England's Mistress_ The Infamous Life of Emma Hamilton - Kate Williams [184]
Emma, Horatia, Mrs. Cadogan, the Boltons, Madame Bianchi, and the Matcham sisters spent August at Worthing at Emma's expense. The pretty Dorset resort, on the south coast, was the most expensive holiday spot in Britain, because the king and his retinue summered there. Emma's large party rose early to bathe and then rode and walked in the balmy sun, returning to array themselves for sumptuous supper concerts featuring Emma and Madame Bianchi, to which Emma diligently invited every influential person she could meet. The press was always happy to see Lady Hamilton and her little "god-daughter" frolicking on the sands, especially after the publication of Nelson's will had made it crystal clear to the world that Horatia was his child by her. As Emma wrote to Sarah Nelson, Horatia "creates universal enterest alltho' Princess Charlotte is here" and "all come to look at Nelson's angel." Emma's residence near thirteen-year-old Princess Charlotte, the Prince of Wales's shy, only daughter and the heir to the throne, was no coincidence: she wanted the press corps following the royal party to see Horatia, and she intended to accost the Prince of Wales when he was in a receptive, relaxed mood. Instead, she was besieged by others requesting money and favor. A chaplain who had been present at the Battle of the Nile turned up, demanding money.
She improves in languages, musick and accomplishments but my heart Bleeds to think how proud wou'd her glorious Father have been. He that lived only for her… 'tis dreadful to me however she is my Comfort and solace and I act as alltho' he could look down and approve and bless Emma for following up His every wish.8
Nelson had desired his daughter to be clever, accomplished, and well educated, and Emma was determined that his dream would be fulfilled. Behind Emma's bravado, Mrs. Cadogan was fighting to make ends meet, and the burden was weakening her health.
Emma achieved her greatest social triumph at the end of November 1807. Eternal party boys, the Dukes of Sussex and Clarence came to Mer-ton for an extended visit, and the Prince of Wales also agreed to attend. The expense finally wrecked Emma's finances. The three brothers arrived with their entourages: Dorothy Jordan, and her children with Clarence; Lady Hertford, the Prince of Wales's mistress; as well as friends, servants, horses, and carriages. Rooms had to be rearranged, new furniture and decorations bought, entertainment hired, and the cellar stocked with the finest wines. Emma invited Madame Bianchi and Mrs. Billington and other singers and eminent guests. Keen that everyone share her passion for Horatia, she coached the little girl in singing and dancing, and the two performed Attitudes and songs together to the great pleasure of the audience. "You delight me by saying that Horatia has so much notice taken of her," wrote Susanna Bolton. "I hope, when she is introduced at Windsor, George our King will fall in love with her, & give her a good pension out of his privy purse." Convinced she had won over the prince, Emma sent a splendid parcel of food to the Boltons. "How favoured you have been by their Royal Highnesses passing so many days with you," Susanna wrote. "I do not wonder their liking Merton Sí your society."
The Duke of Sussex so enjoyed his visit that he returned in early January with Mrs. Billington. He retired to his room when young George Matcham arrived, seeking money, but Emma was less skilled at dodging supplicants. Quick to capitalize on his patroness's illustrious guests, Dr. Beatry wrote to her enthusing how it would be "highly gratifying to my feelings and flattering to my reputation" if she could obtain him the position of surgeon with the Prince of Wales—a ridiculous promotion for a ship's surgeon, even if he had watched Nelson die.9
The royal brothers did not give Emma money