Alix's letter to Ernst, dated September 16, 1888

Alix wrote this letter to her brother Ernst on September 16, 1888.

Source:

mashkaromanova on Tumblr

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/187753737875/princess-alix-of-hesse-and-by-rhine-1888-my

The letter:

My darling Ernie,
I have one or two minutes to myself, so hasten to send you a few words. What a pitty that you could not spend Papa's Birthday with him. How are you getting on at the Manoevres, & where abouts are you. I always send the letters to Darmstadt, for fear that they may miss you. Excuse my writing on coloured paper, but it is the only thin paper I possess. — You cannot think how buisy we are, painting the Scenery for our Tableaux — really they are getting very nice. I enjoy painting away with my large brush, & standing on a ladder. I cannot do it so very well, as I sprained a mussel in my side the other day, & it is painful, when I move to the right. I think I did it when playing Lawn Tennis. — Little Mr. MacGregor preached to-day, and very well indeed. — Eddy has had pretty luck out stalking.

Have you good news from the Pretty Boy? How long must he stay at Spandau? Will he be at Darmstadt for his Birthday? — To-day we have had a most beautiful warm day, & not a drop of rain. Aunt Helen & Abby came over for the service & stayed for Luncheon. — We had a charming drive this afternoon, & took tea at Bohman's Moss. Grandmama drove with Lady Churchill, & Eddy drove Aunty and me in one of the little wagonets with a pair of Liko's horses. I heard from Sophie this afternoon. She is having her Grecian lessons, with a man who tought Bernhard. I think she enjoys it very much, — but I fear it will be most difficult and troublesome. —

Do you hear sometimes from Herr von Schwartzkoppen, & how is he? Madge writes sometimes. She is still at Eastbourne. — But I must end for to-day, as Orchie has called me, to dress for Dinner. Liko comes on Tuesday. Eddy leaves on Thursday for York, where Uncle George is going to inspect the troops. Then he returns to Scotland with Aunt Alix, or before her. All here are quite well. Drino speaks very much, & is delightful. Goodnight! —

After all I am going to finish this letter to-night, as I may not find time to-morrow. — It is about 11½ and I am sleepy. — I have just been playing the Festungsspiel with Eddy, who did not know it; — & now my hair is being done. Grandmama heard from Irène to-day, who seems to be ver buizy arranging rooms for Aunt Vicky & the Cousins, who are going to Kiel the beginning of next month. — I hope the change will do Aunt good, & that she will brighten up a little in seing fresh people & being out of the Berlin circle.

You have never written to me yet, you bad boy, but I suppose you have little time to yourself, & that you use up in writing to Alex, quite right! But I should like a little line, only three words, as I have not heard anything about you since we parted at Glasgow, & you wrote your dear letter to Grandmama, from Buckingham Palace.

But now I must say Goodbye to you, as you will have a lot to do, & might wish old Alicky at Jericho, for writing such a long letter, with so little amusing in it. With a very loving & tender kiss, I remain, My own precious Ernie, Ever yr most loving and truly devoted Alix or Sunny.

[P. S.] Everyone is so sorry that you & Papa are not here, I among the others. I long to hug & kiss my 2 dear ones from the bottom of my heart. — Orchie sends a great big love to you.

Above: Alix. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.

Above: Ernest.