However, Victoria, who was in the Whig Court, thought the letter was very foolish. Because of the way her mother forwarded it and the wording in the letter, she deemed it provocative, and returned the letter intact and wordlessly to the Duchess of Kent.
Feeling unwell and deeply ashamed because of her daughter's predicament, the Old Hastings Marchioness wrote to Viscount Melbourne, demanding the dismissal of the misdiagnosing Dr. Clark and severe punishment of Lady Leisen for fueling the situation. However, Melbourne replied that her request was unprecedented and would easily meet opposition.
This was an extremely embarrassing incident for which Prime Minister Viscount Melbourne could not excuse himself.
Whether due to personal grievance or party distinction, he still irresponsibly continued to stir gossip, catering to Victoria's loathing of anything related to her mother.
