“A very doubtful heavy morning, but we decided to go to Aldershot. — Took leave of Nemours & Alencon & started for Aldershot by rail, with Alice, Lenchen, Louis, Arthur, 2 Ladies, Equerries, &c. It took us only an hour, getting out at a station near the North Camp, where we found our carriages, & the Pces & Gentlemen their horses. Louis looked so nice in his uniform. The Troops were drawn up on the Parade ground. Sir J. Pennefather received us at the station, & rides very well, but I missed Gen: Knollys very much. It was very foggy & misty, but no real rain till we started on our way home. We drove down the Line & then the troops marched past in open & & column, no easy task, the ground being so wet & heavy. The Cavalry & Artillery trolled & galloped past. We lunched at the Pavilion at ½ p. 1. Louis so delighted with everything. — Started after 2 in carriages (as it rained) Alice & Louis with us, & returned by rail as we came. Got home by 4. It was pouring. — No addition to dinner. Afterwards, while talking to the Gentlemen, perceived Alice & Louis talking more earnestly than usual before the fireplace & when we passed to go into the other room, both came up to me in great agitation, Alice saying he had proposed to her & he begging me for my blessing, which I gladly gave him, & told him to come to our room later. Got through the evening as well as we could. Alice came to our room & told us of Louis expressing his hope to her, that she liked him sufficiently to exchange her English for a German home, — small as it was. Louis then came going first to Albert’s room, who called in Alice. We talked a little, then after a warm embrace of the dear young people we separated Dear Alice was so happy & I overjoyed!”
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