Alix's letter to Ernst, dated August 15/27, 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:

My darling Ernie,
I shall quickly send off a few lines, as I have a little spare time before taking tea, & driving with Grandmama.

I have been giving Daisy again a music lesson after luncheon & she played quite nicely.

Arthur is the same as ever, so inattentive when being drilled, — he is really, I think, going to get straps so as to hold himself straiter — it is high time, for I fear he will else never learn to do so. Pss. Frederique, is staying at Abergeldie Maines. I do not think her looking well, she is so pale, — she does not feel all right either. —

I heard from Maudy to-day, who is delighted to be at Gemunden, & with her dear Aunt & Cousins. —

Papa received a telegram from Ella yesterday, from Ilynskoe. —

Miss Jackson sends "Joseph" her best love, & hopes he is quite well.

I miss you so much, my dear old Boy. I hope you enjoyed your days at London. — I trust we may receive some news from you soon to hear what the passage was like. —

It is quite warm to-day, but there are constant showers.

Aunty & Miss Hood, Sir Fleetwood Edwards & myself played Lawn Tennis this morning. We two last ones won 3 sets. —

Papa has gone out shooting, & Aunty & Bäuerlein have driven to Braemar, to see Minnie Cochrane, her mother & sister. —

How is Victoria? I hope quite well & little Alice too. Have you good news from Alex? & how does he like living at Spandau? I suppose you have not seen Toni; if you ever do, please give her my tenderest love. — All here, inquire so much about you, & are very sorry that you have not come. —

Rosa Hood & her Father, Lord Bridport, are here & she & I get constantly nearly laughingfits after luncheon. I can not say a word, but giggle giggle off she goes. She is most amusing. —

But now I must say Goodbye. With a tender kiss, I am, my darling Ernie, Ever your most loving & devoted Alix.

[P. S.] The Indians & all are quite well. —

Do send me the Brustbild done of you & the Pretty Boy to-gether, as I should like it so much & if possible the one of you 3. —

Above: Alix and Ernst.

Note: Brustbild = bust