Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

Charles, Second Earl of Middleton. 287
reminds us of the most brilliant, yet delicate, tints of
the fairest flowers of spring ; her hair is very beauti-
ful, and of the loveliest tint of brown : she has her
brother's features cast in a softer mould, and her
mother's eyes."
" Amongst the ladies of the Court," he says, " the
most fastidious taste can be satisfied. In this little
number the most brilliant beauty, agreeable manners,
wit, and good sense are to be found. It must be
owned, however, that as much cannot be said for the
other sex, for it was with difficulty enough young
men of sufficient merit could be found to form the
household of the Prince of Wales." (It is impossible
to say whether or no the two sons of the Earl of
Middleton were included in this number.)
In one of his letters Hamilton describes the whole
Court while standing in a balcony of the castle, to
watch the sights at a fair held on the day of the
patron saint of St. Germains. One of the first ladies
he mentions is "la belle Middleton, whom it is im-
possible to mistake, although she has changed her
name." This was perhaps Lady Elizabeth Middleton,
the eldest daughter, who married Edward Drum-
mond, third son of the Duke of Perth. 1 Burke
and Douglas say that Lady Mary Middleton married
1 By his third wife, Lady Mary Gordon, daughter of Lewis, Marquis
of Huntly. (Burke. )