| Collection | Correspondence of Foreign Royal Families |
| Description | Dated both 2 (Russian calendar) and 12 November.
The Duchess writes that she is getting used to the cold; she is learning Russian, the most difficult language in the world, and she is going to take up music: the Empress's director of music [Paisiello] is has just composed a charming opera, The Barber of Seville. All the ladies are having to change their winter wardrobes because the Empress [Catherine II] has forbidden elaborate trimmings on gowns at court; she gave the Duchess an exemption, but was very complimentary when the Duchess nevertheless appeared at court in the new simple style. She writes of friends, and of her ladies in waiting. |