The Royal Court Frances Burney

print of 1782

in 1775 frances burney turned down marriage proposal 1 thomas barlow, man whom had met once. side of barlow courtship amusingly told in journal. during period 1782–85 enjoyed rewards of successes novelist; received @ fashionable literary gatherings throughout london. in 1781 samuel crisp died. in 1784 dr johnson died, , year saw failure of romance clergyman, george owen cambridge. 33 years old.

in 1785, association mary granville delany, woman known in both literary , royal circles, frances travelled court of king george iii , queen charlotte, queen offered post of keeper of robes , salary of £200 per annum. frances hesitated in taking office, not wishing separated family, , resistant employment restrict free use of time in writing. however, unmarried @ 34, felt constrained accept , thought improved social status , income might allow greater freedom write. having accepted post in 1786, developed warm relationship queen , princesses lasted later years, yet anxieties proved accurate: position exhausted , left little writing time. unhappiness intensified poor relationship colleague elizabeth schwellenburg, co-keeper of robes, has been described peevish old person of uncertain temper , impaired health, swaddled in buckram of backstairs etiquette.

during years @ court, burney continued produce journals. friends , susanna, recounted life in court significant political events, including public trial of warren hastings official misconduct in india . recorded speeches of edmund burke @ trial. courted official of royal household, colonel stephen digby, married woman of greater wealth. disappointment, combined other frustrations of office, contributed failing health @ time. in 1790 prevailed on father (whose own career had taken new turn when appointed organist @ chelsea hospital in 1783) request released post, was. returned father s house in chelsea, continued receive yearly pension of £100. maintained friendship royal family , received letters princesses 1818 until 1840.