Alix's letter to Nicholas, written May 11 (New Style), 1894

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 40 to 41, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

No. 11

Windsor Castle

May 11th 1894

My precious Nicky dear,

On arriving here I found your sweet letter, which made me oh so happy and the three Lippen der Küh! Please thank Miechen as soon as you have an occasion, for her dear letter. Yours is a great joy to me. But I am sorry my love has to much to do, well I hope they will let him freer then next year. What a naughty Child you are, your letter made me laugh so. Does the photo really look so sly — oh how shocking, then you better turn it to the wall. How nice it must be rowing out onto the lake all alone, but спицбубъ's letters I fear are scarcely interesting enough to take out to read in such a poetical spot.

When you come we must go to Virginia Water, as it is perfectly lovely there, and then we can row to-gether. Your dear letter has made my head feel so much better — you can't think how I ravish in them, I read them over and over again, and am in the fidgets till another comes. This afternoon I went with Aunt Beatrice to see Drino have his gymnastic lessons — quite charming. A class of big girls and a married woman too, were drilling away and jumping and twisting themselves about. I wish I had learnt that more formerly, it is such good exercise and makes the body so souple — they seemed to enjoy. Three young brothers teach and help them — they are hansome so I have no doubt the girls rarely miss a lesson.

I had tea with Granny and she is going to send for me afterwards to dictate for her diary to me, as she has neglected lately, I alas too, completely, don't scold me for it, but you know all I do and that is enough don't you think..... so? You had лаусбубъ. If it does not pour as it did before, Thora, the one Lady and I are going to ride. Dr. Reid has allowed me to try it for quite short. I envy you having such fine weather, whilst we are daily drenched — дурная погода — дождь. A поцелуй отъ your маленки спицбубъ. Я очень рада когда ваше писмо come and Я must answer it, tho' Я only wrote this утро. Я shall be astonished if you can read this marvelous писмо I am concocting. Я люблю васъ. Is that correct? Я wonder когда я shall know даволно писать адійнъ во вас. Тетка Beatrice is going to see Eleonore Dussy act to-night in La Dance aux Camelias. I envy her. We are only Ladies again to-night, not lively, well, one gets sooner to bed, that is one thing. Do send me the photos, some of you and couple one, just as many old ones as you can fish out. My beloved One, I must say Goodbye now. God bless you. Many a tender kiss. Ever sweetest love

Yr own true Girly

Alix

Es war einmal ein König? Noch a mol, noch a mol, sing nur, sing Nicky dear — Marguerite la la la la la la la la la la la la Old Spötter! Inevitable R! Meshdunarodna. Give Paul my love when you meet.

Above: Alix.

Above: Nicholas.

Notes: "дурная погода — дождь. A поцелуй отъ your маленки спицбубъ. Я очень рада когда ваше писмо come" = "bad weather — rain. A kiss from your little Spitzbub. I am very happy when your letters come."

утро = morning.

писмо = letter.

"Я люблю васъ" = "I love You".

"Я wonder когда я shall know даволно писать адійнъ во вас" = "I wonder when I shall be able to write well to you."

"Es war einmal ein König? Noch a mol, noch a mol, sing nur" = "Was there a King once upon a time? Still a mol, still amol, sing now"

meshdunarodna (международна) = international.