Source:
Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 50 to 51, by George Hawkins, 2023
The letter:
No. 14
May 14th 1894
My precious Darling,
Fondest thanks for your dear letter, I received this morning. How terribly sad poor old Aunt Katty's Death. Was it not very sudden? I am glad Hélène was there; how unhappy she must be, but it is lucky she is married. What sorrows this life does bring!
Fräulein Schneider has arrived — mad little woman insists on only talking Russian with me and I stand grinning at her, without being able to understand anything, my memory is so bad. She tried to drum things in to me, she is coming down again in a few minutes and if she asks me them again, oh, dear me!
Wilhelmino Grancy sent me beautiful lilies of the valley they had picked in the woods near Darmstadt.
Now my plans are again changed, instead of going to Walton, Dr Reid is sending me to a bath as my legs ache too much and whilst Granny is away, it is a good opportunity for a cure. Sulphur baths and iron water. It is tiresome as I shall have nothing of Victoria in this way. I fear tho riding was very bad, because they hurt me madly — like awful incessant toothache.
We went for a heavenly drive this afternoon and took our tea with us; it was warm, sunny, and the woods looked too splendid, one longed to be an artist or poet. Oh, sweety, when I see such lovely things it makes me long for you now again as I know you would appreciate it.
To-night again lots come to Dinner, Ambassadors and that sort, it is so tiresome, as the corridor is such a bad place for making cercle in or for getting at those people one wants to speak to. I sat last night near the dear little Bishop and he was most agreeable to talk to, and on the other side, old LG E Comerell, who chattered away about military and naval things and asked me all sorts of questions.
To-day is a great holiday and the Park was swarming with people and little couples in touching attitudes grouped under the trees — they enjoyed themselves immensely I have no doubt. And you had a nice Concert, I am so glad to hear. My beloved Nicky dear, I should like to hold on to one of the swallows passing before my window and flie with them over hill and dale, sea and country to you, my own true love. Such tender kiss I long to press on yr lips and lovely eyes. But I must be my goodbye wish my old sweety. God bless and protect you and keep all sorrows from you. Say something kind to Tienchen from me when you see her, poor thing, will you? Ever yr own deeply loving old girly,
Alix
True unto Death. Yours for ever and ever, sweet Boysy. Love to the first couple. They've received my first Wedding present, a little silver lamp and firm [illegible] too, what do you say to that, :you old cow." The owl kisses you oh so tenderly
Above: Nicholas and Alix.
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