In February of 1886, at the invitation of the Empress Eugenie, Agnes Carey took up a position in the imperial household at Farnborough Hill. The memories of her time spent at Farnborough, “some of my most pleasant and interesting months,” were published after the Empress’ death. Carey, though no historian, had an eye for social detail and interior decor. Her memoirs present us, therefore, with fascinating insights into life at Farnborough Hill and the daily routine of the Empress Eugenie.