Sources:
Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 86 to 88, by George Hawkins, 2023
The letter:
Мая 14/26 1894. Гатчина.
№ 24.
Моя дорогая душка Аликс,
Today alas! no letter came, so I must sit down & comfort myself by having a chat with you, my own little darling! It is again getting fine wh. is a blessing! I came here a few hours ago in a тройка, quite a nice drive — if you were only sitting by my side!
Kostia came to visit us in the camp & made an inspection of my petty-officers, whom I was occupied with the whole winter; he was very pleased with the way they answered & with their problems, that they did on maps etc. So I am very happy it is luckily over! After lunching with me, he left & I too immediately after, as on Saturdays after noon we are free! —
We got news from dear Mama & Xenia that have safely arrived and have met Georgie in a flourishing condition! But they are unlucky with the weather, as though it is hot, it rained the whole time! — Mamma has written four letters to Papa during the journey: 3 days & 3 nights in the train, 24 hours on the Black Sea, again a night by rail & half a day in the carriage! Rather a long travel! One might go to Spain fr. Petersburg & arrive at London in the same time! You poor thing must not get frightened at our distances, because even strangers say that you cannot travel more comfortably in any other country. It is true we don't fly as they do elsewhere, that proverb "time is money" does even not exist 'in russian.'
What can you be doing now, my beloved Alix, my one & all? Are you taking only sulphur baths or the iron ones? I hope Schneiderlein will be able to keep you up & Gretchen too. Give them my profound respects & my humble compliments! — Today I saw the captain of the "Polar Star" who is delighted to have a cruize, as this summer the yacht is not wanted and she was doomed to lay at anchor for four months running. We are not going to stop at Copenhagen, so he wants to go slow in the beginning & then towards the end to i[n]crease speed. The great thing is to have enough coal in case of bad weather! — Do you know, the third Worontzow girl is engaged to a great friend of ours, so that makes the fourth couple in their family. I am not going to bring Kotchoubey with me, as he left for his estate in the south, where he has got a good deal to do, but I shall take a charming man — a prince Golitzine — who speaks english perfectly. He was there with me last year for Georgie's & May's wedding. He is Papa's — grand veneur — do you understand? I feel quite sure that the owl is going to appreciate him. He is a bit shy, as he does not hear well on one ear, he has been wounded twice in the war & is nevertheless very active & adores sport! —
"A few verses now - my love:
I saw thee weep — the big bright tear
Came o'er that eye of blue;
And then methought it did appear
A violet dropping dew:
I saw thee smile — the sapphire's blaze
Beside thee ceased to shine;
It could not match the living rays
That fill'd that glame of thine.
—
As clouds fr. yonder sun receive
A deep and mellow dye,
Which scarce the shade of coming eve
Can banish from the ray,
Those smiles unto the moodiest mind
Their own pure joys impart;
Their sunshine leaves a glow behind
That lightens o'er the heart." —
—
Things one would rather have expressed differently.
Angelina (to her newly-betrothed).
"Oh! Edwin, there's such a good-looking girl just behind you! Do look."
Edwin. "Ah, I've no eyes for good cooks now, darling!" —
It is getting late sweety, so I must stop & shall finish it tomorrow. Good night my own precious love sleep well. Oh! that I could bless + you myself. Kisses - kisses!!! —
Мая 15/27. Good-morning my angel. I dreamt of you my sweet one & it was a comfort to be able to talk to you! The weather is fine, the sun bright — it is the 11th anniversary of Papa's Coronation. All the church-bells are ringing merrily & they cheer one up. I hope today a letter will come fr. my dearest girly-darling! I must stop now, Pelly-dear. In church I am going to pray fervently for my little Alix's happiness; may our Saviour keep all griefs & sorrows away and may He bless you with any gift you ask Him for! many tender kisses do I send you & remain, my own beloved precious Alix, ever yr. truly loving & deeply devoted (unto death) old Nicky
Above: Nicholas and Alix. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.
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