Alix's letter to Ernst, dated April 9/21, 1888

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:

AETA

My darling Ernie
I am perfectly delighted to hear that you have passed your Examination so well, & ich gratuliere! I am sure it must have been a very trying time for you. Your Examination & poor Uncle Fritz so ill. —

Papa & Sandro are shooting Capercalies in Oberhessen & return only on Sunday. Yesterday morning Papa had already shot one. —

We are so happy to have Victoria, Louis & the Baby back again. Ludwig is not well yet, Victoria is thin, & Baby flourishing. You must hurry to come back soon.

I just heard the other day that L. v. Marquard's Engagement is abgebrochen. She seems to think that he did not take enough notice of her, but I know not if the latter is true. —

We have very warm weather. In the morning we usually go all in the garden & let the goats out. They jump about like made, — & eat out of our hands.

Irène & I have begun painting lessons with H. Schlegel (Dekorationsmaler).

In ten minutes we are going out driving, so Adio. With many tender kisses, I am, Darling old Boy, your ever loving & truely devoted Alix Alice Alicky Sunny Colretchen.

[P. S.] On last Sunday we went to the Martinskirche. Tebe & her sister were there. Then we saw the first in the theatre that night as also Pebe. I have not seen them since.

Above: Alix and Ernst.

Notes: ich gratuliere = I congratulate [you]

abgebrochen = broken off

Dekorationsmaler = decorative painter

adio = goodbye