https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=116
https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/april15.html
The letter:
No. 58.
Tsarskoe Selo, April 6-th 1915
My own beloved Darling,
Ever such tender thanks for yr. precious letter, I just received. It is such an intense joy to hear from you, Sweetheart & comfort, as I miss you awfully! — So that is why you did not travel as intended! But the idea of L. & P. already now makes me anxious, is it not too soon, as all the spirits are not much for Russia — in the country, yes, but not at L. I fear. — Well, I shall ask our Friend to quite particularly pray for you there — but, forgive my saying so — its not for N. to accompany you — you must be the chief one, the first time you go. You find me an old goose, no doubt, but if others wont think of such things, I must. He must remain & work as usual — really don't take him, as the hate against him must be great there — & to see you alone will rejoice those hearts that go out to you in love and gratitude. — Such sunshine! The little girlies drove between their lessons — & I am going to have Ania's visit!! The Dr. lets me get up more, only to lie when the temp. rises, heart nearly normal, but feel horribly weak yet, & my voice like Miechens when she is tired. — One just brought me an endless letter fr. the Countess Hohenfelsen — I send it you to read through in a free moment, & then return it to me. Only speak to Fredericksz about it. Certainly not on my namesday or birthday as she wishes — but all can be alright in her wish, excepting the "Princess", that is vulgar to ask for. You see it will sound well when one announces them together, almost as Grand Duchess. Only what reason to Misha later — both had children before, whilst married to another man, tho' no, Misha's wife was already divorced. And she forgets this eldest son — if one acknowledges the marriage fr. the year 1904, this Son, clear to all, was an illegal child — for them I don't mind, let them openly carry their sin but the boy? You speak it over with the old man, those things he understands, & tell him what yr. Mamma said when you mentioned it to her. Now perhaps people will pay less attention. —
My love to N. P. & tell him the roses are still quite fresh. —
Here I am back into bed again, was 3 hours on the sopha — so stupidly weak & tired. Well, Ania came, & she has invited herself to luncheon one of these days. Looks very well, but did not seem so overjoyed to see me, nor that had not seen me for a week, no complaint, thank goodness — but those hard eyes again wh., she so often has now. — The Children are all out; Baby's arms are better, so he could write to you Sweetheart. — Mary Wassiltchikov's son-in-law Shcherbatov, (ex-naval officer) died suddenly yesterday. He had recovered from typhoid & was taking tea with his wife, nice Sonia, when suddenly died from a failure of the heart — poor young widow! You remember her last baby was born the day of Ducky's gardenparty for the English naval officers — the grandmother came straight there.
I wonder how Fr. conversation with N. went off. Our Friend is glad for the old man's sake that he went, as it gave such intense pleasure, & perhaps its the last time he can accompany you on such a journey — well, as long as he is prudent, —
Have been choosing, as yearly, summer stuffs for my ladies and the maids and housemaids.
Au fond, our Friend wld. have found it better you had gone after the war to the conquered country, I only just mention this like that. —
The man is waiting for my letter. —
Beloved Nicky, my, very, very own treasure, I bless & cover yr. sweet face & lovely big eyes with the tenderest of kisses,
Ever yr. very own
Sunny.
Nicholas's telegram:
Telegram. Stavka. 7 April 1915.
Thank you tenderly for dear letter, Olga and Alexey as well. The weather is divine. I was very busy in the morning. Drove in a car to our wood; wonderful air. I hope that you are better. Tender embraces.
Nicky.
Nicholas's letter:
Stavka. 7 April, 1915.
MY BELOVED SUNNY
I thank you heartily for your dear letter and am returning you the Countess's letter. I do not think that any difficulties will arise about that question; a little goodwill on our side and the thing will be done, and we shall have one annoyance the less in our lives. Of course I shall discuss it with the old man.
To-day I had a very busy morning-after the reports I receive Grunwald, who has come from Vilna, where be inspected all the hospitals, and later on I saw Engalychev, as well as our Vielopolsky, looking like a king who has lost his kingdom. They all had lunch. N. received the Belgian Mission and entertained them in his train. Darling mine, I do not agree with you that N. ought to remain here during my visit to Galicia. On the contrary, precisely because I am going in war-time to a conquered province, the Commander-in-Chief ought to accompany me. It is he who accompanies me; not I who am in his suite.
As I wrote to you yesterday, I hope to see the 2nd Caucasian Corps near Sambor, and get in touch with the 8th Army of Broussilov. Unless one counts last year's visit to the Caucasus, I have so far not had the opportunity of being near troops, and especially those troops which have been victorious since the very beginning of the war!
To-day we drove in a car along our well-known, charming road, and went further into the delightful wood. It was quite hot, and we found some flowers — here is one of them! — To-morrow is the anniversary of our betrothal; how many joyful recollections! God bless you, my treasure, and the children! Thank Olga and Alexey for their letters. I kiss you all affectionately, and remain
Ever your old hubby
Nicky.
Give A. my greetings
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.
Note: au fond = in the end.
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