This seems a mistake on the part of the Opposition.[46] [Footnote 46: The penny postage scheme came into operation on 10th January 1840.] [Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PRINCE ALBERT] _Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._ BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th July 1839._ (_20 minutes to 12._) The Queen is really quite shocked to see that her box was taken to Lord Melbourne to Park Lane, and she fears (by the manner in which Lord Melbourne's note is written) that he was at dinner at Lady Elizabeth H.Vere's when he got it.

The Queen had imagined that the House of Lords was still sitting, and therefore desired them to take the box there, but never had intended it should follow him to dinner; she begs Lord Melbourne to excuse this mistake which must have appeared so strange.
Did the dinner go off well at Lady Elizabeth H.Vere's, and were there many people there?
Did Lord Melbourne go to Lady R.Grosvenor's party or did he go home?
The Queen hopes Lord Melbourne is quite well and not tired.
Monday at two o'clock for the Judge Advocate.
The Queen hears Lady Sandwich is very much delighted at her appointment.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th July 1839._ MY DEAR UNCLE,--I have no letter from you, but hope to get one soon....
I shall send this letter by a courier, as I am anxious to put several questions to you, and to mention some feelings of mine upon the subject of my cousins' visit, which I am desirous should not transpire.

First of all, I wish to know if _Albert_ is aware of the wish of his _Father_ and _you_ relative to _me ?_ Secondly, if he knows that there is _no engagement_ between us?
I am anxious that you should acquaint Uncle Ernest, that if I should like Albert, that I can make _no final promise this year_, for, at the _very earliest_, any such event could not take place till _two or three years hence_.

For, independent of my youth, and my _great_ repugnance to change my present position, there is _no anxiety_ evinced in _this country_ for such an event, and it would be more prudent, in my opinion, to wait till some such demonstration is shown,--else if it were hurried it might produce discontent.
Though all the reports of Albert are most favourable, and though I have little doubt I shall like him, still one can never answer beforehand for _feelings_, and I may not have the _feeling_ for him which is requisite to ensure happiness.

I _may_ like him as a friend, and as a _cousin_, and as a _brother_, but not _more_; and should this be the case (which is not likely), I am _very_ anxious that it should be understood that I am _not_ guilty of any breach of promise, for _I never gave any_.