Alix's letter to Ernst, dated July 6/18, 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:

My darling Ernie,
This will be the last letter you will get from here [Windsor Castle], as we are leaving to-morrow for Osborne. I am very happy to go again to Osborne, although sorry to leave this nice place. The Wales Family only go on Friday, I think. —

You will be glad to hear that Uncle Fritz's voice is rapidly progressing, and soon I believe he will have quite regained it — but I am afraid he will always be rather hoarse, like Sophie. —

How is Lawn Tennis getting on, or do they not play much now? Have you seen dear Toni yet? When you do, please give her my very best love. —

Yesterday afternoon, Papa, Irène, Aunt Beatrice, Liko and myself drove to Clifton (it belongs to the Duke of Westminster), and had tea. Only Children, and one of the Duke's sons were living there. — It is an hours distance from here. A most lovely place, and one has such a pretty view on the Thames. I wish you had been with us. Grandmama, Aunt Beatrice & Mama lived there once, in 66 I think. —

I dined last night at Grandmama's Dinner, Lord Salisbury was there, the Dean of Windsor etc. There was also one Lady, who was at Grandmama's Corronation, & who remembers having danced in the same room, as you all did the other night. —

I have played Lawn Tennis already twice, once with Irène & Liko, & once with Liko, Herr Muther and Miss Paget. It was very nice. — It is still very warm, & reins only a little, sometimes. —

How is Sandro feeling & looking now, do you think the cure did him any good. — When he was there he saw Pss Frederica's mother & sister Mary, they were quite enchanted with him, Lily toled me. — She was so sorry you had left. She remembers still the nonsence you & she did at Balmoral quite well. — Now, darling Boy, adio, Ever your loving little Alicky.

[P. S.] Is it not very dull for you all alone at the Schloss?

When you see Victoria & Louise give them my best love. —

Above: Alix.

Above: Ernst.

Notes: adio = goodbye

Schloss = castle