The way seemed open for a reconciliation, but the Duchess was stormy still.
She didn't believe that Victoria had written that letter; it was not in her handwriting; and she sent for the Duke to tell him so.

The Duke, assuring her that the letter was genuine, begged her to forget the past.
But that was not so easy.

"What am I to do if Lord Melbourne comes up to me ?" "Do, ma'am?
Why, receive him with civility." Well, she would make an effort...

"But what am I to do if Victoria asks me to shake hands with Lehzen ?" "Do, ma'am?
Why, take her in your arms and kiss her." "What!" The Duchess bristled in every feather, and then she burst into a hearty laugh.

"No, ma'am, no," said the Duke, laughing too.