Letter from Hélène Bricka, York House, St. James's Palace, to Dr. William Baldwin, 1898 July 29 : autograph manuscript signed.

Relating news of the health of the Duke, a memorial for the Duchess of Teck, and her time visiting Princess May and her children; saying "Since Sunday last the Duke is back at the White Lodge. His health was most unsatisfactory & Dr. Johnston thought it avisable [sic] to bring him back as soon as possible. I ought to have said that Prince Adolphus went over to Stuttgart to see his father & to talk matters over with the King - Now the Duke is kept very quiet at the White Lodge with Dr. Johnston & 2 male nurses. It is a source of the greatest anxiety to these poor children. I cannot tell you how I feel for them. To day has been a rather sad day for me. I went down to our old dear little Church of St. John Kingston Vale for the dedication of the Memorial to our beloved Princess Mary. The Memorial is a Reredos in White Alabaster, in the centre is a figure of our Lord with hands reflected in blessing & angels on either side. It was a beautiful little service but to me most poerful [sic] almost a second funeral of our beloved one. I feel as if I had been at one. How the dear Princess is missed ! it seems to me that she is more & more - It is kind of you to speak so highly of my little home. I am very fond of it - At present I am staying for a few days with Princess May. It is delightful to have my child all to myself : she is such a dear, but it grieves me to see how distressed she is about her father. / Sunday. I just had a good game with the delightful children. Prince Edward is perfect so manly & the second is growing more & more like Princess Mary. The same twinkle in his eyes. I love these children. Would to God I were younger to help to educate them but alas! my time is over. It is hard to realize that one has to make room for the young ones. Hard? so I ought not to say so. I had my time, now let me look on & watch the others success or failures & thank God for his goodness to me. I feel only pretty well & Bob will overhaul me this week & according to his decision I either go abroad or stay in England. I want a change - I am feeling the strain of these last months & I cannot quite get used to live all alone. Nobody to talk to - so Bob has given me a dear little pug - a fat little lady dog & so good & devoted to me. I always feel sorry when I have to leave her. Princess May sends you all sorts of messages & she is pleased to hear that you are so much better. I think I better leave the lace here in case you want it - Let me know. God bless you."