondola to the Eden’s garden. Found them in the house there as it was blowing & was not very warm. We had tea with them. I went to the hospital for a few moments to see Miss Chaffey & discuss furniture &c. The Edens sent me lots of lovely roses, also Lady Radnor & Mme Fortuny so that my rooms were full of flowers. We dined at 7.30. I wore my diamond & pearl tiara & the Sultan’s present of diamond round my neck– I seldom wear these things now—they seem things of the past. I also wore the plaque of the Chefakat. Did I have all these things in another lifetime—or is it a dream? At 9 Cav. Della Santa & Prof: Giomo came sent by Comm: Malagola to help me with my Geographical Guests as he himself is in bed with a feverish attack. People began to arrive soon after 9 when we had lit up the electric light in the rooms wh certainly looked lovely & brilliant. Many charming congresiste came & many friends Italian & foreign & the rooms soon filled up. I received my guests in the middle drawing room & opened all the suite right round into the long hall. A great many of the ladies were teachers & professors. All seemed to enjoy themselves. They admired the pictures & walked about & talked. I had invited all the English & foreign society here & many came so that the rooms became well filled & animated. Lit up with electric light—with fine pictures—lots of roses & many pretty knicknacks &c the house looks very pretty at night & I thought how pleased Henry would be if he could see it. Twenty six years ago we gave an evening party to the members of the geographical society then in Venice & I remember that the old Grand Duke of Sermoneta & Alessandro Castellani were among our guests. At 11 the dining room was opened & refreshments were served. Giuseppe managed everything well & quietly and there was no hitch in the arrangements. Shortly after 12 the party was over & all the geographical guests were profuse in their thanks on departing. | |
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