Source:
mashkaromanova on Tumblr
https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/189371515025/alexandra-feodorovna-1906-my-darling-ernie-dear
The letter:
My darling Ernie dear,
Ever such loving thanks for yr dear letter I was delighted to receive & for asking Nicky to be Godfather. Of course the joy is the same, as we are so utterly one, joys & sorrows are equally shared. My poor boy, I can imagine what anguish you must have gone through those first days — thank God that all ended so well, & I am sure you yet more adore that precious little being after having had to fight to keep it with you. Do make a wee photo — for me of him — how are you going to call him? — Where will the Christening take place? After a weeks warm weather, it is beginning to snow again. To-morrow we go for a day's shooting, to freshen oneself up — leave at 8.20 & return for tea, as it gets so early dark — we go by rail beyond Gatchina. —
As I am sure you will be hearing nasty gossip, I use this opportunity of a Feldjäger going to tell you about Stana. She is divorcing. It is only natural for her, poor creature, & one must admire her for having patiently born her hard, solitary life so bravely, all these years. But Youry's immoral life abroad has reached the climax — for ten years he has been untrue to her — only has spent a few weeks with her in the summer, has utterly left the Children to her to look after & bring up. All difficulties, money affairs, those concerning their properties he left her to settle & worry over alone. She has had to save up & spare for his expenses lavished upon a lady, & to cover Sandro's (her stepson) yearly heavy debts. Youry's sisters perfectly agree to this step she takes.
Vile Petersburg gossip has already married her to Nikolasha, before the divorce has come out. They cannot marry, as it is against the laws, two brothers marrying to sisters (absurd law) & they 2 never would do anything against an existing law. You can tell Irene this, in case she hears remarks fr. Berlin. The Michels once more are spreading filthy stories. — God will punish them sorely one day. —
Misha’s story is a great worry, he continues wishing to marry Olga's former lady — they are capable of doing it secretly — he has no feeling of duty or real love for N. — so utterly selfish; — I pitty him fr. all my heart, as his love for is very great — (she holds him tight, is older & cleverer than him) but N.'s only brother must sacrifice his love for his country — many have had to do the same before, his own Father for instance. —
We are so sorry not to have found a real Christening present for Baby, but such a thing does not exist in Russia, so we thought this would at least be a humble, but useful thing for him later to use; or would you perhaps have liked a charka — or out of transparent enamel, then I could have it made & sent for Xmas, & it wld. count as a Christening present (& the little silver things sent now, as Xmas present.) Answer by Feldjäger. — Have an inscription made on the silver that its from Baby's Godfather. — Am so proud that my cushions & covers will be used for the Christening. —
Now Goodbye & God bless you. Very fondest kisses from me & the Children
Yr old Sunny.
[P. S.] Some postcards made by an officer this spring. — & two long photos: I made this autumn at Peterhof. — & Baby's latest photo. — For Xmas shall send group & photos of the girls. —
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Above: Ernst.
Above: Prince Georg Donatus, Hereditary Duke of Hesse-Darmstadt, Ernst's eldest son and Alexandra's nephew. He was born on November 8, 1906.
Above: Alexei.
Above: Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia.
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