Alix's letter to Ernst, dated July 18/30, 1886

Source:

The Correspondence of the Empress Alexandra of Russia with Ernst Ludwig and Eleonore, Grand Duke and Duchess of Hesse, 1878-1916, edited by Petra H. Kleinpenning, 2010

The letter:

My darling old Ernie,
I was delighted to hear that you had a good passage, and I hope you both were not ill. How is dear Aunt Louise? How nice for you to be with her. I am sure you have amused yourself very much in London. How does Herr von Schwarzkoppen like it? Does he get on well?

Irène got such nice Photos of Ella & Serge, as a Birthday present from Serge. I enclose an Enzian I picked yesterday afternoon, on the little meddow, between here & the Mönchbruch. — It is quite blue, the one part. —

Irène has already twice driven Wilhelmine & myself in the yellow carriage. (Spaß-Schatz) Herr von Westerweller is coming now for two weeks instead of O. L. Wernher. It will not be so amusing. It is dull without you. The cat & dogs are all well.

You must not mind such a stupid letter but it is better than nothing, I think. — If you see U. B. and A. Alix & the Cousins, please give them my best love. Now I must close this scrawl. I am Ever your loving & devoted little Alix.

P. S. Many messages to Don. — Nothing has happened to the Rangen.

Above: Alix.

Above: Ernst.

Notes: Enzian = gentian flower

Range = sow (pig) (?)