Source:
A Lifelong Passion, letters and diary entries compiled by Andrei Maylunas and Sergei Mironenko
The letter:
My own sweet Angel,
You are off — and Wify is alone with her tiny family to keep her company. It's hard to be parted, but we must thank God that it has happened so rarely in the 10 years. I will be brave, others shall not see the gnawing pain at my heart — to give you up to your soldiers, your element, is quite another thing, than if you had been obliged to go on any other kind of journey, that would have been worse. Me loves the dear soldiers and want them to see you before they go out to fight for you and their country. It's quite another thing to lay down your life when once you have seen your Emperor and heard his voice — a representative, even Misha, would not have been the same thing — they leave their wives, so yours won't grumble either. He ought to be more of a help to you, your only brother — and you who stands so lonely.
A wife, no matter how dear to one, can nevertheless not be the same sort of companion — her brains are not the same — I wish they were, when she has such a husband as Sunny has. Thank God I have him!
Tender, tender thanks for your dear little note I read as soon as you had left and which gave me strength to show a smiling face when the Children came to luncheon. Olga repeated again that it was all the fault of the Japanese that you left. I took Tatiana for a drive all along by the sea. It's still windy but quite warm. I had the same horses which took you to the station and they were quite sleepy. Sleep well, my treasure. God bless you and fondest kisses from your very own Wify,
Alix
Love to Misha
Above: Alexandra.
Above: Nicholas.
Above: Olga and Tatiana. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Z on Flickr.
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