Nicholas's letter to Alix, dated May 13/25, 1894

Sources:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 85 to 86, by George Hawkins, 2023

https://disk.yandex.com/mail?hash=kuDdHgzAhlj8Vmyce8roYrsV8lLetWtFFyElqTSKDCI%3D%3A

The letter:

Мая. 13/25 1894. Красное Село.

N 23.

My own beloved Darling,

Two loving & tender kisses for № 21 & № 22. Now we are no more roasted unluckily but are also being frozen like you. It is awful getting into bed under such circumstances, when it is so cold & so damp, I have to roll & jump inside to warm myself, and when that is done — everything is in a mess, all the sheets gone etc. Well! shortly it's a nuisance! Let me thank you sweety, if it does'nt bore you, for the pretty little photo & the flowers. I am going to put them into my little Bible & the photo too! I like your buying those provisions for yourself — willing child that you are! At least you are going to eat them, else you never touch any food. I understand your feeling like going into exile — to that rotten Harrogate; but be sure my sweet one that I will be near you constantly in my thoughts & prayers! Are you going to spend your dear birthday also there? Or shall you be already at Walton? Oh! by the by! darling, I wanted to know, whether on arriving at Gravesend I am to send my gentleman & the priest straight to London, or leave them on board until Granny comes to Windsor? Because, go to Walton they cannot as they would be in everybody's way? I think I'll leave all my things too, on the yacht — so then I'll have the feeling of having coming to a picnic and what a one? You know, my love, if I don't become mad for joy on the day we meet again — it will be very wonderful, as now even when I am thinking of it I feel everything boiling inside & my limbs begin trembling — quite a nervous old cow!

2) Ella gave me a sweet little coloured portrait of my darling, in a flat frame like a purse, for wearing in the pocket. That beautiful little ruby & diamond easter-egg you gave me — has been made as a pin and looks lovely. I am going to wear it proudly in my tie — when I come to England. Now my dearest precious little Alix I must end, as it is getting late. Good-night my own beloved darling. Oh! how I want you! God bless you +. With fondest kisses here O

I am, sweety, ever your own truly loving old Nicky

Above: Nicholas and Alix. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.