Alexandra's letter to Ernst, dated July 12/24 1896

Alexandra wrote this letter to her brother Ernst on July 24 (Old Style date July 12), 1896.

Source:

mashkaromanova on Tumblr

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/186513498540/heavily-edited-photo-of-nicholas-nicky-ii

The letter:

My darling Ernie,
It is sad never hearing from each other after one has been to-gether again for a time, so I will write to you now. — How delightful that stay at Illinskoe was, what quiet & calm — we have not had such a peaceful time since our marriage, I think, except last autumn. No sooner back than worries & troubles begin again, no wonder that Nicky gets paler, ceaseless cares weary one out. Would people only kindly leave him in peace & let him decide & think for himself, all would be well, but no, nag, nag on it goes all day long about something or another, all falls on him.

Life never is easy but indeed in such a position as his less than ever. When we can at last get to my dear, beloved old home he can rest for awhile again & gather strength for the winter. — It seems so strange scarcely ever seeing a face known so well at Illinskoe! — Sunday & Monday we shall be at Krasnoe & then for six days off to Nizni Novgorod — the heat I fear will be intense & we shall be all day on our legs — I don't at all like leaving sweet Baby behind — but you had to do it to, it is true — never the less I do not care for the idea. —

The dear, merry little thing is such a comfort to me, when one feels sad & depressed. How is your precious Child, does she talk more now? — Baby begins taking other food besides now 3 times a day & has a salt bath every morning according to my wish, as I want her to be as strong as possible having to carry such a plump little body. —

We often dine out here on an island, at the mill, Babigon & elsewhere, wh. makes a nice change, then drive & before going to bed N. & I play Puff. — We are out every morning at 8 or 8.30, he rides or we drive to-gether, I take him or Schneiderlein in my cart with one or 2 beasts. — The heat is very great, one feels decrepid. How delighted dear Ducky must have been to see Sandra, & is she happy & contented? Kiss Ducky from me very tenderly & tell her to try and love your old Sister a tiny bit. No more now, Goodbye & God bless you. —

Ever my Ernie dear, yr deeply loving old Sunny.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra with their eldest child, Olga, year 1896. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.

Above: Ernest.

Above: Princess Victoria Melita, Ernest's then-wife, year 1896. Her nickname was Ducky.