 Louise 's first few months in Canada were tinged with sadness as her favourite sister , The Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine , died on 14 December 1878 . Although homesick over that first Christmas , Louise soon grew accustomed to the winter climate . Sleighing and skating were two of her favourite pastimes . In Canada , as the monarch 's direct representative , Lorne always took precedence over his wife , so that at the Opening of the Parliament of Canada on 13 February 1879 , Louise was ranked no differently from others in attendance . She had to remain standing with the MPs , until Lorne asked them to be seated . In order for Lorne to meet every Canadian member of Parliament , he held bi @-@ weekly dinners for 50 people . However , some of the Canadian ladies responded negatively to the British party . One of her ladies @-@ in @-@ waiting reported that some had an " ' I 'm as good as you ' sort of manner when one begins a conversation . " Court entertainments were open ; anyone who could afford the clothing to attend functions was simply asked to sign the visitor 's book . Louise 's first state ball was given on 19 February 1879 , and she made a good impression on her guests when she ordered the silk cordon , separating the viceregal party from the guests , be removed . However , the ball was marred by various mishaps , including a drunken bandsman nearly starting a fire by pulling a curtain over a gas lamp . The open house practice was criticised by guests who complained about the low social status of other guests . One attendee was horrified to find the attendee 's grocer dancing in the same set . 
