Alix's letter to Ernst, dated August 31/September 12, 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,
you must not mind my writing to you on blackedged paper, but as I brought it from the place where we were to-day, I thought it would amuse you. I shall try and cut off the edges. — There — I have just cut the edge off, & discover that the sheet is halved, but I am sure you will not mind. — I shall tell you now of whom the party consisted. 1. The Empress 2. Aunt Beatrice 3. Liko 4. Irène 5. Mme. de Arcos, 6. Myself. — We left at 12.15, & arrived shortly before two. There were different little showers on the way there. But after Luncheon it poured so, that we could only go out after 4.

We found a little drawing of Papa's in one of the Rooms. He had done it the last time he was there.

At 5 we had tea, & at half past we drove off again. The Empress & Auntie in the Victoria, & Liko drove us three in the Prager-Wagen with four horses. — We returned by the Lin of Mick, & Braemar.

Dropped the Empress & Lady at Abergeldie where I got into Aunty's carriage. Basco also went poor dog; was stung by a wasp on his Schwanz at the Glassalt. —

That is how we have spent darling Papa's Birth Day. How I long we had been alltogether. — I do not dine to-night as did last night. —

When we have family Dinner we usually play afterwards to Grandmama while she plats her straw.

This is the last letter you will get from here [Balmoral], as we leave Thursday afternoon. Bäuerlein takes us as far as Edinburgh & from there, Miss Jackson. — The whole of Friday, & the night we stay at London & on Saturday morning we cross so that on Sunday morning we shall be at Darmstadt. — I am sorry you will not be there. —

I hope the Manoevres are not too tiring. I am sure that you amuse yourself very well.

This evening saw snow on Lake Nagor. It is cold here in the evening. I enclose a bit of heather from the Glassalt.

Which are the officers you have with you? I am sure of P. B. is with you, it must be delightful for you both. —

Irène sends very much love & thanks many times for your dear letter & was very glad you had arranged such nice games for the soldiers.

I hope all are well and that the rain has brought on no illnesses.

But now, my own darling Erny, I must say Goodbye. With every tender kisses & love I am ever yr most truely & devoted little sister & friend Alix.

[P. S.] If you see Papa, give him my most hearty love, also to Victoria.

Also messages to Sandro.

Above: Alix.

Above: Ernst.

Note: Schwanz = tail