“On getting up, found a telegram from Bertie saying that dear Alix had had a little girl at ½ p. 6 this morning & was going on well. The last news before I went to had last night was that the Doctors thought the confinement impending. Thank God! That all is safely over, bit still it makes one anxious! – Also had a letter from Gen: Peel, very handsomely consenting to stay, in consequence of what I wrote. Received a very hopeful & characteristic one from Mr Disraeli & Gen: Grey got one from Ld Derby, much pleased at Gen: Peel’s remaining & much more hopeful for the future. — A very fine day. — Took a short walk with Louise, & it was quite hot. – Lunched early & started at 2 with Lenchen, & Christian, on another expedition, Ld C. Fitzroy riding the whole way. Went by Arreton to Ventnor, taking post horses a short distance from there. Drove through the town. There was much fog over the sea & hanging about Ventnor, but St. Helen’s Point, with the deep blue sea, was quite clear, & we had a beautiful view & drive from Banchurch to Sandown. We could see however in the distance a thick black cloud. After passing through Brading, where we took my own horses we got into a complete thick mist, entirely hiding the finest view. On reaching Arreton we again got quite out of the fog. Were back at home by 6. – Found many letters, about dear Alix. Dr Jenner sees her daily, as well as Doctors Farre & Sieveking. All had gone so quickly, which under the circumstances was fortunate that Dr Farre had only just time to enter the room. The Baby was born from then to four weeks too soon. — Ld & Ly Bloomfield (come for the night) the Dss of Roxburghe, Emily C. & Col: De Ros dined. The Duchess read afterwards. — Telegrams saying all going well”
© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2012
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