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Balmoral, Friday, September 17, 1875
Coming home from our drive at twenty minutes past
seven, we had passed Bertie’s carriage in the Balloch Buie, but we
heard no sound of a carriage when we went downstairs for dinner a
little before nine, and Alix [Princess of Wales] had also not
arrived. Their people having come, we consulted with Charlotte
Knollys [Lady to the Princess of Wales, eldest daughter of General
Sir William Knollys, K.C.B., for many years at the head of the
Prince of Wales’s household.] what to do, and sent to beg Alix to
come and order Bertie’s things to be brought to the Castle. At
length, at half past nine, Bertie arrived, very hot, having lost his
way and been separated from the others. He had got four stags (and
had been lucky altogether), and he asked us to go to dinner. We
accordingly sat down—Lenchen, Beatrice, Jane Churchill, and Lord
Carnarvon. Christian had gone on to look after Bertie, but he soon
returned. Only at ten did Alix arrive, and at ten minutes past ten,
Bertie; and we did not get up from dinner till half-past ten. All
the ladies and gentlemen came into the drawing-room after dinner,
and all felt that this terrible parting was hanging over us. At
eleven I took Bertie and Alix upstairs, and talked over various
details of this anxious journey to India. Then it came to the saying
good-night, and Bertie sent for Lahlein and Brown to come and take
leave of him. I saw how that began to try him, and it grieved them.
He shook hands with both, and I felt nearly upset myself when Brown
shook him by the hand, and said: “God bless your Royal Highness, and
bring you safe back!” He also wished my maids good-bye, who were
standing there. Poor dear Alix seemed to feel it much, and so did I,
as I embraced them both several times, and said I would go to see
them off next morning.
Saturday, September 18
A dull and rather raw morning. Breakfasted alone (as
Beatrice was not quite well, with a sort of chill) at nine in the
cottage.
At half-past nine I drove off with Lenchen to Avergeidie. There
we found all in considerable confusion. Bertie was out in the
garden, where we waited a little while, and then I went up, and
found poor Alix putting up her things in her bed-room—the little
girls there— the maids not yet off. At length, at a quarter-past
ten, they left. Dear Bertie wished all good-bye. Our ladies and
gentlemen and all the people were assembled outside. Poor dear
Beatrice was the only one absent. Christian had gone on before.
Bertie shook hands with all; I wished him every possible success,
and that God would bless and protect him during this long and
anxious journey to the East. It was very sad to see him drive off
with Alix and the boys (the little girls followed in another
carriage), not knowing what might not happen, or if he would ever
return. May God bless him! |
