Alix's letter to Ernst, dated August 4/16, 1887

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:

Darling Ernie!
You must not mind a pencil note, but I cannot write in ink, as my Haar is being done. — I am sure you will think that I have quite forgotten you, for not having written so long, but I have not had much time; often I began a letter, but never managed to finish it, as I was forgetful, & sometimes thought I had sent them.

I hear that Licko has already arrived, and I am quite incusitive to see him so as to hear how you are all looking. —

I hope you have not got over much to do now, so as to be able to rest before the Manoevres begin. I am so angry to think that we shall not be back for them, as they were always such fun, — & this time especially as they are your first you have to go with. Do take care that you do not catch a cold then, like so many poor Officers did, & had to stay in bed. — Has Tebe returned from A. yet? & has Pebe told you anymore about them & what does the latter think? I hope and trust that all may come right one day; — poor things. —

We leave here on the 24th & with very sad hearts, as we have to part from the dear Prussian Cousins & the Yacht on which we have spent some happy hours. —

Uncle Arthur, Aunt Marie & the Cousins left yesterday, & Aunt Louise leaves to-morrow. —

It will be very lonely then, and also as we shall no more be able to go on the Victoria & Albert as she leaves Thursday for taking Aunt Helen[a] to Rotterdam. She returns the 23rd, so we hope to have a little fun then as it will be our last evening here.

Now, my own darling Ernie, Goodbye & God bless you. With a hearty kiss, I remain your most loving & devoted little sister Alix.

P. S. I hope you see dear Papa when you have time, so as not to let him feel lonely.

How is the Lawn Tennis getting on? Do they play more now?

I hope that Lord is flouring & the other dogs. —

To-day it looks like Regen, but it really seems as if it never would, not a drop has fallen since our last drive we had with Papa.

Baby Drino has been very merry all this time & laughed whenever he saw me but now his teeth seem to bother him very much. How is ours?

Above: Alix.

Above: Ernst.

Notes: Haar = hair.

A. = Auerbach, a village on the Bergstrasse, to the south of Darmstadt.

Regen = Rain.