Letter from Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, London, to Maria Fitzherbert, 1809 December 30 : manuscript signed.

Discussing her relationship with the Prince [George IV]; agreeing to show her letter to the Prince and saying "In the mean while however I must beg to assure you that, in the conversation alluded to between my brother, and me, I never did understand that you had made use of my name, as being acquainted with, or sanctioning your intention of absenting yourself from the Pavillion, indeed, if any such suggestion had been dropped I should have conceived it as arising in error, as there could not be the slightest foundation for it, it having singularly so happened that I have not had the pleasure of seeing you since August, and that the only time you did me the favor to write, it was solely upon my own concerns, unconnected with any other circumstance whatsoever. However what has passed upon this occasion renders it absolutely necessary for me to implore you, whenever I have the happiness of seeing you, which I must say is a very great gratification to me at all times, from the kind, and affectionate interest you have ever shewn me, that we never should touch upon that most delicate Subject the State of things, between the Prince, and yourself, as then I shall always be able, as I am now, conscientiously to say that you have never sought to intermeddle me in it, and which I well know will always be the furthest thing from your thoughts. In venturing to say this, I do it with the more confidence, as I am sure you will never suspect my silence on that one subject, to proceed from a want of interest about it, when I owe so much to both parties for all the kindness I have ever experienced from them. I cannot conclude this letter without begging of you to express to Lord Darnley how flattered I am by the annuity he has expressed upon this occasion in regard to me, and to assure him that I shall ever appreciate it as I ought.".